Explore the latest features and release schedule of Android 16.
In November, Google released a preview of Android 16, providing a detailed release schedule and essential information for Android developers.
(Source: Google)
The Android 16 Developer Preview Programme began in November 2024. In January 2025, the Android 16 Beta will be available to developers and general users.
Google has confirmed two Android API releases for 2025: one major release in Q2 and another in Q4. The Q4 release will focus on feature updates, optimisations, and bug fixes without impacting app behaviour.
(Source: Google)
Developer Preview 1 introduces the first new Android API for Q2 2025. Here is a summary of the updates provided by Google:
Several new APIs have been introduced in Android 16 Developer Preview 1:
The SDK_INT_FULL constant allows API checks against both major and minor Android versions using the VERSION_CODES_FULL enumeration.
The Build.getMinorSdkVersion() method enables retrieval of the minor SDK version.
Target API level requirements remain tied to the major API level and are unchanged.
The embedded photo picker now allows apps to integrate the picker directly into their UI, providing a seamless experience without requesting broad permissions. Support extends back to Android 4.4 via the Android Jetpack library.
Health Connect supports reading and writing medical records in FHIR format with user consent. The API is currently in early access, and developers may apply to join the programme.
The Privacy Sandbox has been updated with new privacy protection technologies. SDKs can now run in a separate runtime environment, offering stronger safeguards for user data.
Developer Preview 2 brings enhancements to app performance, battery life, and user experience. Here is an overview of the key updates:
💡 Quick Summary
The ProfilingManager now supports System Triggered Profiling to capture complex trace scenarios like startups and ANRs. Developers can register triggers with ProfilingManager#addProfilingTriggers().
ApplicationStartInfo now includes getStartComponent() to identify which component initiated a startup, helping optimise app startup flows.
New APIs allow apps to define haptic amplitude and frequency curves, abstracting device differences for a richer user experience.
JobScheduler methods like getPendingJobReasons(int jobId) and getPendingJobReasonsHistory(int jobId) help developers understand why jobs are pending, aiding debugging and optimisation.
ARR enhancements include hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(int), facilitating app use of adaptive refresh rates. More Jetpack libraries now support ARR.
Job execution runtime quotas are now adjusted based on app standby buckets, visibility, and concurrency with foreground services, improving performance and resource efficiency.
JobInfo.Builder#setImportantWhileForeground(boolean) and JobInfo#isImportantWhileForeground() are deprecated. Disruptive accessibility announcements using announceForAccessibility or TYPE_ANNOUNCEMENT are also deprecated, with alternatives recommended.
New APIs enable safe cloud search access within the photo picker for selected images and videos.
Android 16 introduces robust security and improved accuracy for WiFi 6 (802.11az) location services.
A new datatype, ACTIVITY_INTENSITY, has been added, along with updated FHIR APIs aligned with WHO guidelines.
APIs now support predictive back gestures with smoother transitions, including finishAndRemoveTaskCallback() and moveTaskToBackCallback().
Developers are encouraged to compile apps against the new SDK and test targetSdkVersion changes using the compatibility framework. The Android 16 Preview programme runs from November 2024 to April 2025, with Platform Stability expected by March 2025.
Developer Preview access is via manual download, with OTA updates available post-installation. Feedback and issue reports are encouraged. Consumers can join the Android Beta programme for Android 16 testing. Using the latest Android Studio preview is recommended for optimal app testing.
For more Android 16 updates, stay tuned. We will provide timely information as it becomes available.
💡 Android 15: Key Changes for Developers
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