Android 16 Developer Preview 2: New Features and Supported Devices
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Manuelmo1995
- 0
- septiembre 2, 2025
Google surprised everyone this year by kicking off Android 16 testing a full quarter earlier than usual. After launching the first Developer Preview in November, the company has now released Android 16 Developer Preview 2 —the final developer-only build before public betas arrive in January.
This update mainly focuses on behind-the-scenes improvements for developers, such as better control over haptic feedback, adaptive refresh rate support, an improved photo picker with search, and more secure Wi-Fi Ranging with AES-256 encryption. Apps will also find it easier to support Android’s upcoming predictive back gesture.
For users, there are a few visible changes too: new Unicode 16.0 emojis (like the tired-face and the turnip) and support for unlocking the phone with the fingerprint sensor while the screen is off —currently limited to the Pixel 9 series.
As for compatibility, Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is available on all Pixel devices starting from the Pixel 6, including the Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the entire Pixel 9 lineup. Installation can be done manually via firmware flashing or more easily with the Android Flash Tool, though switching from a stable version like Android 15 requires a full factory reset.
The final Android 16 release is expected later in 2025, after at least four public betas beginning in April.
