Android 16 Developer Preview 2 is here with enhanced performance, security, & battery life

Google has released the second developer preview of Android 16, offering app developers the opportunity to test the latest enhancements and updates. This build focuses on improving app experience, battery life, and performance, while aiming to reduce incompatibilities. Key updates include low-level improvements and API changes, allowing for more complex haptic effects and refined adaptive refresh rate modes. Notably, support for accessibility announcements is deprecated, and background task modifications aim to boost performance and battery efficiency. The Health Connect feature also sees updates.

The photo picker, a secure method for users to grant app access to specific images and videos from local and cloud storage, rather than the entire media library, has been updated with a search feature. The developer preview introduces new APIs for cloud media provider searches, with search functionality in the photo picker expected soon.

Android 16 supports advanced security features in WiFi location for devices with WiFi 6's 802.11az, incorporating AES-256-based encryption and protection against MITM attacks. Additionally, new APIs facilitate predictive back system animations in gesture navigation, enhancing the back-to-home animation experience.