Google unveils Android 16 Developer Preview with exciting features

Google has kicked off the Developer Preview for Android 16, arriving earlier than expected. Usually, these previews begin in February, but Android 16 DP1 is launching three months ahead of schedule this year.

The earlier release of the DP1 is because Google has moved the official Android 16 release from the third quarter to the second quarter of 2025. It aims to ensure that more devices get access to the major Android updates sooner.

Android 16 DP1 is available for several Pixel devices, including the pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel Pro Fold, as well as the Android Emulator. It can be identified through version BP21.241018.009.

The Android 16 Developer Preview brings new features for app developers. It brings a system photo picker that will help apps give users a smoother, more integrated way to select photos without needing extra permissions.

Another new feature is Health Connect, which lets apps access and manage medical records in FHIR format, but only with user permission. The update also includes the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox for privacy protection.

This preview program runs from November 2024 until the final public release next year. Android 16 Beta Program will begin in January, with the final stable release expected in Q2 of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates.