Android 16 Beta 2 is now available for developers and beta testers, introducing improvements in camera performance, privacy, security, and system behavior.
The latest testing version of Google’s smartphone operating system includes a hybrid auto-exposure mode, UltraHDR HEIC support, and strengthened privacy protections. The stable version of Android 16 is expected to roll out to eligible Google Pixel devices in Q2 2025.
Camera and Imaging Enhancements
Android 16 Beta 2 introduces advanced camera controls, enabling developers to fine-tune exposure settings using the hybrid auto-exposure mode, which allows simultaneous adjustments to exposure time and ISO.
This update enhances professional video recording by providing white balance adjustments based on correlated color temperature (CCT), offering greater precision beyond preset options like Incandescent, Cloudy, and Twilight.
UltraHDR support has been extended to HEIC images, improving color reproduction and image quality. Google is also working on adding similar support for AVIF images.
The update standardizes motion photo capture Intent actions, ensuring a more consistent experience across apps.
Android 16 also aligns with the ISO 21496-1 draft standard, improving compatibility with HDR gainmaps and better color space management.
Expanded Graphical Effects With AGSL
Android 16 expands the capabilities of the Android Graphics Shading Language (AGSL), introducing RuntimeColorFilter and RuntimeXfermode.
These APIs enable developers to create custom graphical effects, such as Sepia, Hue Saturation, and Threshold effects. The ability to apply custom shaders to color filters enhances visual effects in Android apps, benefiting UI design and gaming experiences.
Privacy and Security Improvements
Android 16 Beta 2 includes multiple privacy and security updates aimed at strengthening user data protection:
- Intent Redirection Protections: The update blocks intent redirection attacks by default, reducing the risk of malicious apps gaining access to sensitive data. Developers can opt out using removeLaunchSecurityProtection(), but only when necessary.
- Key Sharing API: A new API allows apps to securely share encryption keys stored in the Android Keystore with other trusted applications, enhancing data security.
- Updated Health and Fitness Permissions: The BODY_SENSORS permission model has been replaced with more granular health data permissions. Apps accessing health-related metrics, such as heart rate, now need to request specific permissions for better transparency.
Behavior Changes Affecting App Compatibility
Several modifications in Android 16 require developers to adjust their apps for compatibility:
- Edge-to-Edge Enforcement: Apps must now support full-screen layouts, as opting out of edge-to-edge mode is no longer possible.
- Elegant Font API Deprecation: The elegantTextHeight attribute has been deprecated, affecting text rendering in languages like Arabic, Tamil, and Thai.
- Memory Page Support: Android 16 introduces a compatibility mode for apps originally designed for 4 KB memory pages, ensuring they function correctly on devices with 16 KB memory pages.
- JobScheduler Adjustments: Abandoned jobs will now receive STOP_REASON_TIMEOUT_ABANDONED, reducing excessive job rescheduling and improving system efficiency.
System and Performance Enhancements
Android 16 Beta 2 improves performance and resource management through updates to the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF).
The new Headroom APIs allow apps to monitor available CPU and GPU resources, which is particularly useful for games and resource-intensive applications, helping developers optimize performance while maintaining power efficiency.
The update also enhances regional customization by enabling users to select their preferred measurement system in the Settings app, improving localization support across different regions.
Live Wallpaper Framework Enhancements
For users who customize their home and lock screens, Android 16 introduces WallpaperDescription and WallpaperInstance APIs. These allow separate configurations for home screen and lock screen wallpapers, offering greater personalization options.
Expected Release Timeline
As Android 16 progresses toward its final release, stability is expected in the coming weeks. Google plans to roll out the stable version by June 2025, with Pixel devices receiving the update first, followed by other manufacturers in subsequent months.
