Android 16 Expected Release Timeline, Eligible Devices, and Major Upgrades Revealed

Google rolled out the stable Android 15 update in late 2024, and now, anticipation is building for the arrival of Android 16. Reports suggest that Google might release Android 16 earlier than previous versions, allowing smartphone brands to deliver the update faster.

Currently, Android 16 is available in Developer Preview and Beta versions, bringing significant enhancements and bug fixes. In this article, we will explore the expected release timeline, a list of eligible smartphones, and key features of Android 16.

Android 16 Release Date (Expected)

Google follows a structured update schedule for its Android versions. Here’s the expected timeline for Android 16:

Android 16 Developer Preview 1 – Released on November 18, 2024

Android 16 Public Beta 1 – Released on January 23, 2025

Platform Stability Phase – Expected by March 2025

Stable Release – Expected after April 2025

Google has already released Android 16 Beta 1 to select Pixel devices, with a stable version likely arriving after April 2025.

Expected Rollout for Other Smartphone Brands

Xiaomi

Xiaomi released Android 15 Beta in October 2024, six months after Google’s first Beta.

Following this pattern, Xiaomi phones could get Android 16 Public Beta in July 2025.

Realme

Android 15 Beta reached Realme devices in November 2024, seven months after Pixel’s Beta 1.

Android 16 Public Beta could arrive for Realme devices in August 2025.

Samsung

Samsung devices could receive the Android 16 Public Beta in August 2025.

Vivo

Vivo might begin the Android 16 rollout as early as February 2025.

iQOO

The first iQOO Android 16 Open Beta could arrive in June 2025.

OnePlus

OnePlus could start seeding Android 16 Public Beta in July 2025.

Android 16 Eligible Devices (Brand-wise List)

Google Pixel Phones

Pixel 9 Series (including Pixel 9 Pro Fold)

Pixel 8 Series (including Pixel 8a)

Pixel Fold

Pixel 7 Series (including Pixel 7a)

Pixel 6 Series (including Pixel 6a)

Pixel Tablet

Samsung Phones

Galaxy S Series: S25 Ultra, S25+, S25, S24 Ultra, S24+, S24, S23 Ultra, S23+, S23 FE, S23, S22 Ultra, S22+, S22

Galaxy Z Series: Z Fold6, Z Fold5, Z Fold4, Z Flip6, Z Flip5, Z Flip4

Galaxy A Series: A73, A55, A54, A53, A35, A34, A33, A25, A24 5G, A16, A15 5G, A15, A06

Galaxy M Series: M55, M54, M35, M34, M33, M15

Galaxy F Series: F55, F54, F34, F15

Galaxy C and XCover Series: C55, XCover7

Vivo and iQOO Phones

Vivo: X200 Pro, X200 Pro Mini, X200, X100 Ultra, X100s, X100s Pro, V40, V40 Pro, V30, V30 Pro, T3, T3 Pro, Y200 Pro, Y200

iQOO: iQOO 13, iQOO 12 Pro, iQOO 12, iQOO 11, iQOO Z9, Z9x, Z9 Turbo, Z9s, Neo9, Neo9 Pro

OPPO Phones

Find X Series: X8 Pro, X8, X7 Ultra, X7, X6 Pro, X6

Find N Series: N3, N3 Flip

Reno Series: Reno13 Pro, Reno13, Reno12 Pro, Reno12, Reno11 Pro, Reno11, Reno10 Pro+, Reno10

OnePlus Phones

OnePlus 13, 13R, 12, 12R, 11, 11R, 10 Pro, 10T, 10R, Nord 4, Nord CE 4, Nord CE 4 Lite

Xiaomi and Redmi Phones

Xiaomi 14 Series: 14, 14 Pro, 14 Ultra, 14 Civi

Xiaomi 13 Series: 13, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 13T Pro, 13T

Redmi K Series: K70 Ultra, K70 Pro, K70, K70E, K60 Ultra

Redmi Note Series: Note 14 Pro+, Note 14 Pro, Note 14, Note 13 Pro+, Note 13 Pro

POCO Series: F6, F5, X6 Pro, X6, X6 Neo, M6 Pro, M6

Realme Phones

GT 7 Pro, GT 6, GT 6T, GT 5 Pro, 13 Pro+, 13 Pro, 12 Pro+, 12 Pro, Narzo 70 Pro, P1 Pro, 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro+, 12+, Neo 7

Motorola Phones

Edge Series: Edge 50 Ultra, Edge 50 Pro, Edge 50 Fusion

Razr Series: Razr 50 Ultra, Razr 50, Razr 40 Ultra, Razr 40

Moto G Series: G85, G55

Nothing Phones

Nothing Phone (2), Phone (2a), Phone (2a) Plus, CMF Phone 1

ASUS Phones

Zenfone 12 Ultra, Zenfone 11 Ultra, ROG Phone 9 Pro, ROG Phone 9, ROG Phone 8 Pro

Tecno, Infinix, HONOR Phones

Tecno: Phantom V Fold2, Camon 30S Pro, Camon 30 Premier

Infinix: Zero 40, Note 40X, Note 40, Note 40 Pro+

HONOR: Magic7 Pro, Magic6, X60 Pro, 200 Pro

Android 16 Features (Expected)

Android 16 is set to bring several enhancements:

Live Activities-Inspired Progress Indicator: Rideshare, delivery, and navigation apps will show real-time progress indicators in the status bar.

Better Window & Aspect Ratio Support: Android 16 improves app compatibility across different screen sizes and aspect ratios.

APV Codec Support: Supports up to 8K resolution, 10-bit encoding, HDR10/10+, and YUV 422 color sampling.

Predictive Back Gestures: Enabled by default for third-party apps, even when button navigation is used.

Improved Third-Party Camera Support: Apps like Instagram and Snapchat will get access to default night mode processing.

Privacy Sandbox & Health Records Storage: Improved privacy controls and secure health record storage on supported devices.

Embedded Photo Picker & Variable Refresh Rate: Enhanced media selection and display refresh rate control.