Summary
As expected–and literally announced by Google yesterday–the next Android 16 Beta has been released. This is the fourth beta, and it marks the end of the Android 16 beta schedule. Like last month, this version focuses on stability, as well as the newly launched Pixel 9a.
The emphasis of Beta 4 is squarely on refining the existing features and ensuring a stable experience. After achieving platform stability with Beta 3, the team went about squashing any remaining bugs and optimizing performance across various device configurations. This includes addressing potential crashes, improving battery efficiency, and ensuring smooth transitions and animations throughout. Google mentions that the official announcement might not detail every single fix, but beta testers are encouraged to continue reporting any issues they encounter.
One notable aspect of this beta release is the inclusion of the April 2025 security patches. This is a particularly important monthly patch since it addressed two zero-days and several critical Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). On top of that, Android 16 Beta 4 marks the first beta build available for thenew Pixel 9a. All eligible Pixel devices, from the Pixel 6 to the latest Pixel 9a, are now part of the beta program.
While there aren’t really any significant user-facing changes in Beta 4, there are subtle refinements. One such change in this release, as highlighted byAndroid Police,is the removal of the “Beta” badge on the “Themed Icons” setting within the Wallpaper & Style app. Apparently, Google considers the themed icons feature to be stable and ready for the final release. Ironically, this particular change had already been implemented in Android 15 QPR2, meaning the stable channel was actually ahead of the beta.
Looking to the coming months, the stable release of Android 16 is slated for June. Google has said Android 16 is on track for Q2 2025, and June would be the earliest that could happen. Of course, we expect Android 16 to be a huge talking point at I/O in May. There’s always the possibility that Google uses the event as a time to make the official launch of Android 16 a bit early.
Pixel devices will be the first to receive the final update, followed by devices from other manufacturers likeSamsungandOnePlus. Following the pattern of previous releases, Android 16 Beta 4 is available now as an OTA update, and factory images for eligible Pixel devices can be downloaded from Google. People alreadyenrolled in the Android Beta Programshould be able to update their devices to the newest build seamlessly.
