Google released the first test version of Android 16 for developers

Google launched today (19) First preview of Android 16It is available to developers on Pixel mobile phones. The build brings some new features that should be included in the next version of the operating system, which is scheduled to be released in the second quarter of 2025.

One of the features of the update highlighted by the Mountain View giant is New API for Android’s photo picker. In addition, it will be possible to integrate the tool directly into applications, facilitate the sharing of photos and videos, and eliminate the need to grant access to the entire device.

There is also a revamped API for the Conexão Saúde platform to read and write medical records in FHIR format. The new feature will allow apps and devices to share information about the user’s health with the user’s permission, just like smartwatches and bracelets do.

Another feature highlighted in the first preview of Android 16 for developers is the latest version of the operating system’s Private Sandbox. This feature helps improve user privacy on the web and provides solutions for companies to achieve good results in advertising.

early release

For the last five years, Google has released Developer Preview 1 of Android in February, but this time it was brought forward by a few months. Suggests Android 16 release could happen sooner than expected. According to the official schedule, the second preview of the release will be held in December.

Already The first public beta of Android 16 will be available in Januaryif the published schedule is followed. As a result, the launch of the final version of next-generation Android will take place between April and May, possibly during the 2025 edition of the Google I/O conference.

The Android 16 developer preview is available on all versions of the Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 phones, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Users with the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1 package installed will need to wipe their devices before switching to the updated system.