Android 16 Beta 1 is Here: What’s New and How to Install It

3 Min Read

After two developer previews, Android 16 is now moving to the next phase of its life, beta testing. Google today officially released the first beta update for Android 16, perfectly aligning with the company’s plan to launch the next Android version much earlier than usual. The update brings a bunch of new features, and as usual, if you own a Pixel device, you can try them out right now.

Here’s what’s new. 

What’s New in Android 16 Beta 1?

Google has introduced several exciting new features in this beta release. Here are the key highlights:

  • Adaptive Apps for All Screen Sizes – Apps will now better adjust to various screen formats, particularly for tablets, foldables, and Chromebooks.
  • Live Activities – A new type of notification that keeps you updated on ongoing tasks, such as navigation, food deliveries, or ride-sharing services.
  • Improved Video Recording – Android 16 brings support for high-quality video recording with new codecs.
  • Enhanced Navigation – The 3-button navigation system now includes a Predictive Back feature for smoother interactions.
  • Better Gemini Integration – The AI-powered Gemini assistant gains expanded capabilities within apps.

Supported Pixel Devices

Android 16 Beta 1 is available for the following Pixel devices:

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

How to Install Android 16 Beta 1

There are two ways to install the beta:

Sign up for the Android Beta Program (just search online for “Android Beta Program”). Once enrolled, select your device and click “Opt-in” to receive an over-the-air (OTA) update. After enrolling, you can check for the update under:

SettingsSystemAdvancedSystem update

2. The Manual Way

If you want to install the update faster, you can flash a factory image or manually apply an OTA file. You’ll find the necessary files and instructions on Google’s developer pages (search for “Android 16 Factory Images” or “Android 16 OTA Files”).

Important Notes for Beta Testers

  • If you already have a developer preview of Android 16 installed, you’ll receive Beta 1 automatically via OTA.
  • If you’re using the Android 15 QPR2 beta, you can update directly to Android 16 Beta 1 without resetting your device. Alternatively, you can skip the update and wait for the final version of QPR2.

Share This Article