 |
| Android 12 will be launched in the coming weeks |
After I/O 2021 preview and some beta builds since then, Android 12 (the next version of Google's mobile operating system) is ready for release. But not the general public.
The company wrote on the Android Developers website that it has submitted the source code to the AOSP Android Open Source Project and has released an official update.
Although the system is technically available, you cannot currently find it as an update on Pixel smartphones. Once started, it can be applied to the Pixel 3, Pixel 3A, Pixel 4, Pixel 4A, Pixel 4A 5G, Pixel 5, and Pixel 5A. This system will power the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro smartphones, which will be launched later this year.
According to Google, it will also land on Samsung Galaxy OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, Xiaomi and Tecno devices later in 2021.
This update mainly focuses on fine-tuning the look of Android with the new Google Material You Design language. The company said the Material You Design language was the biggest design change in Android history.
There are more features, including a new privacy dashboard that gives you a more transparent understanding of how your app accesses your location, microphone, and camera. However, overall, it is not an update that is meant to fundamentally change the way you use your phone.
Android 12 is for an open source Android project
The company said that, as always, we appreciate your feedback during the beta phase. Over 225,000 people tested our first release on Pixel and partner devices. Nearly 50,000 problem reports have been sent to us to improve the quality of the release.
We also thank you for the many articles, discussions, surveys, and face-to-face meetings that have expressed your thoughts. Plus the work you've done to make your app compatible over time. Your support and contribution makes Android a platform for everyone.
Google announced at this year's Android Dev conference that it will update Android 12 in detail. It will take place from 27 to 28 October.