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This week, Google finally launched the first public test of Android 16. This was released as a preview for developers, which is why it’s being referred to as Android 16 DP1 (aka Developer Preview 1). Along with this launch, the Mountain View tech giant has also confirmed its release schedule for Android 16. Including the beta and final stable release.
Android 16 Developer Preview
As of right now, Google has said they plan on releasing two different builds that developers will be able to get their hands on.
Android 16 Developer Preview 1
Android 16 DP1 was released in the middle of November and it can be installed on any supported Google Pixel hardware right now. This includes the Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel 8 series, Pixel 9 series, the Pixel Fold and the company’s tablet as well.
Android 16 Developer Preview 2
Android 16 DP2 is said to be released next month, in December. We don’t have an exact date as to when this will be made available, but many suspect it will be released before the holiday season. So be sure to look out for this update within the first three weeks of December.
Android 16 Beta
The first Android 16 Beta is scheduled to be released sometime in January. Google has said there will be multiple beta builds released, with Beta 3 sporting “Platform Stability.” This means the SDK & NDK APIs will be finalized and no more changes will be made to the Android framework. Then, be on the lookout for the 4th beta update as that will be a near-final build with most of the bugs resolved.
Android 16 Beta 1
Android 16 Beta 1 is slated to be released within the month of January. This is said to be the first beta quality release and will be made available to the public via the Android Beta Program. This means you can install it through a traditional OTA update without the need to manually flash the firmware.
Android 16 Beta 2
Google says the Android 16 Beta 2 update will be available the very next month, in February. We are not supposed to expect this to be a major update, though, as it should be incremental only. So we can theorize that this update will only include minor bug fixes that are reported from the first beta release.
Android 16 Beta 3
Android 16 Beta 3 marks the first release that’s considered to reach Platform Stability. When Google has released this update, it will include the final APIs and system behaviors that will launch with the stable version of Android 16. Developers be rest assured that there will not be any further changes to the Android 16 framework after this has been released.
Android 16 Beta 4
In April, we are expected to see the near-stable build of Android 16 released to the public. There could still be some bugs present with the mobile operating system, but the majority of them (especially the critical issues) should be resolved by now. The only thing left is the final stable update.
Android 16 Stable
The first stable update of Android 16 is currently scheduled to be released within the month of May, 2025. Google could surprise us all and have this available to everyone within the first week. But they may need some extra time to polish all of the new changes. So this could take them a few more weeks to finally have things ready for the public.
It’s incredibly difficult to predict massive update schedules like this, but if everything goes smoothly then the first Google Pixel phones will begin to receive their update to Android 16 then.
