Google has released the second Developer Preview (DP2) of Android 16 that will give developers a view of the developments that go into making the next generation of Android. The Android 16 DP2 is in addition to the foundation given by Developer Preview 1, with particular focus on enhancing app functionality, boosting battery efficiency, and refining system-level compatibility. The Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is available on Pixel devices exclusively and comprises several features that are developed to enhance user and developer experiences.
Android 16 Developer Preview 2: Key features and enhancements
System-Triggered Profiling
Android 16 Developer Preview 2 adds a highly-noticed feature called system-trigged profiling, this feature arrives with a new API called ProfilingManager API. This one lets the system capture certain key events such as application cold start and ANR events, which gives immediate information in terms of real-time, making developers notice and resolve certain bottlenecks in the apps to perform smoother.
Enhanced insights into app starts
With the new ApplicationStartInfo API, developers on Android 16 can take advantage of the getStartComponent() method to identify application startup components. This feature now allows streamlined app launches that are guaranteed to be a smoother user experience.
Custom haptic feedback
Android 16 DP2 provides developers with an opportunity to make custom vibrations using curves for amplitude and frequency. This offers uniformity and also device-independent haptic feedback. This results in better interactions with users.
Job management enhancements
The JobScheduler API package has been extended with valuable updates:
- Job Introspection: Developers can now monitor pending jobs and constraint changes, making task management better.
- Runtime Quotas: Apps take advantage of runtime quotas to optimize background processing and conserve battery life.
- Deprecated Features: The JobInfo#setImportantWhileForeground() method is fully deprecated.
Adaptive refresh rate (ARR)
New APIs such as hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(int) for simplifying ARR implementation simplify the implementation of ARR implementation. These changes enhance compatibility and extend ARR support into RecyclerView 1.4, delivering smoother animations and transitions.
Accessibility improvements
Accessibility tools have gained updates to assure broad adoption:
- The announceForAccessibility method is deprecated.
- Developers should use setAccessibilityPaneTitle() and setAccessibilityLiveRegion() for enhanced accessibility support.
Cloud search in photo picker
The cloud search has been enabled in Photo Picker through Android 16 DP2. This upgrade enables effortless browsing and access of both locally stored and cloud-stored media across supported media providers.
Improved location security
It also integrates the 802.11az standard from Wi-Fi 6 into AES-256 encryption in Wi-Fi location data, thereby bringing significant improvements to reducing man-in-the-middle attacks that might otherwise affect privacy and security.
Health connect enhancements
The updated Health Connect APIs include:
- A new ACTIVITY_INTENSITY data type that aligns with WHO-defined activity levels.
- Enhanced management of health records in FHIR format with user consent.
Predictive back navigation
System-level callbacks finishAndRemoveTaskCallback(), moveTaskToBackCallback() enhance the responsiveness of the back gestures and offer a very intuitive navigation experience
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Roadmap for Android 16 and beyond
Google has outlined an ambitious Android release schedule for 2025:
- Q2 2025: A major API update focusing on behavior changes.
- Q4 2025: A minor update targeting bug fixes and system optimizations.
- Quarterly updates: Scheduled for Q1 and Q3 2025, ensuring continuous improvements throughout the year.
App compatibility and testing
The public release of the Android 16 preview will take place during 2025. Also, Platform Stability is likely around the date of March 2025, giving developers ample time before that to complete their test and compatibility checks for all of their apps.
Availability
Android 16 DP2 is now available to Pixel devices, including Pixel 6, Pixel 7, Pixel 8, and Pixel 9 series, as well as the Pixel Fold and the Pixel Tablet. Additionally, devices running on Android 16 DP1 will receive OTA updates. Next month, the Android 16 Beta program will begin and be available for more users.