Google Releases First Preview Version For Android 16

JAKARTA Android 15 was just released on Pixel phones last October and the operating system (OS) is not yet available on Android-based phones. Even so, Google has taken a step forward by releasing Android 16.

According to The Verge report, the company has launched its first preview version for Android 16. This preview was released more quickly for registered developers so that Google could release its stable version faster than before.

"This is the beginning of Android releasing API more often as part of our efforts to encourage faster innovation in apps and devices," said Android Developer Matthew McCulough.

The news about the faster launch of Android 16 has been revealed since early November. Google revealed to the Android Authority that it plans to release this OS version in the second quarter, not third.

This is done so that Android updates can be rolled out simultaneously with the latest device release schedule from Google, namely Pixel phones. That way, "more devices can get Android's main release faster."

As usual, Android version updates are divided into four stages, namely Developer Preview, Beta Release, Platform Stability, and Final Release. The Developer Preview stage will run for two months until next December.

The Beta Release Stage will begin in January and end in April. Still entering beta, Platform Stability will begin in March. After ensuring Android 16 is stable, this OS will enter the Final Release stage.