
Google Unveils First Beta of Android 16
Google has officially released the first beta of Android 16, two months following the public rollout of Android 15. This beta version is currently available to Pixel devices that are part of the Android Beta Program. It brings forth a variety of new functionalities and enhancements expected to feature in the final release later this year.
Significant Changes in Screen Orientation Handling
One of the most noteworthy updates is the modification of app capabilities regarding screen orientation and resizability on larger displays. Google has provided the following insight:
On screens larger than 600dp wide, apps that target API level 36 will have app windows that resize; you should check your apps to ensure your existing UIs scale seamlessly, working well across portrait and landscape aspect ratios. We’re providing frameworks, tooling, and libraries to help.
This new feature is relevant for applications targeting API level 36 (Android 16), while developers currently have the option to opt out. However, with the upcoming API level 37 release, this feature will become a requirement.

Updates and Enhancements for Developers
The beta introduces a new ProgressStyle notification template, aiming for consistency in Live Update notifications. This new template includes elements for tracking progress such as icons for start, end, and current stages, along with segments and milestones.
Enhanced Predictive Back Support
Android 16 expands predictive back support to include 3-button navigation for compliant applications. A long-press of the back button now initiates an animation that previews the previous page, enhancing user experience across the system.
Advanced Multimedia Support
The Android 16 beta also incorporates support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, developed by Samsung. This codec enables high bitrates and lossless quality, catering to professional video applications. Additionally, the new EXTENSION_NIGHT_MODE_INDICATOR API will assist developers in creating camera functionalities that can toggle night mode efficiently.
Additional Noteworthy Features
- Vertical Text Support: This release establishes foundational support for vertical text, crucial for languages like Japanese. While developers can utilize the VERTICAL_TEXT_FLAG in the Paint class, higher-level APIs like TextView and Jetpack Compose’s Text aren’t yet equipped for this.
- Accessibility Improvements:
- Supplemental Descriptions: Developers can now append additional descriptions to ViewGroups without disrupting the labels of child views, enhancing usability for components such as dropdowns.
- Required Form Fields: The introduction of the setFieldRequired method assists in identifying essential form fields for streamlined navigation.
- RangingManager API: This new API enables precise distance and angle calculations between devices using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Ultra-Wideband technology, or WiFi—useful for applications requiring accurate device positioning.
- ART Enhancements: Improvements to the Android Runtime (ART) promise better performance, but developers should be cautious as apps relying on internal structures may face compatibility issues.
- Fixed Rate Task Scheduling: Under Android 16, tasks that missed their scheduled time will now execute once upon the app’s return to a valid lifecycle state, improving overall efficiency.
- Ordered Broadcast Adjustments: Broadcast priority is now confined to the same app process, necessitating adjustments for apps that operate across multiple processes.
Release Timeline for Android 16
- Q1 2025: A features-only update emphasizing incremental improvements and quality enhancements.
- Q2 2025: A major release featuring behavioral changes, new APIs, and significant updates that impact apps.
- Q3 2025: Another features-only update aimed at further improving quality.
- Q4 2025: A minor SDK release that includes new APIs, optimizations, and bug fixes, without any behavioral changes affecting applications.
Join the Beta Testing Experience
As Android 16 takes form, enthusiasts are welcome to test the beta version. However, as it is still in the beta phase, users may encounter bugs, making it advisable to test on a secondary device. System images for eligible Pixel devices can be found here.
Leave a Reply