Android 16 Beta 4.1: A Minor Update with a Major Decision to Make
Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Today, Google made Android 16 official, and with it, a special I/O edition of The Android Show. But before we dive into the juicy details, let’s set the stage. Android 16 is expected to bring a bouncy new era of playful animations with Material 3 Expressive, but not just yet. Instead, we’ll have to wait until June for the stable release.
The New Update: Android 16 Beta 4.1
So, what’s new in Android 16 Beta 4.1? Well, it’s not the Expressive design we’ve been waiting for, but rather a bugfix release for the Expressive-less version that will make its stable debut in a few weeks. The new version has a build number of BP22.250325.012 on most Pixels, and the release notes reek of finishing touches – a good sign for the stable release next month.
The Catch: A Tricky Situation for Beta Enrollees
Here’s the thing: when the Android 16 QPR1 beta launches later this month, people enrolled in the Android Beta Program will be offered the newer version. To switch to stable builds, you’ll have to refuse that update and opt out of the beta program, which will then offer another update to downgrade your phone to the latest Android 15 stable. To avoid losing data, you’ll need to refuse that update as well. Only when the official Android 16 stable update arrives in July should you accept any further OTAs.
But Don’t Worry, This Update is Safe
The good news is that today’s update, Android 16 Beta 4.1, is not an Android 16 QPR1 beta, so it still has a lower build date than the eventual Android 16 stable firmware. So, it’s safe to accept this OTA, regardless of whether you plan on sticking with betas or going stable.
What’s Next?
Android 16 Beta 4.1 is available for the Pixel 6 and newer Google devices, as long as they’re enrolled in the Android Beta Program. The update is already rolling out, and Google says it may take a few days to reach everyone – but in our experience, it shows up right away after heading to Settings → System → Software updates → System update → Check for updates.
A Small Update with Big Implications
This minor update clocks in at roughly 50MB on the devices we tested, which is a good sign for the stable rollout of Android 16 and probably bodes well for the Android 16 QPR1 beta program with all of its Material 3 Expressive goodness.
The Verdict
In conclusion, Android 16 Beta 4.1 is a minor update that’s safe to accept, regardless of your plans for the future. It’s a good sign for the stable release next month and probably bodes well for the Android 16 QPR1 beta program. So, what do you think? Share your opinions in the thread below and remember to keep it respectful.
Actionable Insights
- If you’re enrolled in the Android Beta Program, you’ll need to decide whether to stick with betas or go stable.
- If you opt out of the beta program, you’ll be offered an update to downgrade your phone to the latest Android 15 stable.
- Only accept further OTAs when the official Android 16 stable update arrives in July.
Summary
Android 16 Beta 4.1 is a minor update that’s safe to accept, regardless of your plans for the future. It’s a good sign for the stable release next month and probably bodes well for the Android 16 QPR1 beta program. With the Expressive design still on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Android 16.