Asus is rolling out Android 16 testing for its latest gaming phones, giving ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro users a chance to try the next big software update ahead of schedule. Owners of the two models can now enroll directly from their device. The process is simple: head to Settings > System > System update, tap the gear icon, and select Enroll in Android preview program. Once accepted, the phone pulls in the beta build over the air.
But there’s an important caveat — beta software is likely to include bugs, and once you jump in, there’s no easy way to go back to Android 15. That means testers are effectively locked in until the stable Android 16 release, which Asus is targeting for early 2026.
Despite the flagship specs, Asus is only promising two Android upgrades: Android 16 and Android 17. The cheaper ROG Phone 9 FE, which launched earlier this year, isn’t included in the beta program but will follow the same update cycle. Compared to Samsung and Google’s seven-year update commitment, Asus’ two-year window feels limited — especially for flagships priced at nearly €1,000.
Should you try it?
The beta gives users an early look at Android 16’s tweaks, including better gaming optimizations and battery efficiency improvements. Still, the lack of a rollback option makes this a risky choice for anyone relying on their phone as a daily driver. For those who don’t mind the bugs, it’s a chance to be among the first to see what Android 16 brings to Asus’ gaming lineup.
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