Android 16 Beta 3 Introduces Terminal App Enhancements
On March 13, Google unveiled Android 16 Beta 3, a vital milestone leading up to the official release of Android 16. This iteration brings a multitude of enhancements and customization options, one of which has generated significant excitement among users: the introduction of the Terminal app.
The Emergence of Android’s Linux Terminal
Last year, a promising development emerged within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) as the ferrochrome-dev-option tag hinted at a forthcoming Linux Terminal app. With the rollout of the March 2025 Pixel update, the long-awaited stable version became available. This innovative terminal app operates on a Debian basis and utilizes the Android Virtualization Framework, permitting users to access a portable Linux distribution. However, its initial version notably lacked a highly sought-after capability: the ability to add multiple tabs.
Exciting Updates in the Latest Beta
According to Android expert Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority, the addition of Tab Strips in the third beta of Android 16 has fundamentally transformed the user interface of the Terminal app. Users can now efficiently multitask by clicking on the “+” icon to open multiple tabs, up to a total of 12, while also executing commands that require sudo access. However, it’s important to note that once tabs are created, their order cannot be changed or renamed—only deletion is possible.
User Interface Preview
Here’s a look at the new user interface of the Terminal app:
Future Potential and Features
Another noteworthy addition in this beta version is the presence of a “Display”button located at the top right corner of the app. Currently, its functionality remains unclear, although there is speculation that it may facilitate the running of graphical Linux applications in the future.
While the Terminal app currently does not support rearranging or renaming tabs, these limitations may simply stem from its recent integration into Android. Future updates are expected to enhance these features, making the terminal experience even more user-friendly.
How to Access the New Terminal App
If you’re eager to explore the enhancements offered by the new Terminal app, you can enable developer options by navigating to Settings > System > Developer Options > Linux Development Environment. This process will prompt you to download a Debian image package exceeding 560 MB.
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