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Category: phones update tracker

Here are the smartphones receiving the latest Android OS and security patch update.

  • [Update] Android Auto 14.2 beta update hints at upcoming features

    [Update] Android Auto 14.2 beta update hints at upcoming features

    Android Auto 14.2 stable update is available. Download below…

    Google has started rolling out a new Android Auto 14.2 beta update. As usual, the latest release is exclusive to beta users, but it should not be long before it is available for everyone. And thanks to the beta build, we know what this update will bring to stable users.

    Android Auto 14.2 beta is the latest build, and it focuses more on bug fixes and improvements. There are no user-facing changes, but we expect some to arrive with future updates, as the latest build hints at potential new additions.

    According to folks at 9to5Google, during their APK tear down, they discovered a line of code that hunts at a “default music provider” for Assistant (probably Gemini). At the same time, the app continues to replace “car” with vehicle. It has now extended to a phone screen pop-up, which now says “continue set-up on the vehicle screen.”

    However, the interesting part is the code that hints at “Glasses.” While the language was poorly worded on the English version of the app, saying, “navigation to launch Glasses, the Hindi version explained it better. It turns out Google is working on support for smart glasses. Supposedly, users will view navigation on smart glasses when the support arrives.

    Google has been looking for a way to present information better than what it is doing now, so it is not surprising to see support for smart glasses. Also, the company has been teasing Android XR products, but we do not know when it is coming yet. We might see it at the I/O event next month, hopefully, to get a launch time frame.

    How to download Android Auto 14.2 beta APK

    Android Auto 14.2 beta update

    Google is rolling out the update via the Play Store for those in the Beta program. Unfortunately, you will not see any new updates if you are not a member. However, you can side-load the APK, which works on Android 8 and later.

    We understand there are no new changes, as the update targets bugs and optimizations. We recommend waiting for a public release before installing, but you can always uninstall the latest version and install the old one.

    How to install Android Auto 14.2 APK

    • First, you should download the file from here
    • Locate it in your download folder and tap on it
    • Follow the screen prompts to complete the installation.
    • Launch the app, and it should be working.

    However, if it does not work, there are chances that you are not running a compatible Android version. You probably need to update your operating system or move to an older version.

    Update: 20/04/2025

    Android Auto 14.2 stable update is now available for download. You can access it via the Play Store or follow this link to get the APK file and install it manually.

    Update: 19/04/2025

    New Android Auto 14.2.651604

    A new version of Android Auto 14.2 beta update is now available. It has a version number v14.2.651064 and weighs about 17.52MB if you download on Play Store. You can get the APK file from here.

    source: 9to5Google

  • Samsung phones to receive One UI 8 update: Eligible phones

    Samsung phones to receive One UI 8 update: Eligible phones

    With Google expected to release Android 16 in June, attention is slowly shifting to the next big Android update. Although most users have yet to receive the Android 15-based One UI 7 upgrade, many of them are already wondering if they are eligible for the One UI 8 upgrade. 

    Samsung One UI 8 is based on Android 16, and we have seen a hands-on video of the Galaxy Z Flip6 running the upcoming update. It’s fair to ask which Samsung phones will get the One UI 8 update. It turns out many devices will be receiving the upgrade, but it’s still unclear when. 

    When is the Samsung One UI 8 update rolling out?

    Samsung phones to receive One UI 8
    Image source: Sammobile

    Samsung might be planning to debut the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Galaxy Z Fold7 running Android 16-based One UI 8. They did the same thing with the Galaxy S25, and we believe it will continue with the upcoming Foldables units. We understand the devices will be arriving in July, and hence, we can say that Samsung might start rolling out One UI 8 in July 2025.

    Meanwhile, the rollout might be a beta preview since the company is still working on One UI 7. It will be easier to release a new device with the latest OS rather than upgrading older phones, given the work required. Nevertheless, we expect One UI 8 to arrive on time since it does not bring many user-facing changes.

    Samsung phones to receive One UI 8 update 

    Of course, Samsung will release the official list towards the rollout time. Currently, these phones are expected to get an upgrade to One UI 8 based on the company’s update policy. Hence, there is a chance the units not listed will receive the update. 

    Samsung Galaxy S-series phones to receive One UI 8 update 

    Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update

    Samsung will release the One UI 8 update to the Galaxy S25 before any device. They are already working on the build and we expect the beta preview to start soon. Below are other S-series flagships that will receive the upgrade. 

