Google is making significant strides with its upcoming operating system, Android 16, which is slated for release to the Android community in Q2, 2025. The tech giant has already released two Developer Previews and a Beta version for eligible Pixel devices. Currently, the company is moving forward with the rollout of Android 16 Beta 2 for select Pixel devices.

The Android 16 Beta 2 release introduces numerous notable features and changes, designed to enhance and diversify the overall user experience for Android users.

Key Features and Updates in Android 16 Beta 2

Notably, the Android 16 Beta 2 update offers several impressive camera updates, including hybrid auto-exposure, precise color temperature and tint adjustments, motion photo capture, and ultra HDR image enhancements. These updates will provide Android users with an interactive and professional-level camera experience.

In addition to the camera updates, the Android 16 Beta 2 release includes other significant tweaks. These updates enable edge-to-edge display of app content, allow users to choose their preferred measurement system under language and region settings, and provide APIs for accessing audio and picture quality frameworks. Furthermore, the update includes hardware-related settings on TVs, enabling streaming apps to query profiles and apply them to media dynamically.

Samsung’s Plans for One UI 7 Beta Builds

In comparison, Samsung is reportedly planning to release six beta updates for One UI 7. Although the company is behind schedule in releasing the stable version of its latest Android skin, it appears to be accelerating the One UI 7 rollout process. With Google’s Android 16 already in its second beta stage and approaching its third beta release, followed by a stable release in Q2, 2025, Samsung needs to catch up.

To match the timeline with Android 16, Samsung will need to initiate the development of the One UI 8 skin, which will run on Android 16. This process is expected to begin after Android 16 enters its Beta 3 stage.

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