Key Takeaways
1. Android 16 is in testing since November 2024, with a public beta available from January 2025.
2. Only select Google Pixel devices, along with Xiaomi and OnePlus models, can participate in the beta testing.
3. Users should be cautious as early versions may have bugs and could risk bricking devices; it’s advised not to install on main phones.
4. New features include Live Updates for high-priority notifications, an expanded photo picker for cloud media, and support for health records in Health Connect.
5. The stable version of Android 16 is expected to be released in Q2 2025, marking an earlier launch than previous Android updates.
While a lot of Android brands are finishing their Android 15 updates, Google is already pushing forward with Android 16. This marks the earliest release of an Android OS in a long time.
Testing and Early Access
Android 16 has been in the testing phase since November 2024, when Google launched the first Developer Preview. The public beta version became available in January 2025. Initially, only Google Pixel devices could participate in this testing, but now other brands like Xiaomi and OnePlus are also part of the early access program, letting a few users explore Android 16 before it officially rolls out.
Here’s a list of devices that can join the Android 16 beta testing:
Google Pixel:
– Pixel 9
– Pixel 9 Pro
– Pixel 9 Pro XL
– Pixel 9 Pro Fold
– Pixel 8
– Pixel 8 Pro
– Pixel 8a
– Pixel 7
– Pixel 7 Pro
– Pixel 7a
– Pixel 6
– Pixel 6 Pro
– Pixel 6a
Xiaomi:
– Xiaomi 15
– Xiaomi 14T Pro
OnePlus:
– OnePlus 13
Caution for Users
These early versions are mainly for developers and expert users. If you aren’t comfortable with installing custom ROMs, it’s better to steer clear of these. Installing them could risk bricking your device. Moreover, these builds come with known bugs, and more issues could remain hidden. It’s highly recommended not to flash beta versions on your main phone.
Exciting Features Ahead
One significant feature in Android 16 is Live Updates, which will be clearly visible on the lock screen and status bar to avoid getting lost among other notifications. This is reminiscent of Live Activities on iOS, but Google’s version focuses on high-priority notifications for things like navigation, food delivery, and ride-sharing.
The photo picker has been a fantastic privacy improvement in Android, limiting apps’ access to your entire media library when uploading images or videos. Now, in Android 16, this feature will expand, allowing users to search from cloud media providers within the photo picker.
Google is also testing support for certain health records in Health Connect, which might be included in the final version. Additionally, the new OS will introduce Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR), helping to save battery by adjusting the screen refresh rate based on usage.
Arrival and Stability
Android 16 will feature deeper integration with Gemini AI, though specific details remain undisclosed. Lock screen widgets are set to return for the first time since Android 5.0 Lollipop in 2014. Android 16 brings many small yet practical changes, making it an exciting update overall.
The platform stability milestone for Android 16 has already been achieved, and the stable version is set to be released in Q2 2025, before the end of June. This is earlier than most previous Android OS launches, which usually come out in August or later.