It is a given that Google will refresh both the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P in 2016 but what the next Nexus flagship smartphones will be remains largely a mystery. But while the device makers and most of the handset features are unknown at the moment, two things appear as safe bets - Android N and 3D Touch-like function.
Android N coming out in 2016 is a giveaway. Google follows the alphabetical sequence in updating its mobile operating system. As Marshmallow or Android 6.0 starts with the letter M, it follows that the next version, likely Android 6.xx or 7, will be given a name beginning with N. And like its predecessors, this new Android points to glorious sweetness.
Leaving the name-game for now, BGR said in a report that one sure addition that the next Android is a feature first popularized by Apple - 3D Touch that was initially introduced as Force Touch with the Apple Watch. The basic benefit of 3D Touch is it permits users to instantly access numerous app features, in iOS the function is called Peek and Pop, without having to launch the application.
By 2016 and onwards, 3D Touch is seen to further explode as more developers will recode their apps on the new touchscreen technology and it makes sense that Google will want the device feature to be integrated with Android.
And one solid proof that the Nexus maker is already working on 3D Touch-like for the Nexus 2016 devices is the feature is already supported on Google apps for iOS. Per BGR, Google Map and Drive immediately offered 3D Touch function just days following the iOS 9 and iPhone 6S unveiling. So it's safe to assume that development of the same feature for Android is already underway and the chance is high that it will debut with the Android N-powered Nexus phones of next year.
As for the make of the Nexus 2016 and killer features packed with the device on release date, it is pretty much a guessing game for now. However, recent reports suggest that Google has tapped Nexus 6P maker Huawei to assemble the Nexus 7 2016. That could mean that Huawei could renew its partnership with Google and the project could include the next Nexus flagship smartphone in 2016.