Android 16 update: Google today announced the first developer preview of its next-generation Android 16 mobile operating system. Android 16 Developer Preview 1 has been rolled out slightly earlier than when the company announced the first developer preview of Android 15. For those who don't know, let us tell you that the company rolled out Android 15 Developer Preview 1 in February this year.
This announcement comes shortly after the company confirmed that it will announce Android 16 earlier than usual.
Android 16 features: Everything we know so far
While Android 16 is still in the early stages of development, the company has already given us a glimpse of some of the features that users will be able to use upon the final roll out. The new features available as part of Android 16 Developer Preview 1 are:
Photo Picker: This feature will give users a more effective way to give the app access to selected images and videos from both local and cloud storage, rather than their entire media library. “This makes it feel like a more integrated part of the app, while also taking advantage of process isolation, which allows users to select media without requiring the app to grant overly broad permissions,” the company said.
Health Records: Android 16 will also get a Health Records functionality that will allow users to read, edit, and store their medical records using the app, which protects their privacy. Accessing these records requires the user's explicit consent.
How to get Android 16 on your smartphone
Currently, Android 16 is only available on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Available on Pro XL and 9 Pro Fold. Here's a step-by-step guide on how Pixel users can access an early version of Android 16 on their Pixel phones:
Step 1: Install the latest preview version of Android Studio on supported Pixel phones.
Step 2: In Android Studio, click on Tools and then click on SDK Manager.
Step 3: In the SDK Tools tab, select the latest version of Android Emulator and then click OK.
Step 4: In Android Studio, click on Tools and then click on Device Manager.
Step 5: Next, click on Add a new device and then click on Create Virtual Device in the Device Manager panel.
Step 6: Select the device definition for supported Pixel phones in the Phone Category tab and then click Next.
Step 7: Find the Android 16 system image named VanillaIceCream and then click the Download button next to the release name.
Step 8: After the download is complete, select this system image and click Next.
Step 9: Click on the Finish icon.
Step 10: After returning to the list of virtual devices in Device Manager, find the Android 16 virtual device and click Start.
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