The first developer preview of Android 16 has launched, giving a glimpse into its next generation operating system. As always, the update highlights enhanced app abilities for sharing of photos while gaining more medical data integration plus a quickened release cycle to cut down on delays of these major updates among third party devices.
The Google annual I/O event is expected to see general availability for Android 16 after April 2025, for Android 17 after April 2026 and so on. Preview features an even more powerful photo and video picker that allows you to easily select specific images or videos without exposing the entire slew of photos or videos stored on their device or cloud storage.
Google hones in on user privacy, in Android 16 part of extension to Google’s Privacy Sandbox, with refinement for app and ad integrations.
The standout new addition is Health Connect app, which now boasts APIs to create medical records using FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) formats. This feature from Google will enable medical records and health data to be shared between apps and devices in a way similar to Apple Health, says the company. By having explicit control over data sharing permission, users can easily enable Facebook integration with wearables and health apps.
The new schedule for rollout, however, means faster updates for third party manufacturers, and devices launched in 2025 are expected to see the reduced delay in the implementation of software.
The timeline for Android 16 includes:
- January 2025: First public beta release
- April 2025 or later: General availability
A full release of Android for TV will occur alongside the Google I/O 2025 event where new Android features and product innovations will be revealed. Google’s commitment to enhance privacy, broaden app functionality, and simplify update processes is visible in the developer preview.
