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Discover the new features and release timeline of Android 16.
Google has published a preview about Android 16 this November, including detailed release schedule and some information for android developers.
(Source: Google)
The Android 16 Developer Preview Program starts from November 2024, while in Janurary 2025, Android 16 beta will become available to both develpers and consumers.
Also as stated by Google, there will be two Android API releases in 2025.
One major release planned in Q2 of 2025, and the other in Q4.
In addition to new API for developers, the Q4 release will also focus on feature updates, optimizations, and bug fixes without affecting app behavior.
(Source: Google)
Developer Preview 1 introduces updates for first new Android API in Q2 of 2025, here's the information summary from Google:
In the Android 16 Developer Preview 1, several new API features have been introduced.
The SDK_INT_FULL constant allows for API checks against both major and minor Android versions using the new VERSION_CODES_FULL enumeration.
Additionally, the Build.getMinorSdkVersion() method enables developers to retrieve the minor SDK version.
Notably, there are no changes to the target API level requirements, which remain tied to the major API level on an annual basis.
The embedded photo picker is another significant update.
New APIs allow apps to embed the photo picker into their view hierarchy, providing a more integrated feel without requiring broad permissions. This feature is supported back to Android 4.4 through the Android Jetpack library.
The Privacy Sandbox has been updated in Android 16, incorporating the latest privacy protection technologies. The SDK Runtime allows SDKs to run in a separate runtime environment, offering stronger safeguards for user data.
The second developer preview of Android 16 introduces several enhancements aimed at improving app experiences, battery life, and performance.
Here's a detailed overview of the new features and changes:
💡 Short Summary Version
The ProfilingManager, introduced in Android 15, now includes System Triggered Profiling to capture challenging trace scenarios like startups or ANRs.
Developers can use ProfilingManager#addProfilingTriggers() to register triggers for these events.
ApplicationStartInfo now includes getStartComponent() to help identify which component type triggered a startup, aiding in optimizing app startup flows.
Android 16 introduces APIs that allow apps to define the amplitude and frequency curves of haptic effects, abstracting device capability differences for a richer user experience.
New methods in JobScheduler, such as getPendingJobReasons(int jobId) and getPendingJobReasonsHistory(int jobId), help developers understand why jobs are pending, aiding in debugging and optimizing job execution.
Enhancements to ARR include new methods hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(int), making it easier for apps to leverage ARR. Support for ARR is also being integrated into more Jetpack libraries.
Android 16 adjusts job execution runtime quotas based on app standby buckets, visibility, and concurrency with foreground services. This aims to optimize resource usage and improve job performance.
The method JobInfo.Builder#setImportantWhileForeground(boolean) is fully deprecated in Android 16 and will no longer function, nor will JobInfo#isImportantWhileForeground().
Disruptive accessibility announcements using announceForAccessibility or TYPE_ANNOUNCEMENT are deprecated. Alternatives are provided to create more consistent user experiences for assistive technology users.
New APIs enable cloud search functionality in the Android photo picker, allowing users to safely access selected images and videos from local and cloud storage.
Android 16 supports robust security features in WiFi location with WiFi 6's 802.11az, offering enhanced accuracy and security for proximity use cases.
Health Connect adds a new datatype, ACTIVITY_INTENSITY, and updated APIs for reading and writing medical records in FHIR format, aligning with WHO guidelines.
New APIs support predictive back system animations in gesture navigation, including the finishAndRemoveTaskCallback() and moveTaskToBackCallback(), enabling smoother transitions and animations.
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Regarding development and testing, developers are encouraged to compile their apps against the new SDK and use the compatibility framework for early testing of targetSdkVersion-related changes.
The Android 16 Preview program runs from November 2024 to April 2025, with Platform Stability expected by March 2025.
Developers can access the Developer Preview by manual download, with over-the-air updates available after installation.
Feedback is encouraged, and developers should report issues and submit feature requests.
Consumers will be invited to try Android 16 during the Beta releases, with enrollment opening in the Android Beta program.
Developers should use the latest Android Studio preview for the best development experience and extensively test their apps on Android 16.
To learn more about Android 16, please stay tuned with us. We will update you promptly whenever new information is available!
💡 Android 15: Key Changes Impacting App Developers
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