In a major announcement today, Google unveiled the first Developer Preview of Android 16, setting the stage for its next-generation mobile operating system. This early release is part of Google’s strategy to introduce more frequent API updates, aiming to foster faster innovation for developers and device manufacturers.
Android 16: What’s New?
Android 16 Developer Preview 1 brings new tools, APIs, and features designed to make app development smoother and more innovative. Key highlights include:
1. Embedded Photo Picker
The new embedded photo picker allows apps to seamlessly integrate media selection directly into their UI, providing a secure and user-friendly way for users to share media. Leveraging Android Jetpack, developers can easily integrate this feature, compatible with Android versions as far back as 4.4 (API level 19).
2. Health Records API
In a significant move for health tech, Android 16 introduces APIs for managing health records in FHIR format. This feature allows apps to read and write medical data with user consent, offering a new avenue for health-focused applications. The API is in early access, with developers invited to join the program.
3. Enhanced Privacy with Privacy Sandbox
Privacy remains a top priority in Android 16. The latest iteration of the Privacy Sandbox introduces advanced tools like the SDK Runtime, which isolates third-party SDKs in a dedicated environment, enhancing data security and transparency.
A New Cadence for Android Releases
In a shift from previous years, Google is implementing two API releases in 2025:
- Q2 Major Release: Includes significant behavior changes, new APIs, and features.
- Q4 Minor Release: Focused on additional APIs, performance optimizations, and bug fixes without major behavior changes affecting apps.
This updated schedule aligns better with device launch cycles, ensuring more devices receive Android updates sooner. Incremental updates will also roll out quarterly, ensuring continuous platform quality.
Key Developer Tools
Google has introduced new tools to simplify app development for Android 16:
- SDK_INT_FULL Constant: Enables developers to target both major and minor versions of Android.
- Build.getMinorSdkVersion() Method: Provides easy access to minor SDK version details for advanced version-specific functionality.
Developers are encouraged to test these tools and share feedback as they evolve.
Timeline and Availability
The Android 16 Preview program starts now and will run until the final public release in Q2 2025. Key dates include:
- Platform Stability Milestone: March 2025, finalizing APIs and system behaviors.
- Public Release: Scheduled for Q2 2025, giving developers ample time for app testing and optimization.
The preview is available for manual download and installation. Regular updates will roll out over the air for developers already on the preview build.
Getting Started
Developers eager to explore Android 16 can flash the system image to a compatible device or emulator. Google encourages early feedback on APIs and features to help shape the final release.
For detailed instructions, visit the Android 16 developer site.
With Android 16 on the horizon, developers and users alike can expect a transformative leap forward in functionality, privacy, and innovation.