Google releases Android 16 Beta 1 for Pixel: which smartphones will be able to update

By: Nastya Bobkova | 24.01.2025, 00:22

Google has announced the launch of the first Android 16 beta for Pixel. This release is already available for download and is the first update of this cycle to be available through the Android Beta programme.

Here's What We Know

Android 16 introduces a number of new features, most notably Live Updates. These notifications allow users to follow important events, such as taxi rides, food delivery, or navigation, giving users the ability to get up-to-date information quickly.


The Android 16 beta for the Pixel. Image: Android

Here's What's New About It

  • A new ProgressStyle notification template has been introduced that provides a user-friendly experience for functions such as rides, deliveries, and navigation. This template allows you to use customised icons to track progress at different stages of an activity, such as start, finish, or current status.
  • In addition, Google has decided to change its approach to screen orientation and app size on large screens. Now, apps that target API level 36 and have screens wider than 600dp will automatically scale for comfortable use in both portrait and landscape orientation.
  • Android 16 adds support for the Advanced Professional Video (APV) codec, which improves video quality and editing. It provides high processing speeds and maintains perceptually lossless video quality, supporting 2K, 4K and 8K formats.
  • One of the innovations is support for BLE channel sounding, which allows you to determine the distance between devices using Bluetooth. There is also improved support for video with multiple channels and additional data such as depth and preview.
  • The new version of Android also includes HDR10/10+ support for content, as well as new features for working with text, including vertical writing for users.
  • Google continues to develop the "predictive back" feature, which shows an animation that predicts the next step when you press the back button. This makes it easier to navigate between screens and applications.
  • There are new features, including EXTENSION_NIGHT_MODE_INDICATOR, which allows apps to automatically switch to night mode and support for new Gemini extensions.

The Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel is available via OTA for the following models


Pixel 9 Pro series. Image: Google
  • Pixel 9 Pro Fold
  • Pixel 9 Pro XL
  • Pixel 9 Pro
  • Pixel 9
  • Pixel 8a
  • Pixel 8 Pro
  • Pixel 8
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel Tablet
  • Pixel 7a
  • Pixel 7 Pro
  • Pixel 7
  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6

For those who are already part of the Android Beta programme, the update will be available automatically. All users who do not wish to participate in the Android 16 beta testing can continue to use the stable version of Android 15.

Users can also provide feedback via the Android Beta Feedback app, which is available on Pixel.

Source: Android