Google
Google is probably close to releasing the first developer beta of Android 12, but so far we do not really know much about the upcoming software update. It has been said that some screenshots have been leaked, and we could use Google’s behavior in the past to make some good guesses. Below is what we currently know and what we currently think we know about Android 12.
What will it be called?
- Google has left its dessert naming scheme behind
- Numbers are the future, so we expect it to be called Android 12
With the release of Android 10 in 2019, Google announced that they will no longer use post-reclamation for the annual release of an Android update. Last year, Google released Android 11., according to my score, it represents this year’s release on Android 12.
When will Android 12 be released?
- A developer beta can now be released any day
- Google usually follows the developer beta with a public beta a few months later
- An official release takes place around August
The development process for each new version of Android is lengthy, and a developer beta is usually released early in the year. In 2020, Google released the first developer beta of Android 11 on February 19th. If Google follows the same timing, we may see Android 12 really soon.
The public beta, which allows anyone with a compatible Android phone like a Google Pixel or OnePlus phone, can sign in and help Google test the next version of Android.
At the end of the summer, an official release will take place after developers have had time to get their apps ready for new APIs, and Google has time to complete the build and clear up any lingering bugs. Last year, Android 11 was released on September 8th.
What new features are coming on Android 12?
- There have not been too many leaks yet, so it’s still unclear
- However, some alleged screenshots tell us a lot
Google is doing a pretty good job of overseeing new Android features until the developer beta becomes available. This year is no different, with very little information leaking about Android 12.
That said, XDA developers recently released a few screenshots that are reportedly published 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 whole new look for widgets, similar to what widgets on iOS 14 look like. There is also a new color-coded privacy label that illuminates the signal meter when the device’s microphone and camera are accessed or accessed through an app. Again, this is similar to the iOS feature that places a colored dot on the screen when an app recently accesses or is currently using access to your microphone and camera.
As we learn more about Android 12, whether through leaks or an official announcement, we will 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.