Google is completely overhauling the update schedule for its Android operating system. And while Android 16 tests aren’t expected to start until early next year, the company is creating a surprise by launching the first trial version this November. This preview version is intended for developers to test their applications as soon as possible and ensure that everything is compatible.
First developer preview #Android16 is now available to test with your apps! 🎉
Android will release more frequent versions in the future – two SDKs will be released in 2025 as part of our efforts to innovate faster in apps and devices. Find out more → pic.twitter.com/jJ98rvKBDG
— Android Developers (@AndroidDev) November 19, 2024
And right now, the preview is only available for the 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 just yet
Although Android 16 is already available in Preview, you should not install it yet. First of all, the installation can require quite complex manipulations. In addition, the system is still unstable, which means that you should definitely not install it on your main smartphone. And since the preview is mainly aimed at developers, it does not yet contain any significant news.
Later, however, Google should launch beta versions that will be more stable and allow testing of new features intended for end users. In addition, Android 16 should also offer a beta version compatible with non-Pixel smartphones at a later date.
Android: a big change is underway
In any case, the November release of this Android 16 preview reflects the changes taking place in the ecosystem. We remind you that next year Google will launch Android 16 in the second quarter to better align with the release plans of smartphone brands. The goal is to make the latest version of the operating system available on as many devices as possible and faster. And that’s not all, because after this new version planned for the second quarter, Google will launch another new version in the last quarter.
However, the Q2 release is the only one expected to change the behavior of apps on the operating system. And that’s why developers have to test their apps on the Android 16 trial version that was just released.
Otherwise, it is very likely that in the coming days, developers and media will discover new features present in this preview version that have not yet been announced by Google.
- Google just released the preview version of Android 16, a few months early
- This is for developers to test their apps on the new platform
- The Android 16 preview is compatible with the Google Pixel range of smartphones
- Google is changing its Android update schedule and plans to release Android 16 in the second quarter of 2025
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