Android 16 Developer Preview : Google rolls out the first Android 16 developer preview

Google has released the first preview of Android 16 for developers, ahead of the planned launch in Q2 2025. This marks a significant shift, as Google has decided to start API releases earlier to encourage faster innovation across apps and devices.

Android 16 Developer Preview

Google plans to expose the Android API more frequently, and this early preview is a part of that goal. With a primary release scheduled for Q2 and a secondary upgrade scheduled for Q4, the business plans to make two significant Android API improvements in 2025.

The Q2 release, scheduled earlier than in previous years, is designed to better align with device launch schedules. As a result, developers will need to complete their annual compatibility testing a few months ahead of previous timelines.

The Q4 update will introduce new developer APIs, feature enhancements, optimizations, and bug fixes but will not include any behavior changes that could impact apps. These quarterly updates will ensure continuous improvements, with the Q1 and Q3 releases focusing on incremental updates.

Key Features of the Android 16 Developer Preview:

Embedded Photo Picker

The new photo picker allows users to grant apps access to specific images and videos, rather than their entire media library. Supported from Android 4.4 (API level 19), it integrates into apps with just a few lines of code. This feature helps developers avoid requesting broad permissions, enhancing security.

Health Records API

The Health Connect preview introduces APIs for managing health records in FHIR format. This early version allows apps to read and write medical data with explicit user consent. The API is currently available in an early access program.

Privacy Sandbox

Android 16 includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox, aimed at strengthening privacy protections. A key feature is the SDK Runtime, which isolates SDKs in a separate environment from the app, providing enhanced user data protection.

Android 16 Release Timeline

• Developer Preview Period: The Android 16 preview program runs from November 2024, with updates delivered at key milestones. These updates will include system images, SDK tools, emulators, API references, and API diffs.
• Platform Stability: Google is targeting late Q1 2025 for Platform Stability, with final SDK/NDK APIs and system behaviors. Developers will have several months to conduct final tests before the public release in 2025.

Getting Started with Android 16

Developers can start using Android 16 Developer Preview 1 by flashing a system image on Pixel 6 or later and updating their tools. If you have already installed Beta 1 from Android 15 QPR2, a device wipe will be required to transition to the Android 16 preview.

Who can use Android 16 now?

For now, only app developers can access Android 16 Developer Preview. Regular users will have to wait until the Beta version comes out, which is expected in 2025.

How can developers get Android 16?

If you’re a developer, you can install the Android 16 Developer Preview by:

–Downloading a system image for your device.
–Flashing the image to install it manually.
–Using Android Studio (Google’s developer tool) to test your app with the new features.
–Once installed, future updates will arrive automatically.

Android 16 is designed to make smartphones faster, more secure, and more user-friendly. Developers testing their apps now means fewer bugs and better app experiences for everyone when the final version is released.

For regular users, you’ll get to explore Android 16’s features in 2025 as part of the Android Beta Program. For now, developers are helping shape what the final version will look like.

The first Developer Preview of #Android16 is available now to test with your apps! 🎉

Android will have more frequent releases going forward–with two SDK releases in 2025, as part of our effort to drive faster innovation in apps and devices. Learn more → https://t.co/cLl4K2aldd pic.twitter.com/jJ98rvKBDG

— Android Developers (@AndroidDev) November 19, 2024

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