Google has launched the initial public beta version of Android 16 today, just two months after the developer beta was released in November. If you own a Google smartphone from the Pixel 6, 7, 8, or 9 series (starting at $649 on Amazon), you can now register for the beta program and get an early look at the upcoming major operating system update. The beta is also accessible for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.
Important Considerations Before Installing
As is typical with beta software, there may be some bugs present, so it’s advised to make a comprehensive backup of all your data prior to installing the Android 16 update. Additionally, it might not be wise to put this update on your main device or daily use phone. This first beta release mostly brings a handful of new features as Google concentrates on the technical foundations of the new Android version. More substantial updates and key features are expected to be revealed in the weeks leading up to the official release.
Release Timeline and New Features
Per Google’s revised schedule, the arrival of Android 16 is planned for the second quarter of 2025, which indicates that the update should be rolled out by the end of June. The first public beta includes live notifications, which are akin to those found on iPhones, and are updated in real-time to display the latest football scores or the estimated arrival time of an Uber, for example.
In Android 16, applications must function in both portrait and landscape orientations and automatically adapt to the layout of larger screens typical of foldable smartphones and tablets. Applications that show unsightly black bars on the sides are no longer allowed. Android 16 also introduces support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, enabling the rendering of nearly lossless 10-bit videos at data rates reaching up to 2 Gbps.
Google’s new operating system continues to evolve, promising a more refined experience for users in the future.
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