Android 16 is now available for some users: How to get it

Android 16 update: Google today announced first developer preview of its next-generation Android 16 mobile operating system. Android 16 Developer Preview 1 has been rolled out a bit early compared to time, company announced first developer preview of Android 15. For unversed, company rolled out Android 15 Developer Preview 1 in February this year.

announcement comes shortly after company confirmed that it will announce Android 16 earlier than usual.

Android 16 features: Everything we know so far

While Android 16 is still in nascent stages of development, company has alrey given us a glimpse of some of features that users will get to use on final roll out. Here are new features that are available as a part of Android 16 Developer Preview 1:

Photo picker: This feature will give users a more effective way to grant an app access to selected images and videos from both local and cloud storage, inste of ir entire media library. "This allows it to feel like a more integrated part of app while still leveraging process isolation that allows users to select media without app needing overly-bro permissions," company ded.

Health records: Android 16 will also get a health record functionality that will let users use apps to re, edit and store ir medical records in a way that protects ir privacy. Accessing se records explicit consent from a user.

How to get Android 16 on your smartphone

At moment, Android 16 is accessible only on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold. Here is a step-by-step guide of how Pixel users can access early version of Android 16 on ir Pixel phones:

Step 1: Install latest Preview version of Android Studio on supported Pixel phone.

Step 2: In Android Studio, Tools and n SDK Manager.

Step 3: In SDK Tools tab, select latest version of Android Emulator, and n OK.

Step 4: In Android Studio, Tools and n Device Manager.

Step 5: Next, d a new device and n Create Virtual Device in Device Manager panel.

Step 6: Select a device definition for a supported Pixel phone in Phone Category tab and n Next.

Step 7: Find Android 16 system image called VanillaIceCream, and n n Downlo button next to Release Name.

Step 8: After downlo completes, select this system image and Next.

Step 9: Finish icon.

Step 10: After returning to list of virtual devices in Device Manager, find Android 16 virtual device and Start .