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Google has officially expanded Android 16 Beta access beyond Pixel phones, offering tech enthusiasts and developers a chance to preview the upcoming operating system on a wide range of flagship Android devices. With the release of Android 16 Beta 4, the platform enters its final stage of testing before the expected stable rollout in June 2025.
Broader Device Support
While Pixel phones like the Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 series have had early access to Android 16 for months, Beta 4 marks a significant shift. Major smartphone brands have now joined the beta testing phase. These include:
- HONOR – Magic 7 Pro (MagicOS Global & China)
- Lenovo – YOGA Tab Plus (ZUI)
- OnePlus – OnePlus 13 (OxygenOS & ColorOS China)
- OPPO – Find X8 (ColorOS Global & China)
- realme – GT 7 Pro (realme UI Global & China)
- vivo and iQOO – vivo X200 Pro and iQOO 13 (FuntouchOS & OriginOS)
- Xiaomi and Redmi – Xiaomi 14T Pro, Xiaomi 15, Redmi K70 Ultra (HyperOS Global & China – requires unlocked bootloader)
Notably missing from this list are Samsung, Nothing, and Tecno, though Samsung is expected to run its own Android 16-based One UI 8 beta program later this year.
What does this mean for users?
Android 16 Beta 4 is Google’s second platform stability release, meaning APIs and system behaviors are finalized. Developers can now start optimizing and publishing their apps for the new version via the Play Store.
However, it’s worth noting that these builds are still unstable and best suited for advanced users and developers. They’re not recommended for daily use, as bugs and performance issues are still being ironed out.
Google is likely to unveil Android 16’s final features at its I/O 2025 developer conference on May 20, with a stable version expected to launch by June 2025. Until then, Android 16 Beta gives early access to fresh capabilities, new APIs, and a glimpse of what the next-gen Android experience will feel like.
