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Google has released the second Developer Preview (DP2) of Android 16, advancing toward the final release expected between April and June 2025. This preview is available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, as well as the Pixel Tablet, with the beta program scheduled to commence in January 2025.
7 Key Features in Android 16 DP2
The latest Developer Preview introduces several updates aimed at improving performance, accessibility, and security:
1. System-Triggered Profiling: The new ProfilingManager API provides developers with diagnostic data, such as start types and times, to facilitate debugging and performance optimization.
2. Job Execution Optimizations: The updated JobScheduler API offers insights into pending job constraints and histories, aiding developers in app performance troubleshooting and optimization.
3. Richer Haptics: Enhanced APIs allow developers to control haptic feedback with precise amplitude and frequency curves, ensuring consistency across devices.
4. Adaptive Refresh Rate: Updated APIs, including hasArrSupport() and getSuggestedFrameRate(int), streamline integration with adaptive refresh rates, enhancing visual performance on compatible displays.
5. Enhanced Accessibility: Deprecated accessibility announcements are replaced with tools like setAccessibilityPaneTitle() and setAccessibilityLiveRegion(), improving user experience for those with accessibility needs.
6. Advanced WiFi Security: Support for WiFi 6’s 802.11az protocol introduces AES-256 encryption and enhanced protection against MITM attacks, improving location accuracy and overall security.
7. Cloud Photo Search: Developers can now enable cloud-based search within the Android photo picker, with full functionality expected soon.
Timeline and Future Updates
Google plans to achieve platform stability by March 2025, followed by a significant SDK release in Q2. A minor update in Q4 will address any remaining bugs. These enhancements aim to ease the transition to Android 16, ensuring developers can optimize their apps to fully utilize the platform's new features.
By refining debugging tools, enhancing accessibility options, and leveraging new hardware capabilities, Google is committed to supporting developers in creating a seamless and innovative user experience on Android 16.
