Despite the recent release of Android 15, Google is already gearing up for Android 16, a move that comes earlier than usual. If you own a Pixel device from the last couple of years, you can access the first Developer Preview of Android 16 right now.
As is customary, Google’s beta versions of Android are first available to the Pixel lineup. However, at the announcement of Android 16 earlier today, it wasn’t clear which Pixel models would be eligible for the Developer Preview. Google has now clarified which devices can participate, revealing a few unexpected entries.
According to Google’s support documentation, the Pixel 6 and more recent models are set to receive Android 16. This update is particularly surprising as the Pixel 6 series was initially expected to receive guaranteed updates only up to Android 15, slated for October 2024. So, if you’re holding onto a Pixel 6, you can expect to keep it running for at least another year.
Here’s the complete list of Pixel devices eligible for the Android 16 Developer Preview 1:
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
This adds up to a total of 15 devices that can access this early beta version. Given that we didn’t anticipate any updates for the Pixel 6 series beyond Android 15, this comes as a delightful surprise.
What can users expect from Android 16? Currently, there don’t seem to be any groundbreaking features. However, one significant update includes a new API for the Android photo picker, which is designed to feel more integrated with the apps that utilize it. While many third-party applications have relied on their own photo pickers, this new API aims to enhance security and potentially encourage developers to adopt it. Additional new APIs are also incorporated for managing health records via Health Connect.
As for the early release schedule of Android 16, Google states that this approach will afford developers more time to prepare their applications for the upcoming Android version.
Keep in mind that this is a very preliminary developer beta for Android 16, and it is not advised to download it unless you’re actively developing an app. Even then, it’s wise to install it on a secondary device rather than your main phone.
