Google has launched the Android 12 beta program after detailing the changes coming to the next major version of Android at the opening keynote of I/O 2021.
While the public release of Android 12 is still a few months away, the company is giving advanced users and enthusiasts a chance to try out the latest version of the OS on their device right away.
Android 12 Beta Packs More Features
The beta build of Android 12 is different from the developer preview build that Google released for developers after first announcing the OS in February. It is more feature-packed and stable in nature, making it ideal for advanced users who don’t mind running a beta OS on their device with some niggles and stability issues.
Android 12 Beta Compatible Devices
The Android 12 beta program is compatible with over 20 devices from 11 different OEMs. However, the installation process is different for every device, so if you decide to install the Android 12 beta on your device, make sure to follow the steps detailed by your device OEM.
The following devices are compatible with the Android 12 beta program:
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Google Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 3
- Google Pixel 3 XL
- Google Pixel 3a
- Google Pixel 3a XL
- Asus Zenfone 8
- OnePlus 9
- OnePlus 9 Pro
- OPPO Find X3 Pro
- Realme GT (China)
- Nokia X20
- Sharp
- TCL 20 Pro 5G
- Tecno Camon 17
- Vivo iQOO 7
- Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra
- Xiaomi Mi 11
- Xiaomi Mi 11i
- Xiaomi Mi 11X Pro
- ZTE Axon Ultra 5G
If you own any of the devices mentioned above, you can find more details and instructions on installing the Android 12 beta on it over at the Android 12 beta website. While you can roll back to Android 11 if you wish to, doing so will lead to all device data being wiped.
As Google highlights on the Android 12 beta website, the company will release further beta updates for the OS at least once a month for the next three months. The OS itself is scheduled to reach its final “Platform Stability” state after August.
Android 12 Introduces a Major UI Overhaul
Android 12 is a major new update that focuses on customization, security, and privacy. Google is debuting its new Material You design language as a part of Android 12, which it plans to bring to its other apps and services from next year as well.
As a part of the update, Google has redesigned the notification shade, quick settings, and the power menu to help you get more things done. There are also under-the-hood performance and battery life improvements, which Google says will lead to faster device performance and smoother animations.
Android 12 will first release for Google Pixel devices later this year before other OEMs start rolling out the update for their devices.
