When Will Android 16 Be Launched?
The preliminary Developer Preview marks the place to begin of the Android 16 rollout, in keeping with Google, with the second Developer Preview slated for December.
The primary Beta launch is predicted in January 2025, adopted by three extra Beta updates main as much as the secure launch, projected between Could and June 2025. Moreover, a minor replace—probably Android 16.1—is deliberate for the ultimate quarter of 2025.
This strategy is groundbreaking sufficient that Google has even ready a video to clarify the adjustments intimately. For those who’re curious and wish to dive deeper, remember to test it out:
What’s Android 16’s Dessert Codename?
Like earlier variations of the working system, Android 16 has an inner codename based mostly on a dessert title. After Tiramisu, Upside Down Cake, and Vanilla Ice Cream, Google did not trouble in search of desserts with the letters W, X, Y, or Z, and went straight to B for baklava. Yummy.
Whereas the developer preview lists the system model as “Baklava”, anticipate to see Google utilizing solely “Android 16” because the OS branding as we get close to the secure launch, although.
What’s new in Android 16
Android 16 DP2 introduces a variety of thrilling options and enhancements geared toward enhancing person expertise, privateness, and gadget performance. Whereas primarily geared towards builders, these updates additionally embrace important adjustments that customers can stay up for within the upcoming Android launch. Right here’s a better have a look at the important thing options unveiled on this preview.
Two-finger double faucet zoom
Within the Accessibility settings, the magnification (zoom) characteristic lists quite a lot of shortcuts choices (at all times seen button, gestures, quantity buttons, and so on). New to Android 16 is the choice to enlarge the show with a double faucet with two fingers on the display.
Improved assist for bodily keyboards
Uncovered by Android expert Mishaal Rahman, Android 16 introduced a few adjustments to enhance assist for bodily keyboards. The primary is a reorganization of the Settings menu for its accessibility options, and inside it customers will discover the brand new Repeat Keys settings. The choice units a delay earlier than a pressed secret is registered once more and likewise its repeat charge. Each will likely be particularly welcomed by the pill warriors on the market.
Fingerprint unlock with screen-off
Unique to the Pixel 9 collection, this variation permits customers to unlock the cellphone with a registered fingerprint with out having to wake the display. The caveat is that the change is just out there (at the very least for now) for the Pixel 9 collection telephones, in all probability as a result of using an ultrasonic sensor as a substitute of the older optical fingerprint reader within the Pixel 6 via 8 fashions.
7 new emojis
Android 16 consists of assist for the brand new emoji ratified with the Unicode 16.0 launch, officially announced in September, 2024. The official checklist of emoji reached 3,790 with this launch and has 164 candidates for the 17th version, expected in September 2025.
Google Hold is now a system app
The note-taking app Google Hold was once a stand-alone app that wanted to be put in via the Play Retailer like some other app. Beginning with Android 16, Google appears to be imposing the app to be put in by default, with no choice to uninstall Hold except brute forcing it via root entry.
Wi-Fi QR code redesign
Not probably the most groundbreaking change to the system, the QR-code display for sharing Wi-Fi credentials received a redesign. Google ditched the plain QR-code for a stylized one, adopting the Materials You coloration palette in your cellphone.
Reorganized Settings
The Settings app is a conventional weak level when it comes to usability—additionally on iOS and Home windows—with increasing wants and options popping up occasionally, it’s no shock common customers get confused and misplaced in it. Google not too long ago began reordering and transferring issues round within the Settings app.
The change offers extra space to the search bar, on the identical time it highlights the main Google account on the phone. The change was really rolled out to Pixel telephones with Android 15, however will in all probability attain different AOSP-based distributions (Asus, Motorola, Sony, and so on) solely on Android 16.
Photograph Picker
Whereas this launch primarily targets builders, a number of noteworthy options and enhancements had been launched. Among the many highlights is the up to date picture picker characteristic, which advantages from new APIs geared toward enhancing app integration for importing images and movies. This replace enhances person privateness by eradicating extreme permissions whereas streamlining the app interface.
Well being Join and FHIR Help
One other main addition is assist for the FHIR (Quick Healthcare Interoperability Assets) format throughout the Well being Join app. This integration may enable customers to handle medical data alongside well being metrics sooner or later. The same characteristic, referred to as Well being Information, exists in Samsung Health however is presently restricted to pick out healthcare suppliers.
Notification Cooldown
Different adjustments embrace the introduction of a Notifications Cooldown characteristic, designed to cut back distractions by minimizing alerts and reducing notification quantity when a number of notifications are obtained in fast succession.
Audio Sharing
The Audio Sharing characteristic, initially noticed in Android 15, was additional refined. This performance depends on Bluetooth LE connectivity to allow audio sharing from a single supply gadget to a number of headphones, basically permitting customers to broadcast audio.
Privateness and Safety Enhancements
Android 16 additionally introduces a number of privateness and safety enhancements. The most recent model of Privateness Sandbox improves information encryption and dealing with of delicate info. As well as, a brand new Safety and Permissions Historical past choice permits customers to overview app permissions and safety exercise over the previous seven days on the Privateness Dashboard, offering higher transparency and management.
Dwell Actions and Redesigned Fast Settings
Past these, it was found that Google is working to place reside actions on the lock and residential screens and introduce a brand new redesigned fast settings structure.
Which Units Help the Android 16 DP2 Replace?
The Android 16 DP2 is now out there for the Pixel 9 collection all the best way to the Pixel 6 collection, in addition to the Pixel Pill and Pixel Fold. Nonetheless, Google famous that gadgets operating Android 15 QPR (Quarterly Platform Launch) Beta 1 would require a full gadget wipe earlier than putting in the Android 16 firmware.
What are your ideas on Google’s choice to launch Android 16 sooner than normal? Do you assume the secure launch will point out a change within the Pixel {hardware}’s launch timing? Share your opinions within the feedback beneath!
Article up to date in December 2024 with new options launched with Android 16 DP2.
