Android 16 arrives in beta several months before the usual date

Android 15 has barely been deployed when Android 16 is already starting to show up. The first preview versions of the system were announced by Google, many months before their typical release date.

What is Google playing? While usually the first beta versions of Android are announced around February, this time, the search giant has been impatient and has just officially unveiled the very first version Developer Preview of Android 16. Enough to shake up the release schedule of the next versions of the operating system. And it’s intentional explains Android Police.

By unveiling the first versions of its system in mid-November (barely a month after the release of Android 15 in final version, by the way), Google hopes to be able to deploy a major update of the OS in June 2025 (compared to October previously). This shift in the release schedule compared to previous versions aims to reduce fragmentation and stick more closely to the release window of its iOS competitor.

Be ready for back to school

By deploying a major version of its system in June, and therefore relatively stable versions from mid-March, Google hopes to allow manufacturers who announce products during the summer or at the start of the school year to natively adopt the version of The latest Android on their new mobiles. September/October is a period generally rich in announcements and the firm would therefore like all the mobiles that come out to be able to spearhead the new version of Android. Hence the change in the release schedule.

The Pixel 9s were released with Android 14 and not 15 // Source: Frandroid

Incidentally, a release in June would also allow Google to stick to Apple’s coattails, which generally announces the new version of iOS at that time of the year. And in order to remain competitive on the software level, Google also promises a large update (but not major) for the end of 2025. With this biannual rhythm, Google hopes to satisfy those who are on the lookout new features.

Installation not recommended

Obviously, it is strongly recommended not to install this version of Android 16 if you do not know what you are doing. THE Developer Preview as their names indicate are dedicated to developers who want to test their apps on the latest versions of Android for compatibility issues. They are even less stable than the beta versions which will normally arrive by next January.

To go further
Android 16: here is the exact date of its arrival

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can still test the meager new features of this new version of Android by flashing the system image from the official Google website. You will need a relatively recent Pixel phone for this, since Android 16 is only compatible from the Pixel 6 onwards. Do this at your own risk, that said.


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