Android 16’s first beta could arrive sooner than expected

Android 15 has just hit the market, yet the buzz around Android 16 is already palpable. Google surprised everyone by releasing the developer preview for Android 16 back in November, setting the stage for an earlier-than-usual beta rollout.

According to a recent report, the first beta of Android 16 might be just around the corner, potentially launching on January 22nd. This news, while exciting, should be taken with caution as release dates can shift. The information stems from a conversation on the Android Gerrit, where a mention of “Beta 2 changes due for Jan 22” suggests the first beta could indeed be imminent.

Further details from the same discussion indicate that Beta 2 is slated for February 19th, with Beta 3 following on March 12th. The commentator appears to be closely connected to the development process, lending credibility to the timeline.

This potential release date aligns intriguingly with Samsung’s Galaxy S25 event, also scheduled for January 22nd. This overlap might overshadow Google’s announcement, although given Google and Samsung’s close partnership, it’s likely not coincidental.

Don’t expect groundbreaking features from this initial beta; it’s more about ensuring stability and compatibility. Still, the anticipation for what Google has in store with Android 16 keeps the tech community on its toes.