Android 16 Developer Preview is here, offering developers an exciting opportunity to prepare their apps for the next major Android release. The preview provides tools, APIs, and runtime environments to test and adapt apps for compatibility and take advantage of the new features and enhancements. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what to expect:
Program Timeline
The Android 16 Preview runs from November 2024 to its final release in 2025. Developers can test, adapt, and give feedback at every stage.
| Timeline | Build | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | Developer Preview 1 | Early API testing, behavior changes, and initial compatibility testing. |
| December 2024 | Developer Preview 2 | Additional features and APIs, focusing on feedback and compatibility. |
| January 2025 | Beta 1 | Beta-quality build available for early adopters; compatibility testing with feedback. |
| February 2025 | Beta 2 | Incremental Beta with continued focus on feedback and compatibility. |
| March 2025 | Beta 3 (Platform Stability) | Final APIs and behaviors; begin final app testing and updates. |
| Q2 2025 | Final Release | Stable release to AOSP and device ecosystems. |
What’s New in Android 16?
1. Enhanced API Releases
- Two API releases in 2025:
- Major Q2 Release: Includes planned behavior changes and APIs.
- Minor Q4 Release: Adds new features, optimizations, and bug fixes without affecting app behaviors.
2. Embedded Photo Picker
- Apps can now embed the photo picker into their UI, improving integration while maintaining user privacy.
- Backward compatible to Android 4.4 (API 19) using the Jetpack Library.
3. Health Records Integration
- Early access APIs for managing health data in FHIR format with user consent.
4. Privacy Sandbox Updates
- Enhanced tools for data privacy using the SDK Runtime and the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox.
5. Compatibility Framework Enhancements
- Developers can opt-in to targetSdkVersion-gated changes for early testing of new behaviors.
Platform Stability: March 2025
The Platform Stability milestone is critical:
- Final APIs, system behaviors, and SDK/NDK tools will be ready.
- Developers should focus on final app testing and targeting Android 16 to ensure compatibility for the stable release.
Testing Environment
Hardware Support
- Supported on Google Pixel devices, including the latest Pixel 9 series.
- Developers can also use Android Emulator for testing.
SDK & Tools
- Download the Android 16 SDK and emulator system images via Android Studio.
How to Get Started?
- Install Developer Preview 1:
Flash a system image on a supported Pixel device or set up an Android Emulator. - Test App Compatibility:
Check how your app behaves with Android 16, focusing on changes affecting app behavior and API usage. - Provide Feedback:
Submit bug reports and feature requests via the issue tracker.
Why Should Developers Participate?
Android 16 Preview allows you to:
- Prepare your apps early for the next Android version.
- Test against new APIs and system behaviors.
- Ensure compatibility for a smoother transition to the stable release.
Stay tuned to the Android Developers Blog and the API reference site for regular updates. Download the preview today and start building for the future of Android!
For complete information, visit the Android 16 developer site.
