Google Advances Android 16 Preview Release

Google has released the first Developer Preview of Android 16, marking a shift in its traditional timeline by advancing the release to Q2 2025 to better align with device launches. This preview, intended for app developers, introduces features such as an embedded photo picker for selective media sharing and the Health Connect API for medical data exchange, supporting the FHIR format. The early release aims to reduce fragmentation and expedite the availability of new features across devices, potentially resolving issues where new devices launch with outdated software. Android 16 is expected to reach 'Platform Stability' by March 2025, with a public beta anticipated in January and a stable release likely by May. This accelerated schedule reflects Google's strategy to enhance app and device innovation by providing more frequent API updates. Despite the early preview, many Android users are still on older versions, with some manufacturers lagging in adopting Android 15.