Galaxy users may still be waiting for Android 15 and One UI 7.0, but Google has already paved the way for Samsung to start One UI 8.0 development. Google recently released the first developer preview (DP1) for Android 16. Here are all the new features and enhancements the latest version brings to Android devices.
Android 16 new features and enhancements
Since this is the very first Android 16 build available to the public, there aren’t many new features. Developer Previews are primarily meant for developers to prepare their apps for the upcoming update. However, DP1 contains a couple of interesting changes that could eventually make it to Galaxy phones with One UI 8.0.
The embedded photo picker enhances security with a built-in system for apps to selectively pick photos from your phone without accessing the entire library. While Android OS already offers a photo picker, many apps do not use it because of its complexity. The existing system doesn’t allow developers to integrate the photo kicker directly into their apps. Instead, it is shown in a separate panel over the screen.
Android 16 offers new APIs for developers to embed the photo picker into their apps. This change makes it look like an integrated part of the app. Google is already racking down on apps that unnecessarily access your photo library. Hopefully, Android 16’s embedded photo picker will encourage developers to adopt it rather than ask for permission to access all photos.
This update also improves Health Connect to enable apps to read and write medical records in FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) format. This allows electronic health records (EHR) to exchange medical records for enhanced flexibility and convenience. FHIR format ensures your health data is compatible with any information system or healthcare setting.
Last but not least, Android 16 incorporates the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox to enhance user privacy while still offering tailored ads. Google will release the second developer preview in December, followed by public beta builds every month from January through April. The stable build is expected in June. Samsung should follow up with One UI 8.0 in the second half of 2025.
