Android 16 Developer Preview 1 has been released by Google. This is a bit early compared to Google’s previous Android release schedules. The first developer preview of Android 15 was launched in February 2024. The new developer preview comes a month after the public release of Android 15. Like previous developer previews, Android 16 Developer Preview 1 is aimed at developers and will be initially available for download on Pixel Smartphones. The preview will include bugs and broken features, and it will run from November 2024 until the final public release next year. The update brings a handful of new features such as a built-in photo picker, support for medical records, and an updated Privacy Sandbox.
Android 16 release timeline, features
In a blog post published Monday, Google announcement the launch of Android 16 Developer Preview 1. In recent years, the company has opted for the February launch window for its Android releases. Google also confirmed that a stable version of Android 16 will arrive in the second quarter of 2025. It plans to release another version in the fourth quarter of next year with new developer APIs.
Photo credit: Google
Google will release six major versions of Android 16 before the final release in the second quarter of next year. A second Developer Preview will arrive in December, while beta versions will begin in January. Google is targeting platform stability in March and April, while the final release is planned for May.
The first developer preview of Android 16 brings a built-in photo picker for apps. This feature will provide users with a built-in way to grant the app access to selected images and videos from local and cloud storage, instead of their entire media library.
Google updates Health Connect in Android 16. With this update, Health Connect will allow apps to read and write medical records in Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) format. This API is currently part of an early access program. Additionally, Android 16 brings the latest version of Privacy Sandbox to Android.
Android 16 Developer Preview Compatibility
Google Pixel 6a and newer models are eligible to receive the Android 16 update. The first developer preview with build number BP21.241018.009 will be available for Google Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel series 8a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 7a, Pixel 7, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6a. Over-the-Air (OTA) images for all these smartphones are also available.
The Android 16 Developer Preview can be installed on a system via the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
