Google has updated its Android Beta Program website with some exciting tidbits
It seems that just yesterday, the first developer preview of Android 13 appeared online. Now that we’ve had a couple of weeks with a stable build, it’s time to start expecting what’s next from Google. While we’ve known that the Android 13 beta program will continue for a while, we’re finally getting some specifics on what the program will entail – along with hints about what to expect. when Android 14 might be ready for testers.
As spotted by 9to5Google, the Android Beta Program page has been updated to include more detail on upcoming releases, supported devices, and more. There’s not a lot of concrete data to give here, especially since it’s related to Android 14, but it does offer some release windows that anyone who likes to install early updates will be interested in.
First, Android 13’s quarterly platform release schedule starts in September with QPR beta 1. This news isn’t new – we’ve known since two weeks now that Google intends to start testing the Feature Drop as soon as the leaves begin to change color. It’s not yet clear what QPR1 will contain, although if the timing is right, you can expect a stable release in December.
We already know there will be no Android 13L status this year, but that doesn’t mean Google isn’t switching its QPR update program. Google currently says it will move to the Android 14 beta sometime after March 2023, indicating that our first non-developer preview will arrive in April. Just expect two QPR bets on next year instead of the three we saw in 2022.
Overall, some changes are also coming to the Android Beta Program. Google now says that anyone running the developer preview prior to the first Android 14 beta must move to the stable release before enrolling in the program. However, in another section of the FAQ, Google says users may have difficulty joining the beta program if their developer preview doesn’t match the version of the platform they’re running on. try to join. These seem to contradict each other – it looks like you can join the beta program as long as you’re running the proper developer preview, while another FAQ section specifically notes that you need to be on a public build to join.
Finally, Google removed the list of compatible devices from the site. Instead, you’ll have to rely on the phone connected to your account to see what’s supported and what’s not.
As for when the developer preview starts, it’s usually a few months before the beta. If the first beta of Android 14 is rolling out in April, look for early previews starting in January or February.
