Android 16 is now available for some users: Here is who can get it and how 

Android 16 Developer Preview is now available, but it's exclusively for app developers to test their apps with upcoming features. The full release for regular users is planned for 2025, ensuring a smoother experience with fewer bugs and new enhancements.

Big news for Android fans—Google just announced the first sneak peek of Android 16! This early version, called the Developer Preview, is now available, but before you get too excited, it’s not meant for regular users just yet. Instead, it’s for app developers who need to test their apps with the new features and updates before the official release. Why? Because when Android 16 fully rolls out in 2025, Google wants to make sure all your favourite apps work seamlessly. This means smoother performance, fewer bugs, and cool new features waiting for you when it’s finally available. Let’s dive into what’s coming, who can try it now, and when you might get your hands on it.

The Developer Preview is like a test version of Android 16 that developers can use to make their apps work smoothly with the new features and updates. It's not ready for everyday users yet—this version is meant for developers to test and give feedback.

Google plans two major Android updates in 2025:

–Q2 2025: The main release with major updates, new features, and potential changes that could affect apps.
–Q4 2025: A smaller update that will add some features and bug fixes without changing how apps work.

What's new in Android 16?

–Embedded Photo Picker
Apps can now include a built-in photo picker to help users choose photos and videos without giving access to their entire gallery. This keeps things more secure and private.

–Health Records Access

A new feature lets apps access medical records with user consent. This is still in testing and aimed at healthcare app developers.

–Privacy Sandbox

Google continues to improve privacy with a system that limits how apps collect and share user data. This ensures your personal information stays protected.

–Easier App Testing

Developers can now test new Android features without worrying about breaking their apps. Google has introduced tools to help test updates for major and minor releases separately.

Who can use Android 16 now?

For now, only app developers can access Android 16 Developer Preview. Regular users will have to wait until the Beta version comes out, which is expected in 2025.

How can developers get Android 16?

If you’re a developer, you can install the Android 16 Developer Preview by:

–Downloading a system image for your device.
–Flashing the image to install it manually.
–Using Android Studio (Google’s developer tool) to test your app with the new features.
–Once installed, future updates will arrive automatically.

Android 16 is designed to make smartphones faster, more secure, and more user-friendly. Developers testing their apps now means fewer bugs and better app experiences for everyone when the final version is released.

For regular users, you’ll get to explore Android 16’s features in 2025 as part of the Android Beta Program. For now, developers are helping shape what the final version will look like.

Stay tuned as Android 16 evolves!