The OnePlus 13, renowned for its impressive performance and user-centric design, has now become the first non-Pixel device to receive the Android 16 Beta update. This significant development marks a pivotal moment for OnePlus users eager to explore the latest features and enhancements introduced in Android 16.
Introduction to Android 16 Beta on OnePlus 13
On April 9, 2025, OnePlus announced the rollout of the Android 16 Beta for its flagship device, the OnePlus 13. This update allows users to experience the forthcoming features of Android 16 ahead of its official release. Notably, the OnePlus 13 bypassed the initial Beta 1 phase, directly receiving the Beta 2 update. This positions the OnePlus 13 as the first non-Pixel smartphone to access the Android 16 Beta, underscoring OnePlus’s commitment to providing timely software updates to its user base.
Key Features Introduced in Android 16 Beta
Android 16 Beta brings a suite of new features and improvements designed to enhance user experience, device performance, and app adaptability. Some of the standout features include:
1. Live Updates: This feature introduces dynamic notifications that provide real-time information for ongoing activities such as ride-sharing, food delivery, and navigation. Users can now monitor these activities directly from their lock screen or notification shade, eliminating the need to repeatedly open specific apps for updates.
2. Adaptive Apps: Android 16 mandates that applications must adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and orientations, particularly benefiting users of tablets and foldable devices. This change ensures a consistent and optimized user experience across different device form factors.
3. Advanced Professional Video (APV) Codec Support: For users engaged in professional video recording, Android 16 introduces support for the APV codec. This codec offers perceptually lossless video quality while utilizing approximately 20% less storage compared to traditional professional video codecs.
4. Night Mode Camera Extension API: This API enables applications to automatically adjust to low-light environments during image capture or video recording, enhancing the quality of media captured in challenging lighting conditions.
5. Vertical Text Support: Android 16 adds foundational support for rendering and measuring text vertically, catering to languages that utilize vertical writing systems, such as Japanese.
6. Gemini Extensions: Although not immediately available in Beta 1, Google has highlighted the introduction of Gemini Extensions, which aim to integrate advanced functionalities across various applications and devices.
Known Issues and Considerations
As with any beta software, users may encounter certain issues when installing the Android 16 Beta on their OnePlus 13. OnePlus has identified several known issues associated with this beta release:
– Version Update Pop-up: Users may find it challenging to close the version update pop-up after upgrading to the Developer Preview Program (DPP) version.
– Font Weight Adjustment: The ability to adjust font weight settings is currently unavailable.
– Bluetooth Connectivity: The device may restart when answering calls using Bluetooth headsets.
– Camera Functionality: Users might experience lag and display errors in the camera viewfinder and thumbnails in certain scenarios. Additionally, the camera viewfinder may appear blurry or unclear, and crashes can occur when switching to Macro mode with the rear camera.
– Ultra Steady Mode: Enabling Ultra Steady mode may lead to crashes and lag.
– Video Recording: Display errors in the camera viewfinder during video recording have been reported in specific scenarios.
– Accessibility Shortcut: Tapping the accessibility shortcut button on the home screen may cause the screen to freeze.
– Screen Locking: Lag may be observed when locking the screen.
Given these issues, it is advisable for users to exercise caution when installing the beta version on their primary device. For those who encounter significant problems, OnePlus provides a rollback option to revert to the stable Android 15 and OxygenOS 15 versions. However, this process will erase all on-device data, so users should ensure they have backed up important information before proceeding.
Installation and Rollback Procedures
For users interested in exploring the Android 16 Beta on their OnePlus 13, OnePlus has provided detailed instructions on the installation process. It is crucial to follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful update. Additionally, for those who wish to revert to the stable version due to encountered issues, OnePlus offers a rollback package. Users should be aware that rolling back will result in the loss of all data on the device, so it is essential to perform a comprehensive backup beforehand.
Conclusion
The release of the Android 16 Beta for the OnePlus 13 signifies a significant milestone in OnePlus’s dedication to delivering timely and innovative software updates. While the beta version offers a glimpse into the future of Android with its array of new features and improvements, users should remain mindful of the potential issues inherent in beta software. By staying informed and cautious, OnePlus 13 users can make the most of this opportunity to experience the latest advancements in the Android ecosystem.
