The latest stable version of Android has only been with us for a few months. We are talking about Android 15, which introduced several interesting new features, even if there are still many phones that do not receive it. However, this does not seem to be a problem for Google, which is already laying the foundations for the next iteration.
Android 16 is already advanced in its development process and the proof is that the first Developer Preview has already been released. That’s how things are Android 16 DP1 is official and these are its new features confirmed, as well as mobile phones compatible with this update.
Android 16 DP1 launches the media selector, a more complete medical record and greater control of your privacy
There has been a rumor for some time that Development times for new Android versions will be shorter than before. It has been stated, in fact, that the stable version of Android 16 will arrive before summer 2025 and it will really be like that.
How can we be so sure? First of all because the launch of the Pixel 9 was brought forward from October to August; and secondly, why Google just released the first developer version of Android 16which at another time would arrive between February or March; and, third, because we already have a well-defined roadmap.
Like any developer version, the main innovations are under the hoodbut that doesn’t mean there aren’t improvements for users. What are the improvements that Android 16 DP1 introduces? I am:
- Optimized image picker: Through a new API that helps improve application integration when uploading photos and videos. Furthermore, it improves privacy by eliminating excessive permissions and optimizes the app’s default interface (Google Gallery).
- More complete Health Connect: being now compatible with the FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperabiously Resources) format, giving it the ability to manage much more complete medical records and health metrics. Only Samsung had something similar on Android, with Health Records, although limited to some healthcare providers.
- Updated Privacy Sandbox: against improvements in data encryption and information managementas well as the release of a safety register. This history will help users identify app permissions and other security activity over the past seven days, giving them greater control and transparency.
- Cooling of notifications– a feature designed for reduce distractions when you get a lot of notifications in a short time, minimizing alerts and reducing volume.
- Audio Sharing (Auracast): a feature that was supposed to arrive with Android 15, but has not arrived and will come in Android 16. What is it about? Leveraging Bluetooth LE technology for play audio from the same source on multiple nearby devices (such as various headphones).
Apart from this, there are a couple of additional features that have been discovered by the developers, but are not live yet. The first allows perform certain actions directly from the lock screen. Meanwhile, the second is a redesigned quick settings menu.
When will stable Android 16 be released? We will have it before the summer of 2025
As mentioned above, Google took advantage of the launch of Android 16 DP1 for reveal the Android 16 development roadmapwith release windows for each version.
The company hopes to launch Android 16 between May and June 2025although the betas will be available from the beginning of the year. You can see the image above to identify the dates, although we leave them in writing here:
- Android 16 Developer Preview 1: November 2024 (released).
- Android 16 Developer Preview 2: December 2024.
- Android 16 Beta 1: January 2025.
- Android16Beta2: February 2025.
- Android 16 Beta 3 or RC1: March 2025.
- Android 16 Beta 4 or RC2: April 2025.
- Android 16 stable: May or June 2025.
Which phones and tablets are compatible with Android 16 Developer Preview 1?
In addition to all the information we talked about in the previous sections, those from Mountain View also reported the list of devices compatible with Android 16 DP1. We’ll list them, but basically they are all those that have a Google Tensor chip inside themregardless of generation. Therefore, compatibility is quite widespread, as it starts with Google Pixel 6 launched in 2021. This is the complete list:
- Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a.
- Google Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a.
- Google Pixel 8, 8 Pro and 8a.
- Google Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 XL and 9 Pro Fold.
- Google Pixel Fold.
- GooglePixel tablet.
Now, if you want to try this update, there are two things you should know:
- If your device runs Android 15 QPR Beta 1, you need to do a hard reset of the system before installing Android 16 DP1.
- Remember that developer previews are developer releasesquite unstable and not recommended for daily use.
Having said that, I hope you are as happy as we are with the new features of Android 16. We look forward to seeing you for new updates.
