It probably feels strange hearing about Android 16 features when only a few eligible phones have received Android 15. The latter arrived a few weeks ago, and since all eligible Pixel phones are running the update, Google can move to Android 16, which is exactly what the company plans to do.
Google has changed its release schedule for a new Android OS. The plan is to make a new OS available on time to speed up the adoption process. Hence, with the Android 16 Developer Preview 1 now available, the stable version should come soon.
Early reports suggest June 3 for the release of stable Android 16, which is looking more likely now. According to the official timeline, November and December are for Developers Previews, while from January Beta releases will start. The company plans to reach platform stability by March before the stable release in June.
Meanwhile, with the latest release, some Android 16 features have been confirmed. However, most of these changes are for developers to test their apps and make all necessary adjustments.
Android 16 features as per the Developer Preview 1
System Photo Picker: There are new APIs related to photo pickers in AD1. The function is to give developers more options on how a photo picker appears for users. If you’re not aware, a photo picker is the pop-up you see when uploading a picture from your device. In the past, you would have to grant it all permission before selecting pictures, but with the recent changes, you can only select the pictures or videos you want to upload. The idea is to grant limited access to photo pickers.
Health Records: Android 16 will support certain health records. With the latest update, Health Connect can read and write Electronic Health Records (EHRs) in the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) standard. It’s probably the same standard used by doctors, dentists, and others. Of course, users have to grant permission in the same way Google limits access, forcing developers to apply for access before they can work with it.
Privacy Sandbox on Android: Android 16 will introduce the latest Privacy Sandbox on Android. A lot of changes will be coming throughout the beta phase though with the recent QPR releases have a few things to say about the changes. Nevertheless, we expect all the new additions when the stable version rolls out.
Unfortunately, only selected Pixel phones can install the update. However, ignore the build if you are not a developer as it is now good as a daily driver. We expect many bugs and glitches till platform stability next year.
