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Android 12L release date: Beta 1 to arrive next month, but build with ‘finalized’ APIs to be available next year

Preview of multitasking with Android 12L | Photo credit: Android Developers / YouTube screenshot

There are still a few months left before the full version of Android 12L arrives. But tablet and foldable smartphone users will likely learn more about the software update as soon as December with the release of its first beta version.

Android 12L release date, timeline

Google announced last month that it is launching the Android 12L operating system that is promised to deliver better app compatibility and more intuitive screen layouts for Android tablets and foldable smartphones. The OS entered developer preview soon after its announcements, but users still have to wait until December for the chance to try it.

Per the official Android 12L timeline provided by Google, the update’s beta 1 version will be released sometime next month. This build will offer a “more complete and stable environment” that will be available to users enrolled in the Android Beta program.

However, those who are more interested in seeing the build that is closer to the full version of Android 12L may want to wait until the release of beta 2 that is currently scheduled in January 2022. “This is the time to begin final testing and development work needed to ensure that a compatible version of your app will be ready for users getting this update,” Google said.

A third and final Android 12L beta update will be released in February 2022. Google did not provide a release month for the full version of the OS, but the company says it will arrive in the first quarter of next year. Considering the provided timeline, that could happen sometime between February and March.

Android 12L beta compatible devices

Aside from enrollment in the Android Beta program, early adopters will also need a compatible device to test the Android 12L beta builds. While the software update is designed for tablets and foldable smartphones, Google is opening up the beta tests to Pixel users. The eligible devices currently listed are Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4, Pixel 3a XL, and Pixel 3a.

The Android 12L beta tests are expected to be available on some devices from third-party manufacturers. But Esper reports that, so far, Lenovo’s Tab P12 Pro is the only non-Pixel device confirmed to receive the upcoming beta builds. More companies will likely make similar announcements once Android 12L beta 1 is closer to its release.

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