Google has started the rollout of Android 16 Beta 1 for Pixel devices. This “beta-quality release” is now an over-the-air (OTA) update for devices enrolled in the Android Beta Program.
Android 16 enhances app adaptability for various device sizes and orientations. Key updates include: Apps targeting API level 36 in 2025 must support resizable windows for screens wider than 600dp, with an opt-out option.
By 2026, apps targeting API level 37 must comply, with no opt-out available.
Google provides frameworks, tools, and libraries to assist developers in optimizing their apps.
2. Live Updates
Live Updates introduces a new notification system for real-time activities such as ride sharing, food delivery, and navigation. Features include:
A ProgressStyle notification template for consistent user experiences.
Customizable icons, progress tracking, and milestones for user journeys.
3. Camera and Media Advancements
4. Accessibility Enhancements
New APIs focus on inclusivity and usability:
Supplemental Descriptions: Allow developers to label ViewGroup elements without overriding child content.
Required Form Fields: Enables apps to specify mandatory fields using the setFieldRequired API.
5. Generic Ranging APIs
The new RangingManager enables devices to measure distance and angles using technologies such as BLE, Ultra-Wideband, and WiFi round trip time. Behavior and Compatibility Changes
Android 16 includes several system-level improvements:
Predictive Back Navigation: Enhanced back gesture animations now apply to 3-button navigation systems.
ART Updates: Internal Android Runtime (ART) changes improve performance, but may affect apps relying on non-SDK elements.
Fixed Work Scheduling: Optimized scheduleAtFixedRate to improve performance during lifecycle transitions.
Broadcast Priority Changes: Broadcast delivery order is now restricted within the same process, rather than system-wide.
Device Compatibility and Availability
Android 16 Beta 1 (BP22.250103.008) includes the January 2025 security patch and supports the following devices:
It is also available on the Android Emulator for development purposes.
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