By 
Right on cue, Google has released Android 12 Beta 4 as we barrel towards the final release. While Beta 3 added things like Scrolling Screenshots, Beta 4 changes gears without introducing too many major changes.
Instead, Android 12 Beta 4 focuses on “Platform Stability”, meaning that “APIs and all app-facing behaviors are finalized”. This means that now is likely the best time to jump aboard Android 12 for those of you who have been holding off.
This also means that Google is now asking app and game developers to begin their “final compatibility testing”, in order to be able to publish those updates ahead of the final Android 12 release.
Platform Stability is the time to shift focus to final compatibility testing and release your updated apps to users and downstream developers. You can also build with the final APIs and refine any new code that is using the new APIs or features. You can plan your work with confidence that the platform and APIs won’t change.
In addition to providing the Platform Stability phase, Android 12 Beta 4 also includes the August security patch that was released last week for those on Android 11. Google confirmed that between now and the final release, we’ll only see one more Android 12 Beta. However, it will be considered a “release candidate” download, and won’t be numbered.
Download Android 12 Beta 4 now
Android 12 Beta 3 is beginning to roll out via an OTA update, but Google has already published the Factory Image if you would prefer to flash it yourself. Here’s the information about today’s build:
Release date: August 11, 2021
Build: SPB4.210715.011
Emulator support: x86 (64-bit), ARM (v8-A)
Security patch level: August 2021
Google Play services: 21.24.18
If you have been holding off on installing Android 12, you can still join the Android 12 Beta Program with compatible devices. But as always, we recommend not installing the beta on your primary device, as there are bugs and issues that may crop up affecting the day-to-day performance.
Comments