- Google has rolled out Android 16 Beta 4, the last scheduled update before the stable release, marking the platform’s final API and behavior stability.
- Beta 4 is now available on a wider range of devices from partners including OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Xiaomi, and more, enabling broader app testing.
- Google confirms Android 16 will launch in Q2 2025, with a follow-up minor API update planned for Q4 that won't introduce breaking changes.
Google has officially released Android 16 Beta 4, the last scheduled update to the Android 16 beta program prior to the initial platform release due in Q2 2025. The current release makes app-facing system behaviors and developer APIs complete, and it represents a significant achievement for app developers and companies getting ready for Android 16.
Android 16 Beta 4: Platform stability achieved
Android 16 Beta 4 is the second Platform Stability release, confirming that all APIs and behaviors are now final. Developers can confidently build, test, and publish apps targeting Android 16 on Google Play. This update also includes the latest fixes and performance optimizations, which ensures a stable foundation for final app testing and compatibility validation.
As outlined in the Android Developers Blog, this is also the last opportunity for developers to provide feedback before the stable version launches.
Wider device availability enhances testing capabilities
With this release, Android 16 Beta is now supported on a broader range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and foldables from OEM partners such as Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, vivo, and Xiaomi. The expanded availability offers developers more flexibility to test apps across varied form factors and screen sizes.
Key behavioral changes and testing recommendations
Android 16 introduces several changes that require developer attention, even if apps are not yet targeting the new SDK version. Highlights include:
- JobScheduler Adjustments: More rigorous enforcement of job execution limits, with
setImportantWhileForegrounddeprecated. - Ordered Broadcasts: Limited to the same process; cross-process ordering now requires alternative IPC methods.
- Security Enhancements: Stronger protections against Intent redirection and better handling of reflection or JNI-based access to internal APIs.
- 16 KB Page Size Support: Apps must be compatible or use the new compatibility mode flag.
- Accessibility Updates:
announceForAccessibilityis deprecated; developers should adopt newer alternatives. - Bluetooth Improvements: Enhanced handling of bond loss and re-pairing.
These changes, along with others affecting UI, predictive back gestures, and font APIs, are designed to strengthen security, privacy, and user experience on Android 16.
Developer action items for Android 16 compatibility
Google encourages developers to:
- Compile and test apps against the Android 16 SDK.
- Ensure compatibility of third-party libraries, SDKs, and game engines.
- Review behavior changes and UI flows on real devices or emulators.
- Use Android Studio Narwhal Canary for the best development experience.
The Android Emulator and over-the-air updates for enrolled Pixel devices remain key testing tools. Developers using Android 16 Beta 3 will automatically receive Beta 4 updates.
Future roadmap: Two Android API releases in 2025
Google has confirmed two Android API releases for 2025:
- Q2 2025: The major release of Android 16, including behavior changes.
- Q4 2025: A minor release focused on optimizations, updates, and non-breaking improvements.
Last call for feedback before stable Android 16
With the release of Android 16 Beta 4, developers now have the final opportunity to test their applications in a stable pre-release environment. Google is urging the community to submit any remaining issues via the Android Beta feedback page before the platform’s official launch.
For complete documentation, migration guidance, and compatibility testing tools, visit the official Android 16 developer site.
