Google has officially started rolling out Android 16 Beta 3 on eligible Pixel devices, which is a major milestone in the development cycle. The release adds “Platform Stability,” which makes API surfaces stable, app-facing behaviors complete, and developers can now begin preparing their apps for the public release.
Android 16 Beta 3: Key features and improvements
Platform Stability and developer readiness
With the launch of Platform Stability, Google is encouraging developers to release and test their apps to verify compatibility with Android 16. Developers can now safely target Android 16 in their apps since no significant behavior changes are anticipated beyond this phase.
Auracast broadcast audio support for Pixel 9
Pixel 9 phones on Android 16 Beta 3 now include support for Auracast broadcast audio on compatible LE Audio hearing aids. The feature enhances the LE Audio standard by enabling users to stream audio directly to supported hearing aids and earbuds in public venues such as airports, classrooms, and concerts.
Enhanced accessibility with “Outline Text”
Replacing the previous “high contrast text” option, the new “outline text” feature enhances readability for visually impaired users. By applying a contrasting outline to text, it makes the text more visible. Android 16 also has new AccessibilityManager APIs to enable developers to integrate the feature in applications that make use of custom text-rendering approaches.
Local Network Protection (LNP) testing for developers
One of the important security improvements in Android 16 Beta 3 is the addition of Local Network Protection (LNP), which is designed to limit unauthorized local network access by apps.
- Current Behavior: Any app with INTERNET permission can access a user’s local network.
- New LNP Feature: Apps will require explicit permissions to access the local network.
- Testing LNP in Beta 3: Developers can enable LNP testing using the command:
adb shell am compat enable RESTRICT_LOCAL_NETWORK <your_package_name>
- Impact: Apps attempting unauthorized network access will encounter socket errors such as EPERM or ECONNABORTED. Developers should thoroughly test features like device discovery, media casting, and IoT connectivity.
Developer-focused enhancements and changes
Android 16 Beta 3 introduces several updates that developers need to address before the final release:
- JobScheduler: Stricter quota enforcement with a new stop reason, STOP_REASON_TIMEOUT_ABANDONED.
- Broadcasts: Ordered broadcasts with priorities will now only function within the same process.
- Intents: Improved security measures against Intent redirection attacks.
- 16 KB Page Size: Apps must migrate to support a 16 KB page size for optimal performance.
- User Experience Enhancements: Android 16 also brings improvements in edge-to-edge usability and orientation adaptability for large screens.
Availability and device compatibility
Android 16 Beta 3 is now available for the following Pixel devices:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
- Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
- Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, Pixel Pro Fold
- Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold
Developers can also access Beta 3 through the Android Emulator within Android Studio. Users who are registered in the Android Beta Program or are currently on Beta 2 will be getting an over-the-air update.
Google plans to release the stable version of Android 16 in Q2 2025, and the API update is likely in Q4 2025. Users are encouraged to give feedback on the beta releases through the Android Beta Feedback app to help bring a refined and smooth experience on release.