Google surprised everyone last month by announcing that Android 16 would roll out in Q2 2025, much earlier than the traditional Q3 schedule, effectively reducing the wait for the next Android update by up to three months. In the same breath, the company mentioned that it would kick off the developer preview and beta program imminently. True to their word, we’re now seeing the first Android 16 Developer Preview just weeks after that announcement.
Developer Previews are the initial, experimental builds of a new Android version. They’re prone to bugs, might have incomplete features, and aren’t meant for everyday use by consumers; they’re for developers to explore, adapt their apps, and provide feedback for refinement before the final release.
Therefore, unless you’re prepared to deal with potential issues, installing Android 16 at this stage isn’t advisable for regular use. Eventually, Google will transition to public beta versions which are more consumer-friendly for those willing to test new software. However, if you own a compatible Pixel device and are keen on trying out cutting-edge software, you can proceed with caution. Here’s how you can install it, and here’s which Pixel devices are compatible.
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold
What’s New?
Android 16 DP1 introduces new APIs that enable developers to customize the appearance of the photo picker, enhancing its integration with individual apps while maintaining the stringent security and privacy features from previous Android versions.
Moreover, Health Connect in Android 16 is being expanded to include support for Electronic Health Records (EHRs) using the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. This update allows for both reading and writing of health data, but access to this feature is restricted and requires developers to participate in an early access program.
In terms of privacy, Android 16 integrates the latest Privacy Sandbox updates, which aim to address issues with third-party cookies and tracking. However, significant changes from previous implementations are minimal, suggesting that user experiences will remain largely unchanged for now.
Google aims to conclude the Developer Preview phase for Android 16 by the close of 2024. The initial beta version, intended for broader user testing, is slated for January 2025. While the target for a stable release is May 2025, a more probable rollout might occur in June or July.
