Google this past week officially released the first beta of Android 16, opening the doors for developers and adventurous early adopters to explore the next evolution of the mobile OS. Packed with innovative features, Android 16 is shaping up to be the most significant update of 2025, with a public release expected after April.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s new and some of what to expect from this beta release.
Live Updates: Keeping You in the Loop
One of the flagship features of Android 16 is Live Updates, a new notification class designed to keep users connected to ongoing activities. Live Updates use a standardized ProgressStyle template to streamline how users monitor rideshares, food deliveries, or navigation routes.
The new notification system supports custom icons to represent starting points, milestones, and journey progress, along with additional details like user states and journey segments. Developers working on logistics, navigation, or delivery apps are the main target for this feature, which emphasizes real-time tracking with minimal friction for users.
Professional-Grade Video Recording
Android 16 introduces support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, enabling professional-level video capture capabilities. With APV, the platform is catering to content creators and filmmakers who demand high-end tools for recording. The feature promises better control over video quality and advanced capture options, setting the stage for Android devices to compete more directly with dedicated video equipment.
A Push for Adaptive Apps
Google is taking significant steps to optimize the Android experience for foldables, tablets, and large-screen devices. Android 16 brings changes that require apps targeting API level 36 to fully support adaptive layouts on devices wider than 600dp.
Apps must now allow resizable windows and dynamic orientation changes on larger screens, though games are currently exempt from this requirement. Developers can opt out of these changes in Android 16, but starting with the 2026 release, targeting API level 37 will mandate compliance with these adaptive features. To ease the transition, Google provides frameworks, tools, and libraries to help developers ensure their apps look and perform their best across all form factors.
Android Updates: A Look Ahead
Google’s release roadmap for Android includes updates every quarter, with Android 16 being the highlight of the year. Smaller updates focused on adding features will come in Q1 and Q3, while the major Q4 update will introduce new APIs and advanced functionalities.
Enrolling in the Beta
Android 16 beta is available now for users with eligible Pixel devices. Those who enroll in the beta program will receive over-the-air updates, providing early access to this and future Android betas. However, Google strongly advises against installing the beta on primary devices, as rolling back to Android 15 requires a full factory reset.
What’s Next?
Android 16 is just the beginning of what Google has planned for the year, with these early features laying the groundwork for a more versatile and powerful mobile experience. Developers are encouraged to start testing their apps on the beta to ensure compatibility with the new requirements, especially for larger screen devices.
For those eager to dive into the beta, Google’s developer site provides all the tools and resources needed to explore Android 16’s capabilities.
