Google Opens Up for Testing

Public Beta Version of Android 16 Released

The next generation of Android is expected to launch significantly earlier in the year than previous generations of the operating system, and now the public beta testing has started.

Ove Kaufeldt

Published 24 January 2025 - 15:33

While many are still waiting for Android 15 for their phones, Google has now released the first public beta version of Android 16.

The biggest new addition is Live Updates, which offers real-time notifications for carpooling, food deliveries, and navigation. Beyond that, you don't get many new user-friendly features, and considering the build is buggy, I wouldn't recommend installing it yet.

Since it is the first beta version, it is only available for selected Google Pixel devices:

Pixel 6
Pixel 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7
Pixel 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel 8
Pixel 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9
Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet

The easiest way to access the Android 16 beta is to register for the Android Beta Program. Just visit the Android Beta portal, where you can see all your devices eligible for the Android 16 beta. You can then choose to participate in the beta, which will have Google send the update to your phone or tablet as an OTA update (Over The Air). You should then be able to install the update and restart your phone to switch to Android 16.