Android 16 Beta 4 Released: The Last Step Before Official Launch
Google has officially launched Android 16 Beta 4, marking the final scheduled update for the Android 16 beta program. This release comes ahead of the stable version, which is set to arrive on June 3 for Pixel devices and AOSP. Android 16 Beta 4 primarily focuses on bug fixes and optimizations, as Google nears the final release in just over a month.
This beta follows the first developer preview, which was introduced in November, four months earlier than usual. The timing of the stable release in June is also notably ahead of the traditional schedule, which typically falls in September or October. This new timeline aligns with Google’s adjustments to the Pixel release schedule, bringing the launch of the Pixel 9 in September and the Pixel 9a in April.
While Android 16 does not feature many user-facing changes, it brings significant improvements under the hood, particularly in APIs and system functionalities. Most user-conscious enhancements will be found in the quarterly Pixel Feature Drops, which have become the norm for delivering new features. A notable feature in Android 16 is the introduction of Live Updates, which allows the operating system to provide real-time updates similar to Apple’s Live Activities.
Although some Android manufacturers have previously implemented this feature in their custom interfaces, the new platform-level support will enable all apps to utilize it, ensuring compatibility across devices regardless of the manufacturer. When Android 16 officially launches on June 3, it is expected to be available for Pixel 6 and later models.
