Just in time for the holidays, we get the details on Android 16 Developer Preview 2
Today, friend of Android Faithful, Matthew McCullough, Vice President, Product Management, Android Developer at Google unveiled the second developer preview of Android 16, offering a glimpse into the future of mobile computing. Slated for a Q2 2025 release, this upcoming version promises significant improvements in performance, developer tools, and user experience.
Below is the current rollout schedule for Android 16, which is coming much faster than previous years:
After parsing through the details of Android 16 Developer Preview 2, here are some highlights to the features we can expect:
Android 16 introduces several optimizations designed to make smartphones more efficient. The new job execution runtime quota system now adapts based on app standby buckets and visibility, ensuring that background processes are managed more intelligently. This means apps running in the background will consume less power, potentially extending device battery life.
Developers will appreciate the expanded diagnostic capabilities. The ProfilingManager now supports System Triggered Profiling, allowing more comprehensive performance tracking. The new ApplicationStartInfo API provides deeper insights into app startup processes, helping developers understand and optimize their application's launch performance.
Android 16 takes device vibration to the next level. The new haptic APIs allow developers to define precise amplitude and frequency curves for vibration effects. This means more nuanced and contextually appropriate tactile feedback across different apps and interactions.
Building on Android 15's adaptive refresh rate (ARR) technology, Android 16 introduces new APIs like hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(). These tools will help developers create smoother, more power-efficient applications by dynamically adjusting screen refresh rates to match content.
Health Connect receives significant updates, including a new ACTIVITY_INTENSITY data type aligned with World Health Organization guidelines. The platform is also evolving its approach to accessibility, deprecating disruptive announcements in favor of more inclusive notification methods.
Android 16 introduces enhanced WiFi location features using 802.11az, offering more secure and accurate proximity-based services. The new protocol includes AES-256 encryption and protections against man-in-the-middle attacks, opening up safer use cases like vehicle or laptop unlocking.
As part of today's announcement we also go an update on the release schedule for API updates through 20225:
Developers can currently access the second developer preview at the Android Developers site. Google recommends:
The preview is available manually and will receive automatic over-the-air updates for subsequent preview and beta versions.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official release in 2025!
