Android 16 Beta 3 Released: Final Version Approaching Soon
Google has officially launched Android 16 Beta 3, marking a crucial milestone in its development. With this update, the platform has reached Platform Stability, meaning all APIs and system behaviors are finalized. Developers can now confidently optimize their apps, knowing that no major changes will occur before the final release.
Final Beta in April, Stable Release by June
Google has confirmed that one last beta update will arrive in April, primarily focusing on bug fixes and final optimizations. Following this, the stable version of Android 16 is expected to roll out sometime in Q2 2025, likely before the end of June.
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As always, Pixel devices will receive the update first, with other manufacturers following suit in the months ahead.
In a significant shift, Google has also announced plans to introduce a minor Android update in Q4 2025 (October–December), indicating a more structured update cycle that could bring frequent feature improvements throughout the year.
Key Features in Android 16 Beta 3
The latest beta introduces accessibility, privacy, and audio enhancements, further refining the user experience:
- Auracast Broadcast Audio Support – Users with LE Audio-compatible hearing aids can now connect seamlessly to Auracast, a new multi-receiver audio-sharing technology.
- Improved Text Legibility for Low-Vision Users – Google has replaced the old high-contrast text feature with outline text, adding a contrasting border around letters for better readability across apps and system interfaces.
- Local Network Protection (Early Testing Phase) – A new privacy feature is in development, allowing users to control which apps can access devices on their local network. While not enabled by default yet, developers can opt-in for early testing.
A Wider Rollout on the Horizon
With Platform Stability now in place, Google is working closely with smartphone manufacturers to ensure a smooth rollout across various devices. Developers are encouraged to finalize app optimizations ahead of the stable release.
With the final beta arriving in April and a confirmed release window before June, Android 16 is shaping up to be a major update, offering enhanced accessibility, security, and audio capabilities.
