Android users finally got a good look at Google’s latest operating system, Android 12, at the Google I/O developer conference on Tuesday. Now available as a public beta, Android 12 marks the OS’s biggest design change in years, complete with customizable color palettes, updated notifications and faster, battery-saving performance. And we have a pretty good idea of when the final version will be available to download generally.
Here’s everything we know about Android 12 right now, based on the features we’ve seen in the public beta, and when we expect it to be available to everyone. (If you’re an Apple user, here are all the rumors about the upcoming iOS 15 update.)
Android 12 release date: What to expect
While Google showed off Android 12 this week, it hasn’t announced when the OS will be released generally. But we still have a good idea, since Google usually releases the final version of a major Android update around August or September. Android 11 arrived on Sept. 8, 2020, and Android 10 launched Sept. 3, 2019. When it does arrive, as always, it will be a free download for Android users.
The first Android 12 public beta is now available to download for certain devices, including Google Pixel phones (here’s how to download the Android 12 public beta). Previously, it was available to developers as a developer beta.
However, note that beta versions are not final, and typically have bugs — for most people, we typically recommend waiting until the OS is closer to a final release to download it. However, if you want to try it out early, you should only install the beta on a tester device, not your main device, in case of issues.
How will I download Android 12 once it’s generally available?
As is usually the case with major Android updates, exactly how and when you’ll get the update depends on who makes your device, like Google, Samsung, OnePlus or Xiaomi. But generally, once the update starts rolling out, you’ll go to System > Advanced > System update > Check for update.
What devices will be compatible with Android 12?
With the vast number of Android phones available, it’s difficult to list all the ones that will support the update to Android 12. But generally, you can expect the Google Pixel 3 and later to be compatible with Android 12, along with newer phones from Samsung, Huawei, LG, Nokia, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo and other manufacturers. The website GetDroidTips has collected an extensive list of devices it expects will be compatible with Android 12.
What new features does Android 12 include?
Android 12 is a major update to the OS with a number of new features. Here’s some of what we’ve seen so far in the public beta and during the Google I/O keynote.
App privacy features
With Android 12, Google is adding several new privacy features to apps to give you more transparency and control. A privacy dashboard helps you prevent apps from collecting unwanted information, and turn off your camera and microphone across all apps. (Here’s how to use Android 12’s new app privacy features.)
However, it’s worth noting that these policies are less strict than those in Apple’s recent iOS 14 software releases, which includes app “nutrition labels” that tell people what personal data their apps are collecting, and the new change in iOS 14.5 that requires developers to ask for permission to gather your data and track you across apps and websites.
Google is changing up the design of notifications to make them more modern and functional. When you tap on a notification, it will take you directly to the app or action you want to take, instead of going through an intermediary service to start that action. This should make everything run faster.
Customized color themes for Pixel phones
On Google Pixel phones, when you choose your wallpaper, a feature called color extraction will update the whole system, including your lock screen, widgets and notifications, with custom complementary colors.
Double-tap options
Another new feature lets you tap the back of your Android phone a set number of times to trigger the action of your choosing. Once you enable it in settings under Gestures, you’ll see a list of actions you can set, like taking a screenshot, playing and pausing media or launching Google Assistant.
One-handed mode
Android 12 appears to include a few design changes that make it easier to operate Android phones with one hand and your thumb. XDA Developers noted that the updated settings UI moves the Search bar to the bottom of the display for easier one-handed access. It also uncovered a new feature called “silky home” that makes the entire interface more suitable for one-handed use.
Face-based autorotate
Today, you can turn your phone portrait or landscape and the screen will adjust with you. With Android 12, on Pixel phones, it appears you’ll be able to choose to autorotate based on the way your head is turned — for example, if you’re lying down, according to 9to5Google.
Trash and recycle bin management
Android has a hidden Recycle Bin/Trash feature that Google may allow you to manage with Android 12, according to XDA Developers. It looks like you’ll be able to see how much storage space your trashed items take up, and clear the trash as needed.
For more, check out three cool things Android 12 will be able to do that Android 11 can’t and the best Android phones to buy for 2021.
