While many OEMs are rushing to roll out the recently launched Android 15 update to supported devices, Android 16, codenamed ‘Baklava,’ has already made its debut. Yup, the developer preview of Android 16 has been released, just a month after the stable Android 15 rollout for Pixel devices.
For the first time, Google has released the developer preview of its next version of Android so early. If you have been following Android releases, developer previews are usually made available between February and March, followed by public betas for select Pixel devices after the Google I/O event in April or May.
With Google already kickstarting Android 16 development this early, let’s take a look at more information such as release date, beta availability, new features, and supported devices that are eligible for the update to Android 16.
Android 16 Release Date
Staying true to its promise, Google has started testing Android 16, almost four months earlier than usual. Google released Android 16 Developer Preview 1 on November 19.
Users can expect the second Android 16 developer preview in December. The Android 16 public beta will begin rolling out to eligible Pixel devices in January. There will be at least four public beta, one every month.
Google will release the stable Android 16 update to the public in the second quarter of 2025. Another minor SDK release will follow in the fourth quarter.
Android 16 Features (Continuously Updated)
With Google kickstarting Android 16 development earlier than expected, users hope that Google will concentrate on improving security as well as bringing in new features that make using Android 16 a great experience. Here is what’s new with Android 16 at least from the point of view of the Android 16 Developer Preview 1.
Notification Cooldown
When your device receives too many notifications within a short time, your device will now reduce the notification volume and minimize the alerts for up to two minutes. This will only apply to notifications and will not affect call or alarm volume levels.
Improved Health Connect
With all of your medical data and records stored on your device, you can give consent to health and fitness apps, which in turn will sync the data and also save data obtained from these apps to your device. This is result in better accuracy in health metrics and will be able to give correct suggestions.
Audio Sharing with Multiple Headphones
Google Pixel 8 and 9 series will be able to share their audio playback to multiple headsets at a given time. Few other non-Pixel devices already have this particular feature. To enable this feature, head to Settings > Connected Devices > Connection preferences > Audio Sharing.
New 7-Day Privacy Dashboard
You will now be able to get a week’s worth of insight about what apps and services were making use of the microphone, camera, location, and almost all the other permissions that you would grant to an app.
Other features
- Improved Modes with more customization to custom profiles
- Even dimmer allows device to go dimmer than usual
As of now, these are the confirmed features of Android 16. With the upcoming builds, more features will be uncovered and we will keep adding new features as they come out.
Android 16 Supported Devices
One of the biggest concerns users have, especially with Android smartphones, is if their device is eligible for the next major update. Along with the first Android 16 developer preview announcement, Google has revealed the list of eligible Pixel phones. Let’s take a look at what Pixel devices are eligible for Android 16 update.
- 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 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
We can not say about devices from other brands as each brand has different update policy and they will reveal the list next year. But if you have a 2024 or newer phone, then your device will probably get Android 16. Few exceptions, for low-end or entry-level smartphones whose updates are only for a year, will not be getting new updates. If you have a device from Motorola, Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, and other Android brands, stick around with YTECHB to get all the latest news about Android 16 as well as what devices will be eligible for the update to Android 16.
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