- The next Android 16 beta could be here shortly – potentially today
- Update could include ‘compact’ option for notifications
- These would allow you to group alerts into a “shelf” on the lock screen.
Developers have had their hands on Android 16 since November, but when will we all get a chance to test the upcoming mobile operating system? Well, if a new leak is to be believed, it will be today – January 22 – and the update could also bring a new “compact” option for notifications.
This release date speculation comes from comments left by a Google engineer on Android updates, spotted by @AssembleDebug And Android Authoritywhich list today as the start of the next stage of the beta process.
If Google follows the same routine as in previous years, users with select handsets will be able to install the beta on their phones before the full Android 16 release – provided they’re willing to put up with some bugs and crashes.
We already know that Google wants to bring forward the launch of its major Android updates to the beginning of the year (you may remember that the Android 15 release schedule was somewhat confusing), and a beta launch today hui would fit with that.
Here’s what could happen
Googler shares potential release dates for Android 16 beta (1,2 and 3)✅ Check details – pic.twitter.com/grfnPH9qRIJanuary 19, 2025
We’ve already heard a few whispers about what might happen with Android 16 – although the developer preview currently circulating doesn’t offer much in the way of notable new features.
It looks like you’ll be able to review security events over a longer period of time and have more control over what applications can do. There have been rumors of improvements to Do Not Disturb mode, and there might even be an Android version of iOS Dynamic Island.
The latest leak around Android 16 features comes from Android Authority: Hidden code found in the latest beta preview suggests there will be a new “compact” option for notifications, which will allow you to collapse alerts into a “shelf” on the lock screen.
This should help manage notification overload – but we’ll have to wait and see what form this takes in the final version of Android 16. As usual, several features come and go during beta testing before a full launch later this year.
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