Android 16 is finally entering the beta stage, after a couple of developer previews in November and December. Now that it has entered the beta stage, you can join the Android Beta program and install the beta on your Pixel device. Android 16 will be available for Google Pixel 6, 6a, 6 Pro, 7, 7a, 7 Pro, Fold, Tablet, 8, 8a, 8 Pro, 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold.
Remember, before you install the update via the Android Beta Program, to back up your device. While it shouldn’t factory reset your device, there is always that chance. Of course, when you decide you want to leave the beta program, it will fully factory reset your device.
This is the first of four planned beta releases, with the final beta release coming in April, with the final release coming shortly thereafter. We exclusively reported back in November, that the stable version of Android 16 would launch on June 3. The current schedule still lines up with that date.
What’s new in Android 16?
So what’s coming in Android 16? Well, first up is Live Updates. Think of Apple’s Live Activities, or Samsung’s Now Bar in One UI 7. This feature will prominently display live updates on your lock screen, making it easier to see ongoing activities like sports scores, or where your UberEats order is.
Google is also adding support for Advanced Professional Video. This new APV codec will provide professional-level high-quality video recording and post-production with fast editing workflows, support for high-resolution content, and advanced features like multi-view video and auxiliary video.
Finally, Google is also improving app adaptivity. This is going to help developers build apps that work seamlessly across all devices. Google is providing tools and frameworks for building apps that adapt to various window sizes and aspect ratios and phasing out the ability for apps to restrict screen orientation and resizability on large screens.
