Google has officially launched the Developer Preview for Android 16, bringing exciting new features to Pixel devices ahead of its anticipated public release in the second quarter of 2025. This marks a significant shift from previous releases, as Developer Previews typically commenced in February for the past five Android iterations. The early arrival of Android 16 DP1—now three months ahead of schedule—indicates that Google plans to launch this major update earlier than usual, effectively moving the public release from Q3 to Q2 in 2025. This change is designed to better align with the device launch schedules across Google’s ecosystem, ensuring that more devices can access the major Android update sooner than before.
As developers eagerly await the newly unveiled features, Google has provided an overview of some of the enhancements in this first Developer Preview. One of the key highlights is the new system photo picker. This updated API will allow applications to offer a more integrated experience, embedding the photo picker more deeply within the app’s interface while still maintaining necessary permission protections. This means users can select media without granting overly broad access to their personal files.
In addition, Android 16 introduces Health Connect, an important feature that enables apps to read and write medical records in the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) format, granted that users provide explicit consent. This is part of Google’s broader aim to expand health-related functionalities on the platform, coinciding with the latest implementation of the Privacy Sandbox for Android. These enhancements suggest a continued focus on privacy and security, which are paramount concerns for users in today’s digital landscape.
Looking ahead, Google plans to issue a total of six major releases leading up to the final version of Android 16 in Q2 2025. The second Developer Preview is scheduled for next month, followed by the commencement of Beta releases in January. At that point, users will have the opportunity to participate in the Android 16 Beta Program, although the initial Developer Preview installations are currently accessible only through flashing or sideloading.
One of the goals set by Google is to achieve Platform Stability by March 2025, coinciding with the rollout of Beta 3. This indicates that developers can begin to expect a stable platform to build their applications on as the public release approaches. System images for Android 16 Developer Preview 1 (BP21.241018.009), which includes the November 2024 security patch, are now available for an extensive range of Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 series to the latest Pixel 9 lineup, including the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.
However, a word of caution for those experimenting with the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1: transitioning to the Android 16 Developer Preview will require a complete device wipe, making it advisable for users to hold off on future beta installs if they intend to move seamlessly into the next developer preview without losing data. Google’s early outreach to developers indicates a commitment to refining the Android experience and providing robust new features that enhance app functionality and user experience. As the Android ecosystem prepares for this next significant evolution, developers and users alike are eager to see how these changes will unfold in the coming months.