    • Galaxy S25
    • Galaxy S25+
    • Galaxy S25 Ultra
    • Galaxy S25 Edge
    • Galaxy S24 Ultra
    • Galaxy S24+
    • Galaxy S24
    • Galaxy S24 FE
    • Galaxy S23 Ultra
    • Galaxy S23+
    • Galaxy S23
    • Galaxy S23 FE
    • Galaxy S22 Ultra
    • Galaxy S22+
    • Galaxy S22
    • Galaxy S21 FE

    Galaxy Z series phones to receive One UI 8 update 

    The Galaxy Z Flip6 and Galaxy Z Fold6 are likely the first Samsung phones to run Android 16-based One UI 8. We understand both will debut with the build pre-installed. After their release, we expect other Z series phones to get the upgrade.

    • Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition
    • Galaxy Z Fold 6
    • Galaxy Z Fold 5
    • Galaxy Z Flip 6
    • Galaxy Z Flip 5
    • Galaxy Z Fold 4
    • Galaxy Z Flip 4

    Galaxy A series to receive One UI 8 update 

    Samsung has a handful of Galaxy A series phones that will receive the One UI 8 update. With the line eligible for seven years of support, many of them will be upgraded. 

    • Galaxy A73
    • Galaxy A56
    • Galaxy A55
    • Galaxy A54
    • Galaxy A53
    • Galaxy A36
    • Galaxy A35
    • Galaxy A34
    • Galaxy A33
    • Galaxy A25
    • Galaxy A24
    • Galaxy A23
    • Galaxy A15 (LTE+5G)
    • Galaxy A14 (LTE+5G)
    • Galaxy A16 (LTE+5G)
    • Galaxy A06

    Galaxy Tab to receive One UI 8

    • Galaxy Tab S10+
    • Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra
    • Galaxy Tab S10 FE
    • Galaxy Tab S10 FE+
    • Galaxy Tab S9 FE+
    • Galaxy Tab S9 FE
    • Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra (Wi-Fi/5G)
    • Galaxy Tab S9+ (Wi-Fi/5G)
    • Galaxy Tab S9 (Wi-Fi/5G)
    • Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra (Wi-Fi/5G)
    • Galaxy Tab S8+ (Wi-Fi/5G)
    • Galaxy Tab S8 (Wi-Fi/5G)
    • Galaxy Tab A9
    • Galaxy Tab A9+

    Galaxy F series to receive One UI 8 

    • Galaxy F55
    • Galaxy F54
    • Galaxy F34
    • Galaxy F16
    • Galaxy F15
    • Galaxy F06

    Galaxy M series to receive One UI 8

    • Galaxy M56
    • Galaxy M55s
    • Galaxy M55
    • Galaxy M54
    • Galaxy M34
    • Galaxy M53
    • Galaxy M33
    • Galaxy M16
    • Galaxy M15
    • Galaxy M06

    Galaxy XCover series to receive One UI 8

    • Galaxy XCover 7
    • Galaxy XCover 7 Pro

    source: Sammobile

  • Next is stable Android 16 as beta 4 starts rolling out

    Next is stable Android 16 as beta 4 starts rolling out

    Google is on track to release stable Android 16 in June. The tech giant just released the last scheduled beta build ahead of the stable release. You can install the update via OTA while the live image is available via the source link.

    Android 16 is planned to be released in June, enough time for the Pixel 10 to debut running the new OS. Other smartphone makers plan to release their flagship phones with the upcoming OS. With the release of Android 16 beta 4, Google is now very likely to release stable Android 16 update in June.

    According to Google, the latest beta build is the last before the stable release. Of course, there will be point releases, and we will not see a stable release until June. Nevertheless, they have made big progress, considering that Samsung is yet to fully start the release of Android 15.

    Beta 4 is “the last scheduled update in our Android 16 beta program.” Meanwhile, the Android 16 Beta is “now available on handset, tablet, and foldable form factors from partners including Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Vivo, and Xiaomi.”

