Google has just announced Android 12 and, with it, several new features that improve the software that powers your Android smartphone. The main mission of Android 12 is to improve overall performance, especially with a focus on application stability.
Google has also included new privacy features, giving Android users control over how they are tracked on sites.
If you're clamoring for the latest Google software on your phone, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is that this first look is for developers only. This means there will be display errors and most likely a decrease in your device's battery life.
The good news is that if you're tech-savvy enough and don't mind living with a few bugs, you can install it today, provided you have a compatible phone.
You can install the beta on any Pixel phone up to the Pixel 3.
The developer beta version is for, well, developers.
The first beta release is for developers who need to start updating their apps to be compatible with the new software. Google recommends installing the update on a test device and not on your regular phone, as there is no guarantee that the preview will be stable enough for everyday use.
Instead of offering the first preview via a wireless update, you will need to download the system image and install it with Android Flash Tool, or load an OTA update via ADB tools. If none of this works for you, you should definitely avoid installing the beta. For now, the beta is only available for Pixel 3, 3a, 4, 4a and 5.
Along with using command line tools to install it, the process will reset your phone, forcing you to set it up as new. So, if you decide to go back to Android 11, guess what? Yes, you'll have to reset it again.
Ultimately, it's a lot of work to take an early look at the software that will surely cause you problems. That said, if you still want to install Android 12, you'll find the corresponding files and instructions on Google's site.
Yes, Android 12 public beta is coming
Google usually releases a public beta version of the next Android update between May and June, or at the time of its Google I/O conference. But we can go further and shorten the period that Google plans to release a more stable version of Android 12.
Google's release schedule for Android 12. Google
Based on this, we know that the first public beta version should be released in May.
With the release of Android 11 last year, Google expanded the public beta to more than just its own Pixel line of smartphones. It seems to have been a success for Google and its partners, so we expect a similar release this year.
Along with more supported devices, the public beta traditionally has fewer bugs and issues. It's not completely free of it, but it's better than developer-only beta versions.
The final version of Android 12 will not be available before the end of the year.
Google usually releases the final version of a major Android update late in the third quarter, around August or September. This gives the company and developers plenty of time to prepare for the release.
If you want to see the beta version of Android 12, we suggest you wait as long as possible to install it. The further you get in the development cycle, the more polished the update will be and the less likely you are to encounter problems.
