Google has unveiled the Android 16 Developer Preview, giving developers an early glimpse of the next major Android version. Announced well ahead of the usual schedule, this release sets the stage for testing and feedback before Android 16’s official launch, planned for early next year.
Supported Devices for Android 16 Developer Preview
The Developer Preview is now available for manual download and flashing on Google Pixel devices, starting from the Pixel 6 series to the latest Pixel 9 series. Here’s the full list of supported devices:
- Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Early Release Timeline and Planned Launch
Google shared a detailed timeline for Android 16’s development milestones:
- January 2025: Beta releases begin.
- April-May 2025: Final Beta 4 build is expected.
- March 2025: Platform Stability phase kicks off.
- June 2025: Stable release, likely on June 3, according to leaks.
This earlier-than-usual timeline ensures alignment with device launch schedules, enabling more Android devices to receive the major update sooner.
Key Features for Developers
In a blog post, Google highlighted that this preview marks the start of “more frequent API releases” to foster faster app and device innovation. Each update will include:
- SDK tools
- System images and emulators
- API references and API differences
These early baseline builds are strictly for developers and are not recommended for daily use by consumers.
Driving Innovation Across the Ecosystem
Google’s accelerated timeline reflects its commitment to improving Android’s rollout process and compatibility with partner devices. While the Q2 release of Android 16 will include significant changes impacting app behavior, Google plans an additional release in Q4 2025, introducing new developer APIs without major platform changes.
What’s Next?
Android 16 Developer Preview opens doors for developers to prepare their apps for the future. Google is working closely with device partners to ensure a smooth rollout across a broader range of devices by mid-2025.
If you’re a developer, this is your chance to explore the next-generation Android experience on supported Pixel devices.
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