Google has already launched the second preview version of Android 16 for developers, even though Android 15 has yet to appear on all smartphones. The company has accelerated development, and the final version of the new operating system could be released several months earlier than expected. While Android 15 is still rolling out to devices, Android 16’s development is already in full swing, signaling a faster release cycle this year.
Accelerated Development and New Features
In the past, there was typically a gap of several months between the release of the stable build of one Android version and the first developer preview of the next. This year, however, Google has decided to speed things up. Historically, the first preview version of Android for developers was released in February. This time, it was moved to November, with the second release following shortly after. This suggests that the public beta version is just around the corner, likely arriving in the new year. We’ll keep you updated as more integrations become available.
At the moment, Android 16 offers a modest number of new features. For example, the photo gallery now includes built-in search for cloud resources, allowing users to prepare an annual summary of Instagram posts from accounts outside their device, all without switching between apps. Health Connect has also been improved, with the ability to track the intensity of activity in fitness applications. Additionally, the 802.11az standard has been added, which allows positioning using Wi-Fi networks.
What’s New Under the Hood
While many of the changes in Android 16 aren’t immediately noticeable to the average user, Google has focused heavily on improvements “under the hood,” notes NIXSolutions. These include new haptic functions, enhanced support for adaptive refresh rates at the system level, and the removal of legacy code that had previously hindered the development of new features for users. These updates are meant to provide a smoother and more efficient experience, even if they’re not immediately apparent.
More substantial changes will likely arrive in future releases. The first beta version is scheduled for January 2025, with the final version expected in May. This timeline means that by the time of Google I/O, the traditional spring developer conference, Android 16 may be fully released—several months earlier than usual.
To try Android 16 before its official release, developers can register and install it on Google Pixel devices, starting with the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro.