Google has released Android 16 Beta 1 for Pixel devices, with a major change being the unlocking of app aspect ratio control. Simply put, apps on Android will now be adaptive across all devices, starting from the OS level.
Previously, Android had APIs that allowed apps to “lock” aspect ratio, screen orientation, and resizeability. This led to instances where mobile-designed apps were displayed on tablet or foldable phone screens in a non-optimal way (a notable example being Instagram).
In Android 16, the OS will no longer consider these settings. If an app is shown on a screen wider than 600dp, the OS will enforce adaptability by resizing the app window. Google’s mantra is “The future is adaptive” as apps on Android are being used across a diverse range of devices, from laptops to car screens to XR glasses, requiring app developers to adjust accordingly.
This change will take effect in Android 16 for apps targeting API level 36, allowing developers to opt-out for now. But by next year, in 2026 with API level 37, compliance will be mandatory.
Other new features in Android 16 Beta 1 include:
– Live Updates introduce a new notification class called ProgressStyle, enabling users to track ongoing activities. Examples include navigation and food delivery apps.
– Support for the new Advanced Professional Video (AVP) codec for professional-grade video recording, sourced from the OpenAPV project.
– Apps can now detect camera night mode or EXTENSION_NIGHT_MODE_INDICATOR, expanding on Instagram’s previous usage to general apps.
– Support for displaying vertical text, such as Japanese language.
– Enhanced Android Runtime (ART) performance improvements, which may impact certain apps, requiring developers to test compatibility.
– Predictive back feature as default, requiring apps that capture back button presses to adjust.
Google plans to release a Beta version monthly and aims to launch a stable Android 16 version in Q2 2025, possibly around May or June. This year will also see another minor SDK release in Q4 as previously announced.
TLDR: Android 16 Beta 1 introduces adaptive app display across all devices, with additional features like Live Updates, AVP codec support, night mode detection, vertical text display, ART enhancements, and predictive back feature. Stable release targeted for Q2 2025.
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