Google has officially launched the first Developer Preview of Android 16, providing developers with an exclusive early glimpse into the forthcoming major version of its operating system. This initial release is tailored specifically for developers, facilitating early-stage development, testing, and the gathering of valuable feedback. As with any preliminary build, users should anticipate that both the Android system and applications may not always perform flawlessly.
System Changes and App Compatibility
Android 16 brings a variety of system changes reminiscent of its predecessors. Developers might encounter a spectrum of experiences, from minor glitches to significant limitations, until their applications are updated for compatibility with this new version. While most applications, APIs, and features are expected to function as intended, it is advisable for developers to thoroughly review all known issues to navigate potential challenges effectively.
A pivotal aspect of the Android 16 rollout is Google’s pledge to implement more frequent API releases, designed to expedite innovation across applications and devices. This version marks the inception of that commitment, with a major launch anticipated in the second quarter of 2025. This shift in timeline from Q3 to Q2 aims to synchronize better with the device launch schedules within the ecosystem, ensuring that a greater number of devices receive updates sooner. Consequently, developers will need to conduct their annual compatibility testing earlier than in previous years.
In addition to the major release, a minor update is projected for the fourth quarter of 2025, which will include new developer APIs, feature enhancements, optimizations, and bug fixes, all without introducing any app-impacting behavior changes. Google will maintain a quarterly release schedule for Android, with updates in Q1 and Q3 focusing on incremental quality improvements.
Developers will continue utilizing the SDKINT constant alongside VERSIONCODES for major Android releases. However, a new SDKINTFULL constant has been introduced for checks against both major and minor versions, aligning with the new release strategy. Google encourages developers to share their feedback as these APIs undergo further refinement.
Android 16 Developer Preview Features and Integrations
The Android 16 Developer Preview showcases several notable features. One such feature is the embedded photo picker, which provides a secure and integrated means for applications to access user-selected images and videos from both local and cloud storage. This functionality, supported from Android 4.4 onwards, requires minimal integration via the Android Jetpack library.
Additionally, the Health Connect APIs, currently in early access, enable applications—upon explicit user consent—to read and write medical records in FHIR format. This advancement aims to streamline health data management while reinforcing Google’s commitment to user privacy and data security, further highlighted by the latest enhancements in the Privacy Sandbox within Android 16.
Developers keen to explore Android 16 can install it on various Google Pixel devices. Comprehensive installation instructions are available on Google’s official site, with a reminder for developers to update both their SDK and Android Emulator for optimal performance.
As is customary with any developer preview, Android 16 may present stability, battery, or performance issues, which could render it unsuitable for daily use, particularly for users with accessibility needs. Known issues include occasional failures in launching apps via ongoing media notifications and camera screen flashes during video recording when adjusting the zoom level on certain devices.
It is important to note that not all applications may operate as expected, including Google’s native apps, due to the preview’s lack of Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) approval. Developers who rely on CTS-approved builds or SafetyNet APIs may face additional hurdles.
(Photo by Samuel Angor)
See also: Google plans to merge Chrome OS and Android
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