Android 16 Beta Launches: Explore All the New Features
The latest beta version of Android 16 has just been released, showcasing a range of exciting new features for users to explore.
Android 16 Beta: A Version Open to All
Android 16 development is quickly progressing. Google has just released the first beta version, available to all users with a compatible Pixel device. Unlike Apple, which offers separate beta versions for developers and the public, Android has opted to make its beta accessible to everyone.
How to Sign Up for Android 16 Beta
Signing up for Android 16 beta is straightforward. Simply visit the Android Beta for Pixel official page, check if your device is eligible, and click to enroll. Each device must be registered individually, but once done, the software can be installed from your phone’s settings menu.
Currently, only Pixel phones can access this update. However, Google has recently expanded support to a range of older devices. The Android 16 beta is available on devices up to Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, including the Pixel tablet. If you own a Pixel device released since October 2021, you should be able to register and install the beta today.
What’s New in Android 16
The Android 16 beta brings a host of major updates. New features include adaptive applications, live updates, camera and media improvements, extensions for Gemini, and more.
The “Adaptive Applications” will be particularly beneficial for large screens, especially tablets. Android 16 will gradually eliminate the ability for apps to limit their screen orientation or resizing on large displays. By 2026, with the release of Android 17, this feature will no longer be available.
“Live Updates” are a new type of notification designed to keep track of “important ongoing activities.” The idea is that these high-priority alerts will not get lost among a multitude of time-insensitive notifications. Google has confirmed that Android 16 will support “high-quality media reading, creation, and editing”. This includes support for the advanced professional video codec (APV) for “high-quality professional level video recording and post-production”.
When Will Android 16 Be Available?
According to the Android 16 beta timeline, Google plans to launch Android 16 to the public sometime in the second quarter of 2025. More details will likely be revealed at Google I/O 2025 in May.