Google
Google is probably about to release the first beta version of Android 12 for developers, but so far we don’t really know much about the upcoming software update. That said, some screenshots have leaked, and we can use Google’s past behavior to make some educated guesses. Below is what we currently know, and what we think we currently know, about Android 12.
What’s it going to be called?
- Google has put its dessert name scheme behind it
- Figures are the future, so we expect it to be called Android 12
With the release of Android 10 in 2019, Google announced that it will no longer use dessert names for the annual release of an Android update. Last year, Google released Android 11. So by my count, this year’s release will be on Android 12.
When will Android 12 be released?
- A beta version for developers can now be released every day
- Google usually follows the developer beta with a public beta a few months later
- An official release will take place around August
The development process for any new version of Android takes a long time, with a developer beta usually released early in the year. In 2020, Google released the first developer beta of Android 11 on February 19. If Google follows the same timing, we could see Android 12 very soon.
The public beta, which allows anyone with a compatible Android phone such as a Google Pixel or OnePlus phone to sign up and help Google test the next version of Android.
An official release will take place towards the end of the summer after developers have had time to prepare their apps for new APIs, and Google has time to finalize the build and fix any lingering bugs. Last year, Android 11 was released on September 8.
What new features are coming to Android 12?
- There haven’t been many leaks yet, so it’s still unclear
- However, some supposed screenshots tell us a lot
Google is doing a pretty good job of keeping new Android features secret until the developer beta is available. This year is no different, very little information leaks about what’s in Android 12.
That said, XDA developers recently released some screenshots that are said to be from documents shared with Google’s partners to let them know what’s new in Android 12 so they can start preparing.
XDA Developers
If you look at the screenshots, you can see that there is a completely new look for widgets, similar to what widgets look like on iOS 14. There is also a new color-coded privacy label that illuminates the signal meter when the microphone and camera are off the device used. or are accessed by an app. Again, this is similar to the iOS feature that places a colored dot on the screen when an app has recently accessed or is currently using your microphone and camera.
As we learn more about Android 12, be it through leaks or an official announcement, we’ll keep updating this post.
What do you hope to see in Android 12? More iOS-like features or something else? Let us know in the comments below.