Following last month’s Android 16 beta 3 update, the final beta version of the Android 16 beta program has been officially released. This build will be the last call for testing before the Android 16 stable version launch of Q2 2025.
Here’s more about it.
Android 16 Beta 4 – Now Released
The Android 16 beta 4 version update that has now been released is the second platform stability release, and all the developer APIs as well as all the app-facing behaviors have been finalized. To add, the latest beta build includes new optimizations and bug fixes, and Android 16 supported applications can be made available from the Google Play Store hereafter.
On smartphones, tablets, and foldable devices from Android 16 beta partner brands (like Google Pixel, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, Sharp, OPPO, Realme, Vivo, Xiaomi, and Honor), users/developers can now run apps on the latest Android 16 beta 4 build. App developers will have to make necessary changes and updates to prevent compatibility issues, and the testing process involves them to install the app on an Android 16 beta 4 running device/emulator. As every Android release comes with privacy, security, and UI-related improvements, this is needed to ensure that no changes affect the app.
For devices currently running on Android 16 beta 3 and for users who are already in the Android beta program, the Android 16 beta 4 update will be rolled out as an OTA update. Supported Pixel devices can also be enrolled for this beta program, while non-Pixel users can make use of the 64-bit system images with Android Emulator in Android Studio. Android 16 beta 4 users are advised to provide their valuable feedback concerning bugs and issues, so as to address them in the future release.
As earlier revealed, two API releases are planned for this year in 2025 – a major SDK release in Q2 2025 and a minor SDK release in Q4 2025. The incremental or features-only updates roll-out in Q1 2025 and Q3 2025 further ensures continuous quality. The brand also plans to continue having Android quarterly releases from now on.
Stay tuned for more updates.
