Android 16 is arriving earlier than usual, thanks to major changes Google made to its development process. The upcoming OS is nearing the end of its beta testing phase, with Beta 4 rolling out just a week ago. Until recently, only Google Pixel users could test Android 16 beta builds — but now, the beta is expanding to devices from several major Android brands.
Samsung, however, isn’t on the list as the company is still busy with the One UI 7 rollout, which is based on Android 15. The devices that can now run Android 16 beta include the Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 14T Pro, OnePlus 13, Vivo X200 Pro, iQOO 13, Oppo Find X8, Honor Magic 7 Pro, Realme GT 7 Pro, Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus, and Sharp AQUOS sense9.
Additionally, the Android 16 beta is available for these Google Pixels models: 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.
Users with any of these aforementioned Android devices can get an early taste of Android 16 by flashing the beta ROM. These early beta builds are only intended for developers and testers as they generally have many bugs and broken features, which is why most people are advised to refrain from installing such builds.
How to install Android 16 beta on your device?
Installing a beta build isn’t as simple as downloading a regular update. You’ll need to manually flash the correct firmware, and any mistakes could leave your phone with corrupted software — or even make it unusable. If you’re not familiar with the flashing process, it’s best to avoid proceeding.
Before you begin, make sure to back up all your data. Beta installations typically wipe your device completely, so you don’t want to risk losing important files.
Regarding beta installation steps, different brands have different installation methods. Simply open the Android 16 beta devices page and tap on your smartphone brand. It will take you to your brand’s official page, where you’ll find all the steps and download links to the Android 16 beta files.
When is the stable version coming out?
Google is confirmed to release Android 16 in the second quarter, that is, by June 2025. However, a May release is also on the cards, given that the fourth beta is already out, which is supposed to be the final one. Many also believe that the upcoming OS will be released at the Google I/O 2025 event, which will go live on May 20.
So, the exact release data for Android 16 is still under the cover, but in all likelihood, the stable version will be pushed on or before June 2025.
- Android 16 DP1: Nov 18, 2024
- Android 16 DP2: Dec 18, 2024
- Android 16 Beta 1: Jan 23, 2025
- Android 16 Beta 2: Feb 13, 2025
- Android 16 Beta 3: Mar 13, 2025
- Android 16 Beta 4: Apr 17, 2025
You can read more about Android 16 here, including the eligible devices and new features. Also, don’t forget to regularly visit our Android 16 section for the latest news and developments.
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