Google Launches Android 16 Developer Preview with Privacy and Health Features
The early release marks a shift in Android's rollout schedule, aiming for faster updates and expanded developer tools.
- Android 16's first developer preview introduces an embedded photo picker, allowing apps to access selected media without broad permissions.
- The update includes new Health Connect APIs, enabling apps to read and write medical records in FHIR format with user consent.
- Google has moved its major Android release timeline to Q2 2025, aligning with device manufacturers to reduce update delays across devices.
- A second API release in Q4 2025 will focus on new developer tools and feature updates without planned behavior changes.
- The Privacy Sandbox initiative continues in Android 16, enhancing user privacy while supporting app ecosystem functionality.