December 23, 2024 – Google has launched Android 16 Developer Preview 2 (DP2), offering developers a sneak peek into upcoming features and APIs. This preview focuses on performance enhancements, better battery life, and exclusive new capabilities for Pixel devices.

Key Features in Android 16 DP2

1. Screen-Off Fingerprint Unlock
Pixel owners can now unlock their devices using the in-display fingerprint sensor, even when the screen is off. This feature is currently exclusive to devices with ultrasonic fingerprint readers, like the Google Pixel 9 Pro.

2. Improved Battery Life
Android 16 DP2 promises significant battery optimization, reducing power consumption while enhancing app performance.

3. Enhanced Haptics
New haptic APIs allow developers to fine-tune vibration effects with customizable frequency and amplitude curves, delivering richer feedback across supported devices.

4. Adjustable Refresh Rates
Building on Android 15, Android 16 DP2 simplifies app integration with dynamic refresh rates, improving performance consistency.

Availability

Android 16 DP2 is currently available for developers on supported Pixel devices. However, certain features, like the Screen-off Fingerprint Unlock, are hardware-dependent.

What’s Next?

Google aims to release Android 16 earlier in 2025 to coincide with the launch of the Pixel 10 series. Developers are encouraged to test these new features and provide feedback.

Stay tuned for more updates as Google continues to refine Android 16.