Google has rolled out Android 16 Beta 4 (A16B4), the next-generation operating system (OS) for Android smartphones. The new software is currently available for Pixel devices but will soon arrive for other phones too. The update comes with some new features and bug fixes, which will be further solidified in the next updates. Here, we have a complete breakdown of what this beta release has and how you can install it.
Android 16 will be the successor to the current Android 15 OS. Currently, Google is bringing beta versions of the software to add corrections and get it ready for the final release for eligible handsets.
Features of Android 16 Beta 4
The Android 16 Beta 4 update comes with some new features, such as zero-day vulnerabilities, critical CVEs, and bug fixes. The update includes the April 2025 security patch.
- The A16B4 shows the digital clocks on Always-on Display (AOD) with a color based on users’ chosen theme. Let’s say that Google has brought a Dynamic Color to it, which appears based on the basis of your wallpaper. This gives a fresh look to the AOD.
- The Screenshot and Select options are now integrated within the long-press menu in the Recent Apps menu, which offers more functionality and versatility for users. To make it clear, when you long-press the device’s home screen, you get the App List option.
- A dot can also be seen on the volume slider.
- Some users who have tried the update have reported not seeing Battery Health information in the Settings app. This may be a bug or a deliberate omission. Only time will tell.
- Likewise, the notification for the media player on the lockscreen features a darker artwork.
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Eligible Phones
Android 16 Beta 4 is available to Pixel 9, Pixel 8, Pixel 7, and Pixel 6 series smartphones. The eligibility for the update also includes Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. In addition, phones from brands such as Xiaomi, vivo, realme, Lenovo, OnePlus, IQOO, OPPO, Honor, etc. These Android phone makers are Google’s brand partners for its operating system.
How to install Android 16 Beta 4?
To install the Android 16 Beta 4 update, follow these steps:
- Go to the “Android Beta Site” and log in with your Google account (Gmail account)
- Tap on “View your eligible devices”
- You can see the devices associated with your Google account
- Tap on the “+ Opt in” option under the device that you want to install the update
- Agree to the terms and tap on “Confirm and enroll”
- Now, you can see if there’s an update for you very shortly
- Go to your phone’s “Settings” and tap on “System”
- Tap on “Software updates” to install it
A word of caution on the installation
Android freaks love experimenting with OS stuff. So, even if Android 16 Beta 4 is not for installation for a regular user, they would entertain the idea of giving it a go to see how it feels.
But let it be known that the early builds are not stable and tested deeply, so the phone’s apps might not work or lead to a soft brick or boot loop. If it flashes normally, still, the phone will likely not work smoothly as the software is not yet compatible with phones. Anyway, the Android 16 Beta 4 is eligible for select Pixel and other brands’ phones, so you can be one of the first few to test the new Android OS treat.
Google is expected to announce a stable version of Android 16 at I/O 2025 in May.
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Conclusion
Android 16 will be the next-generation OS upgrade from Google and will bring a host of new features, security enhancements, bug fixes, etc. It also allows other Android manufacturers to create their own custom skin based on this latest software. Unfortunately, though, not all the phones will have the support for it as phone makers mostly offer 2 years of OS upgrades on their phones, barring some new models such as the Samsung Galaxy A16 5G, which offers 6 years of OS updates.
More updates will keep coming for Android 16, and we will be adding those details on this page. Which phone model are you using, and are you looking forward to installing this Android 16 Beta 4? Do share in the comments below.
