Android 16 Beta 4 Rolls Out to Select Devices, Samsung yet to join

Android 16 Beta 4 Rolls Out to Select Devices: A Closer Look at What’s New

Google is inching closer to the stable release of its next-generation mobile operating system with the rollout of Android 16 Beta 4—the second Platform Stability release. The latest beta version is now available not only for Google Pixel devices but also for a variety of smartphones and tablets across several OEMs, including Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, vivo, realme, and more.

Android 16 Beta 4 is now available for Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, OPPO, and more

This release signifies a major milestone for developers and early adopters. Not only does it bring near-final APIs and behaviors, but it also marks the point where developers can confidently test app compatibility. Google has also confirmed that apps built for Android 16 can now be published to the Google Play Store, adding another layer of excitement to this announcement.

Let’s dive deep into all the essential details about Android 16 Beta 4: supported devices, platform stability improvements, expected release timeline, and why it matters for both developers and everyday Android users.

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📱 Android 16 Beta Now Available for These Devices

While Google Pixel phones always get early access to Android betas, other OEMs have now jumped on board with Beta 4, allowing users from different ecosystems to experience Android 16 ahead of its stable launch.

✅ Google Pixel

The Android 16 Beta 4 is available for:

• Pixel 6 / 6 Pro

• Pixel 6a

• Pixel 7 / 7 Pro

• Pixel 7a

• Pixel Fold

• Pixel Tablet

• Pixel 8 / 8 Pro

✅ HONOR

• MagicOS Global and MagicOS China running on HONOR Magic 7 Pro

✅ Lenovo

• ZUI running on Lenovo YOGA Tab Plus

✅ OnePlus

• OxygenOS and ColorOS for OnePlus 13

✅ OPPO

• ColorOS Global and ColorOS China for OPPO Find X8

✅ realme

• realme UI Global and realme UI China for realme GT 7 Pro

✅ vivo and iQOO

• Funtouch OS and OriginOS running on:

  • iQOO 13

  • vivo X200 Pro

✅ Xiaomi and Redmi

Note: Requires an unlocked bootloader.

• HyperOS Global and HyperOS China running on:

  • Xiaomi 14T Pro

  • Xiaomi 15

  • Redmi K70 Ultra

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🚫 Where’s Samsung?

While many top Android OEMs are part of the Beta 4 rollout, Samsung is once again absent from the core Android Beta Program. Instead, Samsung will launch its own Android 16-based One UI 8 Beta Program, which is expected in Q3 2025, likely starting with the Galaxy S24 series. A stable rollout of One UI 8 may occur by Q4 2025.

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🧪 Android 16 Beta 4: What’s New?

Beta 4 is all about stability, fine-tuning, and giving developers confidence to finalize their apps for the upcoming stable release. Here's what's notable in this release:

🔒 Platform Stability

With Beta 3 and Beta 4, Google has locked down:

• Final APIs (API level 35)

• App-facing behaviors

• System UI elements

This ensures that apps developed for Android 16 will work reliably on the final version.

🧩 Google Play Store Support

A major update with Beta 4 is that apps built using the Android 16 SDK can now be uploaded to the Google Play Store. This opens the door for developers to begin publishing apps that take advantage of Android 16's new features.

🆕 Developer-Focused Improvements

• Improved camera and media access permissions

• More advanced foreground service management

• Better battery usage optimization

• New privacy controls, including runtime permission flags

• Enhanced predictive back gesture

• Refined AI suggestions for user actions

These changes are more targeted toward developers but contribute to a more secure and intelligent Android experience overall.

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🕒 Android 16 Full Release Timeline

Google began work on Android 16 back in late 2024. Here’s the official Android 16 development roadmap:

With Google I/O 2025 scheduled for May 20, we can expect key announcements and maybe even a near-final build for Android 16.

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🔮 What's Expected in Android 16 Stable Release?

While most of the changes are developer-facing so far, here's what users can look forward to in the final version:

1. Better Battery Management

Expect Android 16 to be smarter about background app usage, pushing for better longevity and more accurate usage stats.

2. Smarter AI Integration

Google is doubling down on AI-driven suggestions, contextual actions, and on-device processing, especially for Pixel 8 and upcoming devices.

3. Enhanced Privacy Dashboard

A streamlined privacy dashboard with more granular control over location, media access, and clipboard sharing is on the horizon.

4. More Customization

Expect updates to Material You with more dynamic color options, animation tweaks, and better third-party theming support.

5. Cross-Device Functionality

Android 16 may expand the "Nearby Share" and "Multi-device sync" to work even better across tablets, watches, Chromebooks, and phones.

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✅ Should You Try Android 16 Beta?

Yes, if you're a developer or tech enthusiast! Testing Android 16 Beta 4 gives you an early peek into the future of Android and lets you fine-tune your apps or enjoy the latest innovations ahead of time.

However, do note:

• Beta builds can be unstable.

• Not all apps will work correctly.

• Some OEMs may require bootloader unlock, which voids warranty.

If you rely on your phone daily for work or mission-critical tasks, it’s best to wait for the stable version.

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🧰 How to Install Android 16 Beta

🔹 For Pixel Users:

Visit the Android Beta Program website and enroll your device. Once enrolled, you’ll receive the Beta 4 update as an OTA (over-the-air).

🔹 For OEM Devices:

Each OEM has its own process. Generally:

1. Visit the brand's developer site.

2. Download the Android 16 Beta build.

3. Flash it manually (often requires unlocking the bootloader).

Make sure to backup your data before installation!

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📝 Final Thoughts

Android 16 Beta 4 marks a significant milestone toward the final release of Android’s next-gen OS. With platform stability achieved and apps now accepted on the Play Store, it’s the perfect time for developers to finalize compatibility testing and for users to get a taste of what’s coming next.

With expanded support across a wide range of OEMs, Android 16 is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive and feature-rich versions yet. From improved privacy to seamless AI features, Google’s focus remains on performance, personalization, and platform synergy.

Stay tuned for more updates from Google I/O 2025, where the official Android 16 release date, name (if any), and final features will likely be unveiled!

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If you want a breakdown of the Android 16 stable release once it’s out or One UI 8 Beta coverage for Samsung Galaxy devices, make sure to bookmark our blog and follow for instant updates!

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