Android 16 Developer Preview: Exciting New Features to Look Forward To

Android 15 has only recently been released for Pixel devices in mid-October, but Google is already rolling out the first developer preview of Android 16. The tech giant’s decision to accelerate the development of the next version has been anticipated for some time. The final version of this significant update is expected to be available in the second quarter of 2025.

While the developer preview (DP) versions of Android are mainly targeted at developers, allowing them to adapt their applications to new APIs and behavioral changes, several user-facing enhancements have also been announced.

Enhanced Photo Picker and New Health Data Interface in Android 16

The initial preview of Android 16 introduces a revamped photo picker that developers can now embed directly into their applications. This feature, which was first rolled out in Android 13, allows users to share only specific images and videos with apps, enhancing privacy.

This approach aims to streamline media sharing within apps without granting access to the entire device or cloud storage. Notably, the new photo picker functionality is not exclusive to Android 16; thanks to modular system components and Google Play Services, devices running Android 4.4 (API Level 19) and later will also support this feature. Google notes that integrating this into applications requires just a few lines of code using the corresponding Android Jetpack library.

According to Google, the DP1 also includes the latest version of the “Privacy Sandbox,” which is currently in development as a replacement for the Android advertising ID.

Android 16 Introduces Features Similar to Apple Health

Additionally, the new version includes an early implementation of the Health Connect feature, designed to facilitate the sharing of health records. This functionality aims to enable apps to read and write medical records in the FHIR format.

This solution will allow applications and medical devices to exchange information and health records, provided they have the explicit consent of the user. This feature is reminiscent of the capabilities found in Apple Health on iPhones.

Release Timeline for the Final Version of Android 16

Google has laid out a development roadmap for Android 16 alongside the DP1. According to this timeline, a second developer preview is expected in December, followed by four public beta releases starting in January 2025.

Official development timeline for Android 16. (Image: Google)

Android 16 Beta 3, anticipated in March 2025, is set to signify a milestone for platform stability. Upon achieving this stability, subsequent updates for Android 16 will not alter existing APIs, introduce new ones, or change the system behavior of apps, as per Google’s statements.

The final release of Android 16 is projected to occur between May and June. While June 3 has been speculated as a possible launch date, Google may also choose to announce it during its developer conference, Google I/O 2025, which typically takes place in May.

• November 2024 – Android 16 Developer Preview 1
• December 2024 – Android 16 Developer Preview 2
• January 2025 – Android 16 Beta 1
• February 2025 – Android 16 Beta 2
• March 2025 – Android 16 Beta 3
• April 2025 – Android 16 Beta 4

Important Note: Developer-Only Access

As previously mentioned, the initial release of Android 16 is specifically designed for developers. While curious users may install this version, it is highly discouraged due to its inherent instability and unsuitability for everyday use on primary devices.

The fact that DP1 is not available through the Android Beta Program further emphasizes that it is not intended for general users; it can only be installed via manual flashing of the image file.

Only Certain Pixel Devices Support Android 16 DP1

Given that many Android smartphones have yet to receive the Android 15 update, we recommend checking our overview of the top features of the current Android 15 version. If you’re unsure whether your smartphone is eligible for Android 15, our guide can provide clarity.