    Android 16 beta 4 update ahead of stable Android 16
    Image source: Google

    Android 16 beta 4 changes and bug fixes

    • Dynamic AOD color on some AOD Clocks: After installing the latest beta build, your AOD clock will take the of your theme. Depending on the type you are using, the change might not be visible. However, the thin outlines, which were initially white now make use of dynamic color in AOD.
    • Screenshot and select added to when you long press an app: When you long press an app, it brings up four options. App info, split screen, pause app, and close. Extra two – Screenshot and Select (From the recent menu) have been added.
    • Darker Media Player: You probably might not notice the change until you see it side by side. Hence, you should visit this link here.
    • Battery Health Removed: It seems Google removed the option for some people. We do not know what the reasons are, but it might be coming back.
    • Themed icon beta badge was removed again
    • Gesture Navigation demo
    • Apps List shortcut

    Bug fixes

    • Fixed issue that caused the radar map to disappear in the Pixel weather app. (Issue# 407282089)
    • Fixed issues that impacted haptic performance and delayed feedback (Issues # 400455826, 398829454)
    • Fixed issue that caused excessive power drain on some devices (Issue # 395519809)
    • Fixed issue that caused a system restart when a call was answered in some situations (Issue # 402639338)
    • Fixed issue that caused restart when screen magnification is enabled (Issue # 408330740)
    • Fixed issue where screen saver did not start (Issue # 398963286)
    • Fixed issue where phone restarted when ranging API used (Issue # 406577030)

    Other resolved issues

    • Fixed various other issues that impacted system stability and performance, including a launcher crash

    We expect Android 16 beta 4.1 in the future, and hence, you should leave feedback with the Android Beta Feedback app on Pixel devices. It is accessible via the drawer or Quick Settings. Also, use the Android Beta community on Reddit to file bugs.

    How to download Android 16 beta 4 update ahead of stable Android 16

    Android 16 stable release date

    Google is rolling out the update via OTA. It is available for all eligible users, and you can install it via Settings>>System>>Software updates>>System update. You can download the live image or OTA via the source link.

    source: 9to5Google

  • One UI 8 runs on Galaxy Z Flip6, while people are yet to get One UI 7

    One UI 8 runs on Galaxy Z Flip6, while people are yet to get One UI 7

    Samsung has yet to complete the stable One UI 7 release. The rollout has started, but it is unclear when the company plans to complete it. There have been issues, and it was halted at some point. Nevertheless, it has not stopped the development of One UI 8, as the Korean company looks to compensate for the One UI 7 delays.

    A few rumors about One UI 8 arriving earlier than previous releases have surfaced. That seems to be the case given that Google will release Android 16 in June, four months earlier than the Android 15 release. Samsung will deliver the next OS with One UI 80, which they are currently working on. We already saw some screenshots of the build, but we now have a hands-on video.

    According to the video posted by Sammobile, they have managed to get the One UI 8 running on Galaxy Z Flip6. From the video, there are not many user-facing changes, something we already know. However, it confirms the extension of the Now Brief feature to older phones, as the Z Flip6 now supports it with One UI 8.

    Of course, it’s an early build, probably for developers. There is a chance more features will be introduced as the preview goes on. Nevertheless, we do not expect many changes, especially after all the features the company is rolling out with One UI 7. The idea with One UI 8 will be to keep things as they are while introducing much-needed optimizations and a new Android OS upgrade.

    When is Samsung launching One UI 8?

    Samsung One UI 8
    Image source: Sammobile

    Samsung might release One UI 8-based Android 16 with the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. The duo are expected to run Android 16 outside of the box. While we do not have an exact launch date, rumors say the device will arrive in July.

    Google is expected to release Android 16 in June, just in time for Samsung to debut its upcoming Foldables running the update. Perhaps, it will be the same arrangement with the Galaxy S25, where the phones were released with beta builds that lacked some features. Subsequent updates are now introducing some of the features of stable One UI 7.

    Nonetheless, we are still months from the stable One UI 8 release. Most phones are still in One UI 6.1 and waiting for One UI 7. We recommend focusing on the next update, which you can check here for when it will arrive for your device.

  • Samsung phone running Android 16-based One UI 8 build

    Samsung phone running Android 16-based One UI 8 build

    Samsung has started rolling out the stable One UI 7-based Android 15 update, but so far, the rollout is not encouraging. After months of beta releases, the Korean company had to pause the rollout due to a bug spotted in the build. However, they might be doing things differently with One UI 8, as a phone is already running the build, and it seems smooth.

    We know Samsung is testing the Android 16-based One UI 8 build for a handful of phones. The Galaxy S25 appeared on the Geekbench benchmark database running the upcoming OS. And while we did not see a picture of the Android skin on the device, a new leak has surfaced with virtual. As expected, One UI 8 will not bring user-facing changes.

    Android 15-based One UI 8 changes

    Android 16-based One UI 8 build
    Android 15-based One UI 7 update

    Perhaps the reason One UI 7 took months before rolling out was due to all the user-facing changes. Samsung will not be doing that with One UI 8, as it will be charged with keeping things the way they are while bumping the OS version. Of course, the update will be based on Android 16, which might arrive for Pixel phones in June.

    Meanwhile, the developer build of the One UI 8 was installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. From the screenshots we have seen, there are only minor changes. Most of it comes in the Gallery and File Manager app. We believe there might be other changes considering this is an early build. Samsung will probably add more features as the preview progresses.

    Samsung might introduce the “Now Brief” feature to older phones with the release of One UI 8. It is unclear which phones will get it, but we can confirm it will be coming to the Galaxy Z Fold 6 since the current One UI 8 build is installed on the device.

    When will Samsung release One UI 8 update?

    Unfortunately, there is no official time frame yet, but we expect the release in July. Samsung plans to release the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 with Android 16, which will be based on One UI 8. It means they are already working on the update, as the duo will debut in July.

    We expect the public beta preview to start before the release at least for the Galaxy S25 series. And given only minor changes will be coming with the update, we expect a quick beta preview compared to the One UI 7.

    source: Smartprix

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update to start rolling out soon

    Samsung Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update to start rolling out soon

    Samsung started the stable One UI 7 update release early this month. The rollout is still exclusive to premium phones launched last year. However, it seems the company will soon release the update to older models, which will see the Galaxy S23 series start getting the much-anticipated upgrade.

    The Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update is expected to start rolling out this month, according to Samsung. However, the Korean company didn’t give an exact date, and coupled with the recent development of pulling the build from its servers, many users have been left wondering whether the upgrade will still arrive for the Galaxy S23 this month. Samsung is still on track to release the update, according to the latest report.

    A Canadian Carrier, Telus, has seemingly released the exact date of the Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update rollout. According to the release schedule published by the company yesterday, the Galaxy S23 series phones will start getting the Android 15-based One UI 7 update on April 22. That’s seven days from today, but it might just be for the Canadian region.

    Meanwhile, there’s a chance the update starts rolling out before the date, as some regions get a major upgrade faster than others. Perhaps we might see those in Korea start getting the upgrade when Samsung resumes the rollout after halting it due to a bug.

    Samsung Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update release plan

    Samsung stable One UI 7 update starts rolling out

    Samsung Galaxy S23 started testing the Android 15-based One UI 7 update last month. It has only been a few weeks of testing compared to the Galaxy S24 series, which previewed the build for months. Even at that, a bug was spotted that made Samsung halt the rollout.

    The recent development might delay the Galaxy S23 stable One UI 7 update release, as the company might take additional time to look at the build. We hope that won’t be the case but it is likely to affect the release. Perhaps they will start the rollout in a few regions to ensure there is no issue before a wider rollout.

    After upgrading the Galaxy S23, Samsung will release the update for the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy Tab S10+ and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra. All these phones are expected to receive a stable One UI 7 this month.

    Of course, the rollout will continue next month till July. Hopefully, it will be swift once it starts rolling out again. Currently, Samsung has stopped the rollout as an issue was detected in the build released for the Galaxy S24 series in Korea.

    source: Sammobile

  • Official: Samsung halts One UI 7 stable release globally

    Official: Samsung halts One UI 7 stable release globally

    Samsung started the One UI 7 stable release a few days ago for its flagship phones in select regions. The update arrived in South Korea before making it to Europe. What seemed to be a happy time for Samsung users quickly turned into confusion as Samsung pulled the build from their servers, halting the release.

    It took Samsung over six months to release the Android 15-based One UI 7 update after the official release by Google. We had over five beta builds, which took several weeks, but somehow, Samsung could not detect this bug, which resulted in halting the One UI 7 release.

    Why did Samsung halt the One UI 7 stable release?

