Android 16 Developer Preview 2 released for Pixel 9 Pro to Pixel 6

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Google just released second Android 16 developer preview with build number BP21.241121.009 featuring latest security patch from December 2024. Apart from the Android 16 DP 1 features, Android 16 Developer Preview 2 released with the following changes.

This update also resolves the following issues:

Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the screen brightness on a device to be set to 0% when the device was woken up.
Fixed an issue that caused the Terminal app to display a “No local assets” error when launched.

Right after the stable Android 15 release, Google already prepared the Android 16 developer preview released for all the developers to test their app for the upcoming operating system update for mobile.

The best thing that came out of Android 16 announcement is that Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, and the OG Fold will get upto Android 17, with an additional 2 years of Android OS support taking it to a total 5 years! Android 16 and the next year’s Android 17 can be installed on several Pixel smartphones from Pixel 9 Pro all the way down to Pixel 6! Here, checkout how to download Android 16, timeline, stable release schedule, and features.

When will Stable Android 16 be released?

Apart from the new features and downloads, Google also released the Android 16 release timeline. This will be a long beta program for Android 16 with stable release by Q3 2025 with all the features included. Just like this year, we may see the beta arrive in April 2024 and the final release around August 2024.

Timeline for Android 16 Releases

In 2025, Android is gearing up for a significant shift with two scheduled API releases, reflecting Google’s vision for faster, more efficient updates:

Q2 Major Release: Scheduled for early Q2 of 2025, Android 16 is arriving a quarter earlier than previous releases. This change is designed to better synchronize with global device launches, ensuring a wider adoption across the Android ecosystem.
Q4 Minor Release: A follow-up release in Q4 will include new developer APIs, feature updates, optimizations, and bug fixes. However, it will not incorporate any behavior changes that could impact app functionality.

With this revised timeline, developers should brace for earlier compatibility testing. The aim is to make sure your apps are polished and ready for the Q2 release, with any impactful behavior changes carefully integrated.

Here is the complete Android 16 release schedule:

**A timeline shows the release stages of a product from November 2024 to the final release after April 2025.**

What’s new with Android 16 Developer Preview 2?

Android 16 Developer Preview 2 introduces a range of features and updates designed to enhance app performance, optimize user experience, and provide developers with more tools to build their applications using new APIs and SDKs.

As the name suggests, this is a developer preview. Meaning, it is only meant for testing apps and new features for Android enthusiasts. This is not a public test or meant as a daily driver.

According to the Developer Preview Blog, Android 16 developer preview is available for download for manual installation only for the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, 8 Pro Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9Pro Fold, and the Android Emulator.

Key Enhancements in Android 16 Developer Preview 2

System Triggered Profiling

Building on ProfilingManager introduced in Android 15, this update introduces System Triggered Profiling, allowing developers to capture data on challenging scenarios such as app cold starts and ANRs (Application Not Responding). Apps can now use ProfilingManager#addProfilingTriggers() to gather insights on these flows, helping in diagnosing and optimizing performance.

Startup Diagnostics with ApplicationStartInfo

The getStartComponent() addition to ApplicationStartInfo provides greater visibility into what triggered a process start. This enables developers to optimize app startup flows by distinguishing between various component types initiating the process.

Richer Haptic Feedback

Android 16 extends its haptic feedback capabilities with APIs that allow developers to define amplitude and frequency curves for haptic effects, making vibrations more immersive. This enhancement abstracts device-specific limitations, providing consistent experiences across devices.

JobScheduler Improvements

The update introduces two major features for job management:

JobScheduler#getPendingJobReasons(int jobId) provides reasons why a job is pending, helping debug latency issues.
Deprecation of the JobInfo#setImportantWhileForeground method ensures a cleaner API. Developers are encouraged to adapt to changes to maintain compatibility.

Adaptive Refresh Rate (ARR) Enhancements

ARR allows displays to sync refresh rates with content frame rates for optimized performance and reduced power usage. New APIs like hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(int) simplify implementation, while RecyclerView 1.4 natively supports ARR for smoother scrolling experiences.

Accessibility and User Experience Updates

Deprecated Accessibility Announcements

To improve the user experience for assistive technologies, Android 16 deprecates announceForAccessibility and TYPE_ANNOUNCEMENT AccessibilityEvents. Developers are encouraged to adopt alternatives like setAccessibilityLiveRegion(int) for announcing UI changes and setAccessibilityPaneTitle(CharSequence) for pane-related updates.

Cloud Search in Photo Picker

The Photo Picker now supports cloud media search, enabling safer access to media from both local and cloud storage. This functionality simplifies media sharing while safeguarding user privacy.

Security and Connectivity

WiFi 6 (802.11az) Enhancements

Android 16 enhances WiFi location security by leveraging robust features of the 802.11az protocol, including AES-256 encryption and protection against MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks. This improves safety in proximity-based use cases like unlocking devices or accessing secured zones.

Health Connect Updates

Health Connect now supports ACTIVITY_INTENSITY as a new data type, adhering to WHO guidelines for monitoring moderate and vigorous activities. It also enables handling health records in FHIR format, offering more integration opportunities for health-focused apps.

Optimizations for Developers

Job Execution Runtime Adjustments

Job execution quotas now adapt to factors such as the app’s standby bucket and whether the app is visible. This ensures better management of resources and smoother execution of background tasks.

Predictive Back Gesture Enhancements

The predictive back system is refined with new callbacks like finishAndRemoveTaskCallback() and moveTaskToBackCallback(), offering smoother animations and improved navigation flow during gesture interactions.

Timeline and Getting Started

The Android 16 Developer Preview program runs until its public release in late Q1 2025, targeting Platform Stability by March 2025. Developers are encouraged to test their apps early to ensure compatibility with the final version.

List of Google Pixel devices receiving Android 16

You can install this release on any of the following Google Pixel devices:

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Entire Pixel Fold Series
Pixel Tablet
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
Pixel 8a
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold

How To Download & Install Android 16?

The Android 16 Developer Preview is available for manual download, and Google will be rolling out updates periodically. If you have installed Beta 1 from the Android 15 QPR2 Beta program, note that a device wipe is necessary to switch to the Android 16 Developer Preview. Over-the-air updates will be available for subsequent previews and betas, culminating in an Android Beta program open to consumers.

Developers should also keep an eye on the Platform Stability milestone, targeted for late Q1 of 2025. At this point, final APIs and system behaviors will be locked in, giving you ample time for rigorous testing.

You can get Android 16 on select Pixel devices by downloading the full Factory Images listed below and install them via the new Android Flash Tool portal. Simply sign in with your Google Account associated with your Pixel phone and follow the instructions.

You will need to enable USB Debugging (ADB access) and OEM Unlocking before flashing the Android beta 1.

Flashing Factory Images or flashing OTA files from Android 14 is another way to upgrade.

Important Links

Android Flash Tool Files (Install)
Factory Image Files (Downloads)
Apply OTA images — can be installed without data reset and bootloader unlocking
Installation Instructions (Install)
Download Android 16 GSI (Generic System Image)

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Download & Install Android 16 Developer Preview 2 for Pixel 9 to Pixel 6