In anticipation of the release of Android 16 in the second quarter of 2025, Google has (already) launched the Developer Preview for its Pixels. Yes, the Mountain View firm is in advance, usually it launches the first betas in February. Three months early and just after the launch of Android 15, Android 16 DP1 allows device manufacturers to update their products sooner, as well as developers to see the first new features.
What’s new in Android 16
Among the notable new features of Android 16, there are only three points to date according to the press release :
- Photo picker improvements : New APIs allow apps to integrate the system’s photo picker more seamlessly into their interface, improving the user experience by allowing media selection without granting broad permissions.
- Health Connect : applications can now manage medical records in the format FHIR with user consent
- Privacy Sandbox : this first version also includes the latest updates of Privacy Sandbox for better user privacy controls.
We are far from a revolution, but this is only the first version. We should know more in 2025, with Google certainly wanting to keep some new features on hand.
Release schedule
Two “previews” are planned for developers; the first one is available now, another will be available next month.
Then, starting in January 2025, the Android 16 beta program will begin, providing easier access to updates.
Google aims to achieve this by March 2025 with the release of Beta 3, ensuring that core APIs and system behaviors are finalized.
Device support
Android 16 Developer Preview 1 (BP21.241018.009) with November 2024 security patch is available for many Pixel models, including the Pixel 6 series up to the latest Pixel 9 series, as well as the Android emulator.
Warning
Users currently on Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 should note that transitioning to this Developer Preview build requires a complete device wipe. Everything is indicated on the Android 16 download page.
