Developer Preview 2 of Android 16 is released by Google

Android 16’s Developer Preview 2 is being made available to Pixel smartphones by Google. It is anticipated that this will be the final significant Android upgrade of the year. Changes in Android 16 DP2 are intended to increase performance, extend battery life, and improve app experiences.

New APIs that enable apps to provide more intricate haptic effects are among the noteworthy features. Apps can specify the frequency and amplitude curves of a haptic effect using these APIs. With Android 15, the display refresh rate on compatible hardware can adjust to the frame rate of the content thanks to Adaptive Refresh Rate.

By doing this, less power is used and mode-switching, which can lead to jankiness, is avoided. Cloud search features are being added to the system photo picker and will soon be accessible to developers and end users alike. Health Connect is getting a new data type called ACTIVITY_INTENSITY.

Predictive back system animations in gesture navigation, including the back-to-home animation, are made possible by new APIs. For Pixel 6 through Pixel 9 smartphones, as well as the Pixel Fold, Pixel Pro Fold, and Pixel Tablet, Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is accessible. The December 2024 security patch is included in the upgrade, which is meant exclusively for developers and is not meant for everyday or consumer use.

Google releases upgrades for Android 16

Next month, the Android 16 Beta Program will be accessible. An OTA upgrade to DP2 will be sent to devices running Android 16 DP1.

It is not necessary to wipe your device in order to flash Android 16 Developer Preview 2 if you have already installed Beta 2 from the Android 15 QPR2 Beta program. For additional details and comprehensive guidelines, go to the official Google developer website. Users can now unlock the fingerprint sensor on their Pixel 9 even while the screen is off thanks to a new feature that Google added to Android 16 DP2.

It is located under Settings > Security & privacy > Device unlock > Face & Fingerprint Unlock > Fingerprint Unlock. This feature is known as “Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock.” The Pixel 9 Pro’s Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock functionality works as explained. The feature necessitates an ultrasonic under-display fingerprint sensor, a piece of hardware found only in the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL devices, according to a closer look at the Settings app code.

There are alternatives to make your fingerprint sensor more accessible if you have an earlier Pixel or don’t want to run Android 16 DP2. They are the raise to check phone, tap to check phone features, and always-on display. Android 16 DP2 comes with a number of additional developer features in addition to this fingerprint functionality.