While Galaxy users are still awaiting the first beta of Android 15 (One UI 7.0), Google has already begun beta testing Android 16. The company recently released the first developer preview (DP1) of the upcoming Android version. This early start hints at the possibility of an earlier-than-usual release for One UI 8.0 next year.
Android 16 enters the developer preview stage three months earlier
Developer previews are early versions of upcoming Android updates, designed primarily for developers to test new features and changes. These builds help developers ensure their apps are compatible with the new version before its stable public release. However, they are often buggy and unstable, making them unsuitable for everyday use.
Google usually rolls out the DP1 for a new Android update in the first quarter of the new year. The first DP builds for both Android 14 and Android 15 dropped in February. For Android 16, the company is ahead of the developer preview schedule by around three months. This change is part of its strategic push to release Android updates early.
The Android maker aims to roll out Android 16 in June next year — Android 15 arrived in September. It will release the DP2 in December and one public beta each in January, February, March, and April. Beta 3 and Beta 4 will focus on platform stability rather than feature enhancements. Google also plans a second, smaller Android 16 update in late 2025, bringing more new features and functional improvements.
For Galaxy users, this should mean an early release of One UI 8.0. While Samsung usually starts beta programs soon after the official release and drops the stable update 2-3 months later, it has taken forever this time. The company is yet to begin One UI 7.0 beta programs, while the stable update isn’t coming until the end of January 2025. Hopefully, this is a one-off delay and Samsung will be back on track next year.
