Google doesn’t stand still when it comes to Android. He still has test versions being prepared on Android 15 and has already decided to open another line of development. Thus, Android 16 officially appears, in its first test version, accessible to everyone who owns a Google Pixel.
Android 16 is official
Some time ago we knew that Google would change the paradigm with Android 16, seeking to anticipate this version. He wants to advance the entire release schedule so that Android 16 will be released in mid-2025, next spring, without waiting for the last few quarters as has been the case in recent years.
Confirming this scenario, we now have the launch of the new Android 16 in the form of the First Developer Preview. Google brought the complete package and now offers the necessary tools to programmers and users for the first tests.
As is typical, these preliminary versions may contain errors and are used so that the development team can obtain feedback. Therefore, only those who know what they are doing and are willing to take the risk should install this version. The list of smartphones compatible with Android 16 is already known and is currently under Google's control:
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL e Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
- Pixel Tabletl
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro e Pixel 7a
- Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro e Pixel 6a
When will this version arrive?
We will still have to wait a long time to have the final version of this update. There is already a defined roadmap and it follows the normal line at Google, from the Developer Preview to the public Beta builds that will begin in 2025 and will lead us to a final release in the spring.
According to this calendar, Android 16 should be released in May 2025, although it is likely to be released in June or July. Given that Google previewed the Pixel 9 this year, it's not unreasonable to think that the Pixel 10 will be unveiled in the summer to launch the new version of Android.
What's new in the Developer Preview of tests
It's still too early to know all the new features that Google will implement in Android 16, although Developer Preview 1 already gives us a glimpse. From now on, the user will be able to control which files an application accesses when loading multimedia content, without needing to see the entire gallery. Developers will also have more control, being able to implement the selector as part of the app.
There are also improvements to Health Connect to support more data, information and new health records. For now this functionality is limited due to the sensitive nature of the data. The latest news is in the Privacy Sandbox, which is updated to the latest version, now seeking to resolve some issues with third-party cookies and user tracking systems for creating digital profiles.
Of course, much more will be revealed and presented over the next few months, with the new versions. Interestingly, those on the QPR2 version of Android 15 cannot directly access the Android 16 tests and will even have to delete data from their smartphone. and then install the new version.
Source: pplware.sapo.pt
