Android 16 Beta 2 Released for Pixel 6, 7, 8, and Pixel 9 Series (Download & Install)

Following the successful rollout of Android 16 Beta, Google has now released a second beta update. Android 16 beta 2 is packed with enhancements that cater to professional camera applications, advanced graphical effects, and overall performance improvements, while also addressing compatibility and accessibility concerns.

The second beta comes with build number BP22.250124.009 and the latest February 2025 security patch, which primarily fixes Audio output issues with Android Auto and also Bluetooth connectivity. The best part of Android 16 is that it extended support for Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 Pro; extending over 5 years of OS support. In fact, Pixel 6, 7, and OG Fold will receive Android 17 and above.

One of the most notable upgrades comes in the form of advanced camera capabilities. Developers now have access to hybrid auto-exposure modes through the Camera2 API, which allow for manual control over specific exposure parameters while still benefiting from automatic adjustments. This feature empowers end users to fine-tune ISO and exposure time, bridging the gap between full manual control and complete reliance on auto-exposure algorithms.

Additionally, Android 16 Beta 2 introduces precise color temperature and tint adjustments by leveraging the COLOR_CORRECTION_MODE_CCT. This enhancement moves beyond the limitations of preset white balance modes like Incandescent or Cloudy, enabling finer adjustments that are critical for both high-quality photography and professional video recording.

Alongside these camera improvements, the beta also streamlines motion photo capture with standardized intent actions. By integrating actions such as ACTION_MOTION_PHOTO_CAPTURE and ACTION_MOTION_PHOTO_CAPTURE_SECURE, the system simplifies the process of capturing dynamic images, allowing developers to specify output destinations directly.

Furthermore, UltraHDR imaging receives a substantial upgrade; now, images encoded in the HEIC format incorporate embedded gainmaps, and upcoming support for AVIF UltraHDR hints at even more efficient image processing. These improvements ensure that visual content maintains exceptional quality, even in challenging lighting conditions.

Graphical effects have also seen a major transformation with the introduction of new AGSL-powered APIs. Developers can now utilize RuntimeColorFilter and RuntimeXfermode to create sophisticated visual effects directly within their drawing calls. These APIs open up new avenues for custom shader development, enabling creative implementations of effects like threshold adjustments, sepia tones, and intricate blending modes. This evolution builds upon the capabilities introduced in previous Android versions, allowing for richer and more dynamic user interfaces.

The beta update also brings important behavioral and compatibility changes. For example, the long-standing option to opt out of edge-to-edge layouts has been removed, meaning that apps must now adapt to a full-screen experience. This change encourages developers to revisit and update their layouts, ensuring that content is displayed optimally across all devices.

Additionally, Android 16 refines its permission model for health and fitness applications by shifting from broad BODY_SENSORS permissions to more granular ones under android.permissions.health. This change, which affects both foreground and background sensor access, aligns with Health Connect’s approach and enhances user privacy and data security.

Other noteworthy adjustments include improvements to the JobScheduler, where abandoned jobs are now identified with a new stop reason (STOP_REASON_TIMEOUT_ABANDONED), allowing for better resource management. Security measures have been strengthened with default protections against Intent redirection attacks, although developers still have the option to disable these measures via removeLaunchSecurityProtection() if absolutely necessary. Moreover, the deprecated elegantTextHeight attribute has been officially phased out, prompting developers to update their UI designs for better compatibility with diverse language and script requirements.

System performance and compatibility are further enhanced by introducing a 16 KB memory page compatibility mode. This mode ensures that apps built with older 4KB memory page alignments can still run smoothly on devices optimized for 16 KB pages, although developers are encouraged to update their configurations for optimal performance. Users now have the ability to customize measurement systems directly through regional settings, and apps can listen for locale changes via ACTION_LOCALE_CHANGED to dynamically adjust their displays according to the user’s preferred unit system.

Beyond these improvements, Android 16 Beta 2 extends its reach with new content handling APIs for live wallpapers. The introduction of WallpaperDescription and WallpaperInstance APIs enables developers to create unique, user-driven experiences for both home and lock screens. System-level enhancements, such as the new headroom APIs in the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF), offer games and resource-intensive apps vital insights into available CPU and GPU resources. This feature helps optimize performance and manage thermal throttling, ultimately contributing to a smoother and more energy-efficient user experience.

Security and key management have also been prioritized. The new KeyStoreManager class simplifies the process of sharing Android Keystore keys between apps, allowing for more secure management of sensitive data. Additionally, the MediaQuality package brings standardized access to audio and picture profiles for TVs, making it easier for streaming apps to dynamically adjust settings for an optimal viewing experience based on the content type—whether it’s a movie, a live sporting event, or interactive content that demands low latency.