    One UI 7 stable release

    Samsung pulled the build from its servers a few days ago. At that time, we did not know the reasons for their actions, but we do now. According to Ice Universe, a bug was detected, which forced the company to stop rolling out the update. The bug was spotted on the S24 series in Korea. As a result, the company pulled the update from their servers in China, Europe, South Korea, and the US.

    Apparently, some users cannot unlock their phones after installing the stable One UI 7 update in South Korea. It is a serious bug as it makes the phone useless since the owner cannot unlock it. We believed the screen unlock problem to be the reason Samsung had to halt the One UI 7 rollout.

    What happens with the One UI 7 rollout now?

    It depends on how long it takes Samsung to resolve this issue. Also, if the bug is present in the build for other regions. If the screen unlock issue is exclusive to Korean users, we expect the rollout to restart in other countries in the coming days.

    Nonetheless, it is disappointing that after over five months of testing, including an internal preview, Samsung did not spot this bug. Now, users have to wait even longer to receive an update that was officially released almost six months ago. We hope they resolve the problem on time and restart the rollout.

    How will this affect the One UI 8 release?

    We do not expect the current predicament to affect the release of One UI 8. They are different builds, and we understand some progress has been made in the development. Interestingly, Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 are expected to run the build outside of the box, which is based on Android 15.

    source(s): Sammobile.

  • Official Samsung One UI 7 release plan in Germany has been revealed

    Official Samsung One UI 7 release plan in Germany has been revealed

    Samsung kept its promise of rolling out a stable One UI 7 update on April 7. The release started in Korea and only arrived in the US and Europe a few days ago. As expected, the update is exclusive to flagship phones, and while we expect the rollout to extend to older models, Samsung did not say when for German users. However, we now have some information regarding the release plan in the region.

    The Samsung One UI 7 release schedule in Germany does not look surprising. According to the image posted on Twitter, some eligible phones will wait until July before upgrading to Android 15 with One UI 7. By then, Pixel users will be running Android 16. Nevertheless, it’s better late than never, which is why you should check the release plan below if you are in Germany.

    Official Samsung One UI 7 release plan in Germany

    Samsung One UI 7 release plan in Germany
    Android 15-based One UI 7 rollout in Germany

    The stable rollout has started in Germany for the Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. These devices are expected to get the Android 15-based One UI 7 upgrade this month. From June, Samsung will roll out the update to more phones, including Galaxy S23, and others.

    • April 2025 – Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24+, Galaxy S24.
    • May 2025 – Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21 FE, Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S10+, Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S9+, Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra, Galaxy Tab S8+, Galaxy Tab S8.
    • June 2025 – Galaxy A55, Galaxy A54, Galaxy A53, Galaxy A35, Galaxy A34, Galaxy A33, Galaxy A25, Galaxy A16, Galaxy A15, Galaxy A14, Galaxy M53, Galaxy M33, Galaxy XCover 7, Galaxy XCover 6 Pro, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, Galaxy Tab Active 5, Galaxy Tab Active 4 Pro, Galaxy Tab A9+
    • July 2025 – Galaxy Tab A9.

    Meanwhile, Samsung will not wait until One UI 7 arrives on these phones before working on One UI 8 (Android 16). We understand the company is already testing the build for multiple phones, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. The duo will run the build outside of the box, while preview for the Galaxy S25 series has started as well.

    Samsung might have temporarily stopped One UI 7 rollout in Europe

    If you received the update earlier but cannot find it again, there’s a report that Samsung might have pulled it back. According to Sammobile, only the European units are affected, hinting it could be an issue with the Exynos version of the phones getting the upgrade. If you are in the US, the update is available in that region, as seen on Samsung servers.

    It is too early to say what the issue might be. We hope to get a confirmation on Monday, but it will be better to avoid the upgrade if you have not downloaded it yet for those in Europe. Perhaps after confirming why it was suspended and doesn’t seem to be a big issue, you can install the build.

    source: Tarun Vats (X)

  • April 2025 security patch for Pixel phones is available for download

    April 2025 security patch for Pixel phones is available for download

    While Google is working on the next iteration of Android OS, they are still delivering a new security patch update at the beginning of the month. The April 2025 security patch for Pixel phones is now live with bug fixes, security patches, and system optimizations.

