Summary: Google has confirmed the release date for Android 16 Beta 4, mentioning that it would be dropping this week, specifically on April 17. This is going to be the final beta release before Google pushes the stable build of the next Android version, which should arrive in early June.
Android 16 is fast approaching, and that means the last beta for the upcoming version of the operating system is just around the corner, with Google confirming the release of Android 16 Beta 4 for tomorrow, April 17. This timing tracks, given that Google launched the third beta back on March 13. Now, since this is the last beta for Android 16, there are a few things to note.
First is that Google reached platform stability with the Android 16 beta with the previous release. That means there are likely not going to be any huge, sweeping changes with tomorrow’s beta. That doesn’t mean there won’t be any notable changes, however, just that most of the larger user-focused stuff is already available in the current beta build. Google may also be saving it for the stable release later this year. Still, there’s always room for Google to surprise us.
With that said, users who want to participate in the beta may want to keep an eye out. As there might be something in there worth taking a closer look at. It’s also worth noting that there isn’t much of an idea what the fourth beta is going to include.
The Android 16 Beta 4 release will likely focus on fixing bugs
As mentioned earlier, tomorrow’s beta release probably won’t include any major new features, even if there is room for a potential surprise or two. What beta participants can probably expect is a handful of bug fixes. With platform stability already having been reached, Android 16 should work as a daily driver. However, there are still some bugs and other issues that need to be addressed.
For example, some users still seem to be having problems with the Settings menu crashing when trying to disable Simple View in accessibility settings. Another user points out a bug that revolves around SIM cards. Specifically, an issue that seems to cause SIM cards to disconnect. Hopefully, the Android 16 Beta 4 release will smooth these things over.
Full steam ahead to the stable launch
Now that the fourth beta is almost upon us, all that’s really left after that will be the stable release. This is expected to be rolled out starting in June, specifically on June 3. It goes without saying that Pixel devices will be the first to receive this update. However, some phones, like Samsung’s Galaxy S25 series, may get the update soon after.
When non-Pixel devices get it will really depend on the manufacturer, though. Only Pixel devices are eligible for the beta as well. So, if you’re using a non-Pixel phone, waiting until your manufacturer pushes the stable release is unfortunately the first time you’ll get to try it.
