Android 16 is the upcoming major release of Android. The first developer preview was released on November 19, 2024.[1]Google expects the platform to reach beta stage in January 2025 with a final release expected in the second quarter of 2025.[2]
History
Android 16 is internally codenamed "Baklava".[3] This naming choice marks a departure from the traditional alphabetical order of dessert-themed codenames which had been a hallmark of earlier Android versions.[4] The shift to "Baklava" reflect Google's recent changes in it's development approach, particularly it's "Trunk Stable Project", which streamlined build processes and naming conventions starting with Android 14.[5]
The first developer preview (also known as DP1) for Android 16 was released on 19 November 2024.
Features
The official DP1 release notes state that the following features will be introduced in Android 16:[2]
Embedded Photo Picker
The Android photo picker has been significantly enhanced to include support for cloud-based media services like Google Photos. Users can seamlessly select photos stored in their cloud accounts, eliminating the need to switch between apps. Additionally, the picker integrates cloud albums alongside local content, offering a unified and streamlined experience. As Android 16 source code suggest the embedded picker can now respond to configuration changes like the screen orientation or theme changing, can hide the overflow menu and preview features, the picker now includes the selection bar and snack bar, and can be expanded or collapsed.[6]
Health Records
Android 16 introduces enhanced functionality in Health Connect, allowing apps to access and manage medical data through a new set of APIs. The initial developer preview includes support for writing medical records in FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) format, a standardized method for managing electronic health records across different healthcare systems. This feature currently focuses on immunization records, with plans to expand support for lab results, medications, and more. Apps can utilize permissions such as android.permission.health.READ_MEDICAL_DATA_IMMUNIZATION and android.permission.health.WRITE_MEDICAL_DATA to interact with this data, with explicit user consent required.[7]
Privacy Sandbox
Privacy Sandbox on Android 16 continues Google's effort to redefine online advertising with stronger user privacy. The feature limits tracking mechanisms by utilizing anonymized data and local processing to deliver personalized content without compromising user privacy. This advancement ensures compliance with evolving data regulations while maintaining robust support for advertising ecosystems.[2]
However, enthusiasts have discovered the existence of other under-development features that may be released in later developer preview versions. These features include the following.
Audio Sharing
Android 16 introduces an innovative Audio Sharing feature utilizing Bluetooth LE Audio's Auracast technology. This allows users to stream audio to multiple Bluetooth devices simultaneously, such as headphones or speakers, without complex pairing processes. It is particularly useful for sharing audio in group settings, ensuring all participants can listen on their individual devices. To use this feature, both the source device and receiving devices must support Bluetooth LE Audio.[8]
Notification Cooldown
The Notification Cooldown feature in Android 16 aims to reduce distractions from rapid notification bursts. When multiple notifications are received in quick succession, this feature temporarily lowers the notification sound and minimizes alerts for up to two minutes. This adjustment does not affect priority notifications like calls or alarms, allowing users to maintain focus while still receiving critical updates. The feature is part of Android 16's broader efforts to enhance user experience through thoughtful notification management.[9]
Development
The first developer preview of Android 16 was released on November 19, 2024. A second developer preview is expected to be released in December 2024, with first beta planned for release in January 2025. The final stable version of Android 16 is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2025.[3]
Unlike previous versions, Android 16 will be released earlier in the year. Notably, Android 16 will have two separate SDK releases. The first SDK will include behaviour changes, along with new APIs and features, while the second SDK will focus primarily on the introduction of new APIs and features. The first SDK is expected to be released in March 2025 along with the 3rd beta version of Android 16, while the second SDK is expected to be released in forth quarter of 2025. Google has stated that this change is part of their ongoing effort to accelerate innovation in apps and devices.[2]
Android 16 release timeline
Timeline
Build
Type
Developer actions
November
Developer Preview 1
Early baseline build focused on developer feedback, with some new features, APIs, and behavior changes.
Explore new APIs and behavior changes and report any critical issues or requests to us during this time.
Begin early app compatibility testing.
December
Developer Preview 2
Incremental update with additional features, APIs, and behavior changes.
Continue to send feedback on behavior changes and APIs.
Get apps ready for consumer Beta.
Continue compatibility testing and publish app updates to testing tracks without changing targeting.
January
Beta 1
Initial beta-quality release, over-the-air update to early adopters who enroll in Android Beta.
Continue compatibility testing and watch for feedback from Android Beta users.
Start early testing with targeting Android 16.
Notify SDK and library developers of any compatibility issues.
February
Beta 2
Incremental Beta-quality release.
Continue compatibility testing, watch for feedback from Android Beta users.
Continue early testing with targeting Android 16.
Continue notifying SDK and library developers of any compatibility issues.
Platform Stability
March
Beta 3
First Platform Stability milestone including final APIs and behaviors. Play publishing also opens.
Start final compatibility testing for apps, SDKs, and libraries.
Release compatible app versions.
Continue work to target Android 16.
Update SDKs and libraries and notify their developers of any compatibility issues.
April, May
Beta 4
Near-final builds for final testing.
Release compatible versions of apps, SDKs, and libraries.
Continue work to target Android 16.
Build with new features and APIs.
June
Final release
Android 16 release to AOSP and ecosystem.
Release compatible versions of apps, SDKs, and libraries.
