Anticipated Android 12: Significant Transitions for Developers in Moving from Android 11 to the New Version

Android 12: A New Era for Google's Operating System

As the undisputed leader in the smartphone operating system market, Android continues to dominate with billions of devices running the software. Google's annual software update for the Android mobile operating system reached its 12th iteration in 2021, following the release of Android 11 the previous year.

Announced at the Google I/O developer conference on May 20, 2021, Android 12 showcases significant design changes in the Android OS. Some of the key features include customizable color palettes, updated notifications, and battery-saving performance enhancements.

Google has internally referred to Android 12 as "Snow Cone." As with previous versions, the dessert-themed names are part of Google's internal codebase. With Android 12, developers worldwide have already begun working on updates, and custom Android app services are now available.

In a typical release pattern, Google first reveals a developer preview before releasing the final version. Android 12's first developer preview was launched on February 18, 2021, and subsequent updates followed on March 17 and April 21. Though Google has yet to confirm the exact release date for the stable version, a timeline for the upcoming Developer Preview, Beta, and Stable releases has been shared.

The beta version of Android 12 was unveiled on May 18, 2021, and it represented a fair representation of what the final operating system would look like. As with earlier releases, users may notice some changes or new features that don't appear in the first Developer Preview or Beta, as Google retains the right to modify the system at this stage.

Some of the significant changes featured in the Android 12 Beta include Material You, a redesign that allows users to personalize their device based on their wallpaper; improved privacy options such as a dashboard for monitoring app data access; and smoother audio transitions, among other features.

Although some features, such as anti-tracking capabilities and Ultra-Wideband API, have been leaked but not officially confirmed for Android 12, the update marked a significant step forward in Google's mission to improve Android's performance, security, and user experience.

Key Phones Eligible for Android 12Updates

Pixel devices (3, 3 XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4 XL, 4a, 4a 5G, 5)
Asus Zenfone 8
OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro
Oppo Find X3 Pro
Realme GT
Tecno Camon 17
TCL 20 and TCL 20 Pro 5G
Vivo iQOO 7 Legend
Xiaomi Mi 11, Mi 11 Ultra, Mi 11i, and Mi 11X Pro
ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G

As with past versions, Pixel devices will receive Android 12 first, followed by partner devices. Information about subsequent Android version releases, such as Android 15 and Android 16, will be shared in future updates.

Android 12's development has been joined by developers worldwide, creating updates for various smartphones like the Pixel 5, OnePlus 9 Pro, Xiaomi Mi 11 Ultra, and smartphones from brands such as Asus, Oppo, Realme, Tecno, TCL, Vivo, and ZTE.

This update marks a new era for native app development in mobile technology, as it allows for more personalization with features like Material You. Android 12 also focuses on improved privacy settings and smoother transitions between apps.

Meanwhile, discussions around future versions of Android, such as Android 15 and Android 16, are already underway in development communities, expanding the possibilities for AR and IoT applications on Android devices.

Moreover, with the update's imminent release, smartphone users eagerly anticipate the latest features, including potential anti-tracking capabilities and API advancements for gadgets like smartphones and smartwatches.

As Android 12 represents a significant step forward in mobile technology, it will continue to propel the industry towards a more connected world, allowing users to seamlessly integrate their smartphones with their everyday lives through AR and IoT-enabled gadgets.

Lastly, besides the Android operating system, technology enthusiasts also eagerly look forward to Google introducing the latest version of the Flutter framework, a popular choice among developers for creating cross-platform apps for mobile devices.

Anticipated Android 12: Significant Transitions for Developers in Moving from Android 11 to the New Version