Google Drops Early Preview of Android 16, Allows Public Installation for Developers and Enthusiasts

In an unexpected move, Google has released the first developer preview of its upcoming operating system, Android 16. The early version is intended for developers and enthusiasts who want to test the new features ahead of time but is now available for anyone with a compatible device.

For those eager to try out the latest Android features, here's how to install the Developer Preview on your eligible Pixel device:

Users can download the update from Google's official site and follows manual installation steps involving unlocking the bootloader, connecting to their computer using ADB tools, and then manually sideloads the update. Note that the preview is still in testing mode and may be unstable.

The Android 16 Developer Preview is available for several Pixel devices, including Pixel 6 series, Pixel 7 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8 series, and Pixel 9 series. However, users are advised to exercise caution as installation may void the device's warranty and risks stability issues due to its experimental nature.

Google also suggests waiting for the more stable Beta release in early 2025 for daily use.

For those curious about giving Android 16 a try, follow the manual installation steps below:

1. Back up your data using Google Drive.
2. Unlock your bootloader by tapping Build Number multiple times to unlock Developer Options and enabling OEM unlocking.
3. Download the Android 16 update from Google's official site.
4. Boot into Recovery Mode.
5. Connect your device to a computer equipped with ADB tools installed, including Windows users who may need the Universal ADB Driver.
6. Sideload the update using the command window.
7. Reboot the device after installation.

Please be aware that installing Android 16 Developer Preview may come with risks and caveats that users should carefully consider before proceeding.