Google is completely revising the update schedule for its Android operating system. And while tests of Android 16 are not expected to begin before the start of next year, the firm is creating a surprise by launching a first preview version this November. This preview version is intended for developers, so that they can test their applications as early as possible to ensure that everything will be compatible.
The first Developer Preview of #Android16 is available now to test with your apps! 🎉
Android will have more frequent releases going forward–with two SDK releases in 2025, as part of our effort to drive faster innovation in apps and devices. Learn more → pic.twitter.com/jJ98rvKBDG
— Android Developers (@AndroidDev) November 19, 2024
And at the moment, the preview is only available for a list of Google Pixel devices:
- 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
Why you shouldn’t install Android 16 yet
Although Android 16 is already available in preview, you shouldn’t install it yet. First of all, installation can require fairly complex manipulations. In addition, the system is still unstable, which means that you should definitely not install it on your main smartphone. And as the preview mainly targets developers, it does not yet include any significant new features.
Later, Google should nevertheless launch beta versions which will be more stable, and which will allow testing of new features intended for end users. In addition, Android 16 should also, later, offer a beta version compatible with non-Pixel smartphones.
Android: a big change in progress
In any case, the release in November of this preview of Android 16 reflects the changes underway in the ecosystem. As a reminder, next year, Google will launch Android 16 in the second quarter, in order to better align with the release schedules of smartphone brands. The goal is for the latest version of the OS to be available on as many devices as possible, more quickly. And that’s not all, since after this new version planned for the second quarter, Google will launch another new version in the last quarter.
However, the second quarter release is the only one expected to change the way apps behave on the operating system. And this is why developers must test their apps on the preview version of Android 16 which has just been released.
Otherwise, it is very likely that, in the coming days, developers and the media will discover new features present in this preview version which have not yet been announced by Google.
- Google has just released the preview version of Android 16, several months in advance
- This is intended for developers, so that they can test their apps on the new platform
- Android 16 preview is compatible with a number of Google Pixel smartphones
- Google is changing the Android update schedule, and plans to release Android 16 in the second quarter of 2025
