Google is building anticipation among beta testers and developers with the upcoming Android 16 Beta 3 update, set to drop today (March 13). On March 12, Android Developers shared an update on its official X (formerly Twitter) account. Announcing the release date of the new version, Android Developers stated, “We're dropping Android 16 Beta 3 tomorrow! Make sure to check back in here for the release.”
Check Google Android 16 Beta 3 update teaser below:
We're dropping Android 16 Beta 3 tomorrow! Make sure to check back in here for the release. ⏲️
March 12, 2025While Beta 1 and Beta 2 introduced new features, Beta 3 is primarily focused on platform stability, according to a report in 9to5Google. This ensures that Android 16's core APIs and system behaviours are finalised, which means developers can now build and test their apps.
The previous beta versions brought many changes, including the ability to launch Google Wallet instead of the Pixel Camera with a double press of the power button. Other additions included an integrated Extra Dim preference for screen brightness, changes to regional settings and a new Switch Users home screen widget.
Beta 2 also introduced minor UI inconsistencies, such as a colour regression in the Settings app background, which is expected to be addressed in Beta 3.
While this update may not bring major new features, it's important in the context of Android 16's final release. At MWC 2025, Sameer Samat, Google's President of the Android Ecosystem, said that Android 16 was on schedule for a stable release in June 2025, according to a report in Android Police.
Following the Beta 3 release, Google is expected to roll out a final test build in April 2025 before introducing the significant user-facing changes at its annual developer conference in May.
Google launched its Android 16 Beta programme in January 2025. It introduced a range of optimisations for larger screens, including tablets and foldables. Within just two months, the company rolled out two beta versions. This included Android 16 Beta 2.1 in February, which addressed performance issues and critical bugs.
With Beta 3 now set to go live, developers can begin testing their apps against the finalised system framework. This ensures that once Android 16 officially launches, apps will be optimised for the new platform.
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