Accessibility enhancements: Android 16 Beta 2 expands TtsSpan capabilities to include duration annotations, ensuring that time-based information is accurately conveyed by screen readers. Moreover, the platform now supports multiple labels per UI element, which is particularly beneficial for complex web content, and introduces new methods to clearly communicate the expanded or collapsed state of interactive elements.

Stable Android 16 release date

Android 16 is set for a major release in Q2 2025, with a minor release planned for Q4. The Q2 release will include behavior changes and new APIs, while the Q4 update will focus on optimizations and bug fixes. The platform stability milestone is targeted for March 2025, giving developers several months to finalize their testing before the official launch.

Here is the complete Android 16 release timeline:

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

Android 16 Beta 2 Feature List

• Advanced Camera Features:
  • Hybrid Auto-Exposure Modes:
    • New hybrid auto-exposure in Camera2 API allows manual control of ISO and exposure time while leveraging the auto-exposure algorithm.
    • Provides flexibility for high-fidelity image capture in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Precise Color Temperature and Tint Adjustments:
    • Adds fine-tuning of white balance through COLOR_CORRECTION_MODE_CCT.
    • Supports detailed adjustments for color temperature and tint, beneficial for professional video and photography.
  • Motion Photo Capture Intent Actions:
    • Standardized intent actions (ACTION_MOTION_PHOTO_CAPTURE and ACTION_MOTION_PHOTO_CAPTURE_SECURE) simplify capturing motion photos.
    • Enables specifying output locations using extras like EXTRA_OUTPUT or ClipData.
  • UltraHDR Image Enhancements:
    • Supports UltraHDR images in HEIC format with embedded gainmaps.
    • Introduces additional parameters from the ISO 21496-1 draft standard, with future support for AVIF UltraHDR.
• Custom Graphical Effects with AGSL:
  • Introduces new APIs such as RuntimeColorFilter and RuntimeXfermode.
  • Enables developers to create complex visual effects and custom compositing/blending directly in draw calls.
  • Enhances creative capabilities in building dynamic and visually rich UI components.
• Behavior and Compatibility Changes:
  • Mandatory Edge-to-Edge Layout:
    • Opt-out for edge-to-edge display is removed; apps must now fully support edge-to-edge layouts.
  • Health and Fitness Permissions Update:
    • Transition from BODY_SENSORS permissions to granular permissions under android.permissions.health.
    • Aligns sensor data access with Health Connect requirements.
  • JobScheduler Improvements:
    • New detection of abandoned jobs with STOP_REASON_TIMEOUT_ABANDONED to manage background tasks better.
  • Intent Security Enhancements:
    • Default hardening against Intent redirection attacks is applied; removeLaunchSecurityProtection() API is available for opt-out if needed.
  • Deprecation of Elegant Font APIs:
    • The elegantTextHeight attribute is deprecated, prompting developers to update UI layouts.
  • 16 KB Memory Page Compatibility Mode:
    • Provides compatibility for apps built with 4KB memory pages on devices optimized for 16KB pages.
  • Measurement System Customization:
    • Users can now customize measurement systems (imperial vs. metric) in regional settings, and apps can respond to these changes.
• Content Handling and System-Level APIs:
  • Live Wallpaper Enhancements:
    • New APIs (WallpaperDescription and WallpaperInstance) streamline the creation of dynamic live wallpapers for home and lock screens.
  • Headroom APIs in ADPF:
    • getCpuHeadroom and getGpuHeadroom APIs help estimate available system resources, optimizing performance and battery life.
  • Key Sharing API:
    • New KeyStoreManager class facilitates secure sharing of Android Keystore keys between apps.
  • Standardized Media Quality for TVs:
    • MediaQuality package provides standardized APIs for audio and picture profiles, allowing dynamic switching for optimal content presentation.
• Accessibility Enhancements:
  • TtsSpan Updates:
    • Adds TYPE_DURATION to TtsSpan, enabling accurate annotation of time durations for screen readers like TalkBack.
  • Multi-Label Support:
    • AccessibilityNodeInfo now supports multiple labels per UI element for complex web content.
  • Enhanced Interactive Element Support:
    • New APIs to indicate expanded/collapsed states of menus and lists.
    • Introduces RANGE_TYPE_INDETERMINATE for better progress indicator feedback and a tri-state checkbox to represent partial selections.

How To Download & Install Android 16 Beta 2?

The Android 16 Beta is available for all via the Android Beta Program. You can skip the manual installation like the factory image and simply receive the OTA on your device. The easiest way is to Sign up your Pixel device into Android Beta Program. Simply sign in with your Google Account associated with your Pixel phone and follow the instructions.

Alternatively, 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.

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

Important Links

• Enroll your Pixel device in Android Beta Program
• 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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