Android Builders Weblog: Android 14 Beta 4

Posted by Dave Burke, VP of Engineering

Immediately we’re bringing you Android 14 Beta 4, persevering with our work on polish and efficiency as we get nearer to the overall availability launch of Android 14. Beta 4 is out there for Pixel Pill and Pixel Fold, along with the remainder of the supported Pixel household, so you possibly can check your functions on gadgets spanning a number of type elements and instantly expertise the work we’re doing to enhance the large-screen and foldable system expertise.

Beta 4 is our second Platform Stable Android 14 launch, which implies that the developer APIs and all app-facing behaviors are ultimate so that you can overview and combine into your apps, and you may publish apps on Google Play to gadgets working Android 14 on the official API degree.

It is a good time to complete compatibility testing and publish any essential updates to make sure a clean app expertise forward of the ultimate launch of Android 14 later this yr.

Should you develop an SDK, library, device, or sport engine, it is much more necessary to launch any essential updates now to stop your downstream app and sport builders from being blocked with compatibility points. Additionally, once you launch a suitable replace, please ensure that to let your builders know.

Every launch of Android comprises modifications to the platform that enhance privateness, safety, and the general consumer expertise. These modifications can have an effect on your apps. Testing your app includes putting in your manufacturing app onto a tool working Android 14 Beta 4; you need to use Google Play or different means. Work by way of all of the app’s flows and search for practical or UI points. Evaluate the behavior changes to focus your testing.

Immediately’s Beta 4 launch has every little thing it’s essential attempt Android 14 options, check your apps, and provides us feedback. The best method to get began is utilizing the 64-bit Android Emulator system photos for the Pixel Pill or Pixel Fold configurations discovered within the newest preview of the Android Studio SDK Manager. It’s also possible to enroll any supported Pixel device here — together with the brand new Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, and the Pixel Fold — to get this and future Android 14 Beta and have drop Beta updates over-the-air.

Attempt the brand new options and APIs. Report points in our tracker on the suggestions web page.

Check your present app for compatibility – study whether or not your app is affected by default habits modifications in Android 14. Set up your app onto a tool or emulator working Android 14 and extensively check it.

Check your app with opt-in modifications – Android 14 has opt-in habits modifications that solely have an effect on your app when it’s concentrating on the brand new platform. It’s necessary to know and assess these modifications early. To make it simpler to check, you possibly can toggle the changes on and off individually.

Replace your app with the Android SDK Improve Assistant – Android Studio Hedgehog now filters and identifies the particular Android 14 API modifications which are related to your app, and walks you thru the steps to improve your targetSdkVersion with the Android SDK Upgrade Assistant.

We’ll replace the beta system photos commonly all through the Android 14 launch cycle.

In case you are already enrolled within the Android 14 Beta program and your system is supported, Beta 4 will probably be made out there to you as an Over The Air replace with out taking any extra motion.

For full info on the way to get the Beta, go to the Android 14 developer site.