Google Android 16: Developer Preview DP2 Released, Featuring 90:10 Split Screen, Predictive Back, and Beta Program

Google Android 16: Developer Preview DP2 Released, Featuring 90:10 Split Screen, Predictive Back, and Beta ProgramGoogle has confirmed that Android 16 will be released between April and June this year, and has already launched its Beta program. Following the release of the first Developer Preview (DP1), the second Developer Preview (DP2) has arrived, bringing a range of optimizations and new features

Google Android 16: Developer Preview DP2 Released, Featuring 90:10 Split Screen, Predictive Back, and Beta Program

Google has confirmed that Android 16 will be released between April and June this year, and has already launched its Beta program. Following the release of the first Developer Preview (DP1), the second Developer Preview (DP2) has arrived, bringing a range of optimizations and new features. This article details the latest developments in Android 16, including the Beta testing schedule, new features, and some exciting upcoming capabilities.

Beta Program and Timeline

Google has announced the official launch of the Android 16 Beta program, designed to allow developers and early adopters to experience and provide feedback on the new system. The plan includes three Beta releases in January, February, and March, with the following schedule:

• January: First Beta Release (Expected January 22nd) This release provides developers with their first official experience of Android 16, allowing them to begin adapting their applications.

• February: Second Beta Release (Expected February 19th) This release will build upon the first Beta, incorporating improvements, optimizations, bug fixes, and new features.

• March: Third Beta Release (Expected March 12th) This release will reach the Platform Stability Milestone, signifying that the major features of Android 16 are largely stable, allowing developers to conduct more in-depth compatibility testing.

• April-May: Further Beta Releases (Expected) During this period, Google is likely to release additional Beta versions primarily focused on bug fixes and final testing to ensure stability for the final release.

• Q2 2025: Official Release The final version of Android 16 will be released for the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and Pixel devices, allowing all users to upgrade to the new Android system.

New Features in Android 16 Developer Preview DP2

With the release of Android 16 Developer Preview DP2, several exciting new features have emerged. The most notable is support for a 90:10 split-screen ratio.

90:10 Split Screen and Three-App Split Screen Mode

DP2 adds support for a 90:10 split-screen ratio, significantly enhancing multitasking capabilities on Android devices. Even more excitingly, sources suggest Google is planning an upgraded split-screen mode in Android 16 that supports three applications simultaneously. Two applications share 90% of the screen space, while the third occupies the remaining 10%. While 10% might seem small, users can expand any of the three apps to 90% by tapping anywhere within its window, shrinking the other two to 10%. App positions can be freely swapped, managed via taskbar drag-and-drop or a four-finger pinch gesture. Its worth noting that this "flexible" three-app split-screen mode is not yet finalized, but its potential to revolutionize Android multitasking is significant.

Predictive Back Feature Upgrade

First introduced as a developer option in Android 13 and enabled by default in Android 15, the "Predictive Back" feature is expected to be further expanded in Android 16. This feature allows users to preview the destination page before actually navigating back, preventing accidental actions. Android 16 may allow users to long-press the back button in three-button navigation mode to preview the upcoming page, further enhancing user experience and reducing accidental app exits.

Other Three-Button Navigation Mode Upgrades

Beyond Predictive Back, Android 16 brings further improvements to the three-button navigation mode. For example, a new corner swipe gesture quickly invokes the default assistant, and users can customize the order of the back and recent apps buttons for increased efficiency and personalization. Given the Android 16 release timeline, the Predictive Back feature might debut earlier, potentially in this month's first Beta release.

Optimizations for Pixel Devices

Android 16 optimizations also benefit Pixel devices. DP2 improves adaptive refresh rate support for Pixel 6 and newer devices, and Pixel tablets, resulting in a smoother and more energy-efficient experience.

Summary

Android 16 introduces many exciting new features and improvements, from a revamped split-screen mode to upgraded navigation experiences, all aimed at boosting user efficiency and experience. The launch of the Beta program provides valuable opportunities for developers and early users to provide feedback. With more Beta releases to come, we anticipate even more surprises from Android 16, and eagerly await the official release.