Last Android 13 Beta replace, official launch is subsequent!

Posted by Maru Ahues Bouza, Director, Android Developer Relations

We’re only a few weeks away from the official launch of Android 13! As we put the ending touches on the following model of Android, at present we’re bringing you Beta 4, a closing replace in your testing and improvement. Now could be the time to ensure your apps are prepared!

There’s so much to discover in Android 13, from privateness options like the brand new notification permission and picture picker, to productiveness options like themed app icons and per-app language assist, in addition to fashionable requirements like HDR video, Bluetooth LE Audio, and MIDI 2.0 over USB. We’ve additionally prolonged the updates we made in 12L, providing you with higher instruments to reap the benefits of pill and huge display screen gadgets.

You’ll be able to attempt Beta 4 at present in your Pixel gadget by enrolling right here for over-the-air updates. In case you beforehand enrolled, you’ll robotically get at present’s replace. You can too get Android 13 Beta on choose gadgets from a number of of our companions. Go to the Android 13 developer web site for particulars.

Look ahead to extra data on the official Android 13 launch coming quickly!

What’s in Beta 4?

As we speak’s replace features a launch candidate construct of Android 13 for Pixel gadgets and the Android Emulator. We reached Platform Stability at Beta 3, so all app-facing surfaces are closing, together with SDK and NDK APIs, app-facing system behaviors, and restrictions on non-SDK interfaces. With these and the newest fixes and optimizations, Beta 4 offers you every little thing it is advisable full your testing.

Get your apps prepared!

With the official Android 13 launch simply forward, we’re asking all app and sport builders to full your closing compatibility testing and publish your compatibility updates forward of the ultimate launch. For SDK, library, instruments, and sport engine builders, it’s vital to launch your suitable updates as quickly as doable — your downstream app and sport builders could also be blocked till they obtain your updates.

To check your app for compatibility, simply set up it on a tool working Android 13 Beta 4 and work by the app flows, searching for any purposeful or UI points. Evaluate the Android 13 habits modifications for all apps to concentrate on areas the place your app may very well be affected. Listed below are a number of the high modifications to check:

• Runtime permission for notifications – Android 13 introduces a brand new runtime permission for sending notifications from an app. Ensure you perceive how the brand new permission works, and plan on concentrating on Android 13 (API 33) as quickly as doable. Extra right here.
• Clipboard preview – Be certain your app hides delicate knowledge in Android 13’s new clipboard preview, comparable to passwords or bank card data. Extra right here.
• JobScheduler prefetch – JobScheduler now tries to anticipate the following time your app can be launched and can run any related prefetch jobs forward of that point. In case you use prefetch jobs, check that they’re working as anticipated. Extra right here.

Keep in mind to check the libraries and SDKs in your app for compatibility. In case you discover any SDK points, attempt updating to the newest model of the SDK or reaching out to the developer for assist.

When you’ve revealed the suitable model of your present app, you can begin the course of to replace your app’s targetSdkVersion. Evaluate the habits modifications that apply when your app targets Android 13 and use the compatibility framework to assist detect points shortly.

Tablets and large-screens assist

Android 13 builds on the pill optimizations launched in 12L, in order a part of your testing, ensure your apps look their greatest on tablets and different large-screen gadgets. You’ll be able to check large-screen options by establishing an Android emulator in Android Studio, or you need to use a big display screen gadget from our Android 13 Beta companions. Listed below are some areas to look at for:

• Taskbar interplay – Examine how your app responds when seen with the brand new taskbar on giant screens. Be certain your app’s UI is not minimize off or blocked by the taskbar. Extra right here.
• Multi-window mode – Multi-window mode is now enabled by default for all apps, no matter app configuration, so ensure the app handles split-screen appropriately. You’ll be able to check by dragging and dropping your app into split-screen mode and adjusting the window measurement. Extra right here.
• Improved compatibility expertise – in case your app isn’t optimized for tablets but, comparable to utilizing a hard and fast orientation or not being resizable, verify how your app responds to compatibility mode changes comparable to letterboxing. Extra right here.
• Media projection – In case your app makes use of media projection, verify how your app responds whereas enjoying again, streaming, or casting media on giant screens. You’ll want to account for gadget posture modifications on foldable gadgets as properly. Extra right here.
• Digital camera preview – For digital camera apps, verify how your digital camera preview UI responds on giant screens when your app is constrained to a portion of the display screen in multi-window or split-screen mode. Additionally verify how your app responds when a foldable gadget’s posture modifications. Extra right here.

You’ll be able to learn extra concerning the pill options in Android 13 and what to check right here.

Get began with Android 13

As we speak’s Beta 4 launch has every little thing it is advisable check your app and check out the Android 13 options. Simply enroll your Pixel gadget to get the replace over-the-air. To get began, arrange the Android 13 SDK.

You can too check your app with Android 13 Beta on gadgets from a number of of our companions. Go to android.com/beta to see the total listing of companions, with hyperlinks to their websites for particulars on their supported gadgets and Beta builds, beginning with Beta 1. Every accomplice will deal with their very own enrollments and assist, and supply the Beta updates to you immediately. For even broader testing, you’ll be able to attempt Beta 4 on Android GSI pictures, and in the event you don’t have a tool, you’ll be able to check on the Android Emulator. For full particulars on Android 13, go to the Android 13 developer web site.

What’s subsequent?

Look ahead to data on the official Android 13 launch coming within the weeks forward! Till then, be happy to proceed sharing your suggestions by our hotlists for platform points, app compatibility points, and third-party SDK points.

An enormous thanks to our developer neighborhood for serving to form the Android 13 launch! You’ve given us hundreds of bug stories and shared insights which have helped us optimize APIs, enhance options, repair important bugs, and normally make the platform higher for customers and builders.

We’re wanting ahead to seeing your apps on Android 13!