Android 16 for Pixel devices in June – Material 3 Expressive first as a beta

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Android 16 is almost ready. Android boss Sameer Samat revealed at the Android Show on May 13 that the finished version will be released in June. However, Samat did not give a specific date for when the company will release the update for Pixel devices and publish it in the AOSP. Older reports assume a release on June 3.

Android 16: Material 3 Expressive will be released later

The manufacturer was less clear about when the new design language will land on Android smartphones. It simply kept saying “later this year”. At the end of the month, however, the company is holding out the prospect of a first beta version for Pixel devices that will give users a first look at the new user interface. This update is likely to be one of the regular Quarterly Platform Releases (QPR), also known as Pixel Drops, for which Google also offers beta versions.

This suggests that the final version of Material 3 Expressive will not be released until September or possibly even later. However, it cannot be completely ruled out that the manufacturer will hold back the new design for the Pixel 10 series, which is expected in August.

Android 16 to come soon from Samsung and Co.

According to Samat, Android users who do not own a Pixel smartphone should not have to wait too long for the Android 16 update. He said that Samsung and other manufacturers should provide their devices with the update over the course of the summer.

After all, some manufacturers such as Honor, OnePlus, Oppo and Nothing are already offering pre-release versions of Android 16 for selected smartphones. Samsung is not among them, but the company is expected to equip the next foldable generation, which is expected in July, with One UI 8 based on Android 16. Samsung's beta program for One UI 8 could begin at the end of May, according to reports.

Android 16 beta: Pixel users have to decide

With the upcoming final release, beta testers of Android 16 are faced with a decision. To receive the final update, they must exit the beta phase in the coming days. This way, they can ensure that the stable version is installed as soon as it is available.

If users do not deregister their device, it will automatically be included in the next pre-release version – Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1 –. This gives you the promised early access to the new Material 3 Expressive redesign.

(afl)