    Last month, Google released the March Feature Drop, which introduced loads of new features. However, users started reporting issues a few days after installing the update, which has now been resolved with the current release. It comes as the April 2025 security patch, but bigger than what we get every month.

    The update size is about 49.26MB and is available for the Pixel 6 up to the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Interestingly, the Pixel 9a is getting the update as well, which will improve the device’s performance as it recently arrived on the shelves.

    Details of the April 2025 security patch update for Pixel phones

    April 2025 security patch update for pixel phones

    The update is rolling out with a build number BP1A.250405.007. It resolved 31 security flaws in the April 2025 security patch dated 2025-04-01 and 31 for 2025-04-05. These vulnerabilities range from high to critical. According to Google “CVE-2024-53150 (Kernel, USB) and CVE-2024-53197 (Kernel, USB) “may be under limited, targeted exploitation.”

    Aside from the fixes, the dedicated bulletin for Google phones lists an additional security fix. Three additional patches for carrier builds this month.

    Aside from patching security flaws, the update addresses some of the issues reported after last month’s update. Below are the complete fixes, and you should use the device key below to read the changelog.

    *[1] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9a

    *[2] Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a,  Pixel Fold

    Biometrics

    • Fix for issues with fingerprint recognition and response under certain conditions.*[1]

    Camera

    • Fix for improvements in camera stability when zooming in/out under certain conditions.*[2]

    Display & Graphics

    • Fix for issue with screen brightness flickering when using video streaming apps under certain conditions.*[1]

    User Interface

    • Fix for issue with overlapping views on lockscreen weather clock under certain conditions.*[1]
    • Fix for issue with Pixel Launcher when creating a new user or switching users under certain conditions.*[1]

    How to download the April 2025 security patch update for Pixel phones

    The update is available for all eligible units. Head to Settings>>System>>System update. Follow the screen prompts to download the update, and you might need to reboot your device to complete the installation.

    source(s): Google | 9to5Google

  • Global Android 16-based HyperOS 2 public beta preview has started

    Global Android 16-based HyperOS 2 public beta preview has started

    Google will release stable Android 16 in June or July this year, meaning the upcoming OS update will arrive earlier than usual. This means that other smartphone makers will deliver the upgrade to their eligible devices on time. Hence, Xiaomi has started the Global Android 16-based HyperOS 2 public preview ahead of the stable release.

    Xiaomi was among the companies to release stable Android 15 after the official announcement by Google. They are working to roll out Android 16 at a record time this year, with the beta preview now ongoing. Initially, the beta program was limited to Chinese users, but we knew it would not be long before Global users started getting it. However, only two devices are eligible for the beta preview.

    Details of the Global Android 16-based HyperOS 2 public beta

    Global Android 16-based HyperOS 2 public beta
    Image source: Xiaomi

    Xiaomi has released Android 16 beta builds for the Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 14T Pro. The same duo that received the upgrade in China. Usually, these updates are exclusive to developers, but you can install them on your device. You can access the Recovery ROM via the source link, and you can start using it immediately after flashing.

    However, you might experience some glitches since Android 16 has yet to adapt to HyperOS 2. Overheating is another issue you might face, and hence, we do not recommend installing it on your daily driver.

    How to install Global Android 16-based HyperOS 2 public beta

    Xiaomi 15 and Redmi K70 Ultra

    Interestingly, you can install the build via the Recovery method, but somehow you will lose all your data. Before proceeding, ensure you backup your files.

    To upgrade, you must be running the latest HyperOS build on your Xiaomi 15 ( OS2.0.109.0.VOCMIXM) and Xiaomi 14T Pro (OS2.0.103.0.VNNMIXM) or higher.

    • Download the Fastboot ROM here: Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 14T Pro.
    • Move the ROM package to your phone’s storage.
    • Head to Settings>About phone>>Tap OS version. Keep tapping until you become a developer.
    • Go back to Settings>About phone>>Click the system icon>>Tap the three dots at the right top corner>>Select Choose update package. After choosing the correct package, the device will verify the ROM before the upgrade starts.

    If for any reason, you want to go back to a stable ROM after installing Android 16 beta, Xiaomi has provided a guide via the source link. There is also an option to flash the build via the fastboot method, but that requires unlocking the bootloader. I doubt anyone would want to go through the stress when they can flash using the Recovery method. Nevertheless, there is more information on the source link.

    source: Xiaomi