Android 16

Android 16
Version of the Android operating system
Developer	Google
OS family	Android
Source model	Open-source software
Latest preview	Developer Preview 1 / November 19, 2024; 2 days ago
Kernel type	Monolithic Kernel (Linux Kernel)
Preceded by	Android 15
Official website	developer.android.com/about/versions/16
Support status
	Developer Preview Version

Android 16 is the upcoming major release of Android. The first developer preview was released in November 2024.^[1] Google expects the platform to reach beta stage in January 2025 with a final release expected in Q2 2025^[2]

History

Android 16 is internally codenamed "Baklava".^[3]

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 now 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. This update builds on previous versions, extending accessibility to older Android devices via modular updates.^[4]

Health Records

Android 16 introduces expanded support for digital health records, enabling users to consolidate medical data directly on their devices. This feature supports standardized health data formats for compatibility across various healthcare providers and apps. With enhanced privacy protections, users can securely store and share critical medical information as needed, streamlining access to personal health data while prioritizing security.^[2]

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 such as Audio sharing to multiple devices at once^[5] and notification cooldown.^[6]

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 will be released in second quarter of 2025 along with the stable 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]