Google rolls out Android 16 beta 1 update

Google has officially announced the rollout of Android 16 Beta 1, marking the first major step in its next Android version cycle. This “beta-quality release” is now available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program.

Key Features in Android 16 Beta 1

1. Adaptive Apps for All Devices

Android 16 enhances app adaptability for various device sizes and orientations. Key updates include:

• Apps targeting API level 36 in 2025 must support resizable windows for screens wider than 600dp, with an opt-out option.
• By 2026, apps targeting API level 37 must comply, with no opt-out available.
• Google provides frameworks, tools, and libraries to assist developers in optimizing their apps.

2. Live Updates

Live Updates introduce a new notification system for real-time activities such as ride sharing, food delivery, and navigation. Features include:

• A ProgressStyle notification template for consistent user experiences.
• Customizable icons, progress tracking, and milestones for user journeys.

3. Camera and Media Advancements

Android 16 delivers key updates for high-quality media creation and editing:

• Advanced Professional Video (APV): Supports professional-grade video recording and editing with features such as:
  • Perceptually lossless video quality.
  • Resolutions up to 8K at bitrates of 2Gbps.
  • HDR10/10+ support and multi-view video options.
  • Implementation through the OpenAPV Project with the 422-10 Profile.
• Night Mode Detection: APIs to help apps detect low-light conditions during camera sessions.
• Vertical Text Rendering: Introduces the VERTICAL_TEXT_FLAG for vertical writing systems, beneficial for languages like Japanese.

4. Accessibility Enhancements

New APIs focus on inclusivity and usability:

• Supplemental Descriptions: Allow developers to label ViewGroup elements without overriding child content.
• Required Form Fields: Enables apps to specify mandatory fields using the setFieldRequired API.

5. Generic Ranging APIs

The new RangingManager enables devices to measure distance and angles using technologies such as BLE, Ultra-Wideband, and WiFi round trip time.

Behavior and Compatibility Changes

Android 16 includes several system-level improvements:

• Predictive Back Navigation: Enhanced back gesture animations now apply to 3-button navigation systems.
• ART Updates: Internal Android Runtime (ART) changes improve performance, but may affect apps relying on non-SDK elements.
• Fixed Work Scheduling: Optimized scheduleAtFixedRate to improve performance during lifecycle transitions.
• Broadcast Priority Changes: Broadcast delivery order is now restricted within the same process, rather than system-wide.

Development Timeline

Google’s 2025 Android roadmap includes:

• Q2, 2025: A major release with behavior changes and new APIs.
• Q4, 2025: A minor release focusing on features and optimizations.

The Platform Stability milestone is scheduled for March 2025, with final APIs available several months before public rollout. Developers are encouraged to use the provided SDK tools and compatibility frameworks for testing.

Device Compatibility and Availability

Android 16 Beta 1 (BP22.250103.008) includes the January 2025 security patch and supports the following devices:

• Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a
• Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a
• Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL
• Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel Pro Fold

It is also available on the Android Emulator for development purposes.

• Users on Android 16 Developer Preview 2 or enrolled in the Android Beta Program will receive the update automatically.
• Those on Android 15 QPR2 Beta should ignore this update if they wish to exit the beta program.