Android 16 is coming sooner than ever before, and the beta is now full swing on Pixels. While Google usually releases these builds in Q1, the brand is changing its strategy this time around, and is making the release available earlier. There's a good reason for this: with the debut of the Pixels pushed up, Google wants to have the latest Android version ready before it announces hardware, and as a result, we're getting Android 16 just a month after the stable Android 15 release.
That's a good thing, as it means more devices will come with the latest version of Android installed out of the box. While brands do a decent job rolling out the stable Android update to their high-end phones, most mid-range phones take several months to make the switch, and this won't be as big an issue if the update itself is available sooner. While there isn't much in the way of when Android 16 might be available on your device — Google will share additional info at I/O 2025 — I rounded up when manufacturers may start their rollout.
If you have a Pixel 6 and above, you can install the Android 16 beta right now. Even with the initial preview builds, Android 16 was much more stable than earlier releases, and with Beta 3, it is stable enough that I'd suggest giving it a go if you're interested in taking a look at all the new features.
That said, it's still beta software, so you will run into the occasional bug and crash. I didn't notice any problems with connectivity or cellular data, but I'd recommend setting up the build on a secondary device should you have it before flashing it on your main phone. Otherwise, you should consider waiting a few weeks until the next beta rolls out.
Samsung
Samsung is just getting its Android 15-based One UI 7 out the door, and the focus for the brand is to get that stable build on as many devices as possible. As of now, Samsung hasn't detailed plans around Android 16.
OPPO
OPPO introduced the Find X8 Pro and Find X8 in global markets, and both devices run Android 15 out of the box. While there's no details on Android 16 just yet, we should have additional details in the coming weeks.
Although ColorOS 15 just went live, OPPO is internally testing ColorOS 16, and will launch the version alongside Android 16 sometime in Q2 2025. At this point, there's no details on new features coming to the interface.
Vivo
Vivo's X200 and X200 Pro are among the best phones you can buy at the moment, and they run Android 15 out of the box. Similar to ColorOS 15, there's no telling when Vivo will start rolling out Android 16-based Funtouch OS, but with the manufacturer doing a much better job in this area, it shouldn't take too long once the stable build becomes available in Q2 2025.
OnePlus
The OnePlus 13 is selling in decent numbers globally, and it runs OxygenOS 15 based on Android 15. OnePlus is usually good with beta software releases, and it tends to roll out public betas to its devices once they become available. It's a good bet that the OnePlus 13 will get the public beta sometime in early Q2 2025, but there's no confirmation about that as yet — I talked to the manufacturer about the same, and will update once I know more.
Honor
Honor's had a busy year, and its Magic 7 Pro continues to set the standard with innovative camera and battery tech. The phone comes with MagicOS 9.0 based on Android 15, and Honor is leaning heavily into AI, with the brand partnering with Google to deliver a suite of AI utilities. At this moment, there's no details of when Honor will kickstart its Android 16 beta, but it should be sometime after I/O.
Xiaomi
As is always the case with Xiaomi, the manufacturer released several devices in 2025. The Redmi Note 14 series set a low bar by launching with Android 14, but Xiaomi did a decent enough job with the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra, delivering terrific cameras and standout battery life.
Xiaomi tends to be one of the closest to roll out platform updates, and I don't quite see that changing in 2025. It will be until Q3 or Q4 before devices like the Xiaomi 15 Ultra are able to make the switch to the next version of Android, but I'll update this post should that change.
Coming soon
Given Android 16's accelerated timeline, it will be interesting to see if the update will make its way to additional devices over the course of 2025. There is a decent amount of excitement over the release, and we should have more details over the coming weeks. If you're interested in trying it out right now, you can head to installing the Android 16 beta.
