Android Q Release Date, New Features: See What Devices Are Compatible With the Public Beta

Aside from the upcoming new features on Android Q, one of the apparent changes this year is the array of devices that support its beta version. Early beta testing used to be limited to Google-made smartphones but not anymore.

As of this writing, the Android Q public beta is supported by 21 smartphones. Not surprisingly, Google-made smartphones are included in the list are Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, Pixel 3, and Pixel 3 XL.

Smartphone users with certain Vivo and Xiaomi devices can also access the early versions of Android Q public beta including Vivo X27, Vivo NEX S, Vivo NEX A, Xiaomi Mi 9, and Xiaomi Mi MIX 3 5G. Completing the list are Asus ZenFone 5Z, Essential Phone, Huawei Mate 20 Pro, LG G8, Nokia 8.1, OnePlus 6T, Oppo Reno, realme 3 Pro, Tecno Spark 3 Pro, and Sony Xperia XZ3.

Android Q is going to be the 10th operating software update to be released by Google. That milestone could be one of the reasons why the tech company decided to change several strategies in releasing the software update.

Typically, Android and iOS software updates' developer previews come out first before the public beta goes live. But Google decided to mix things up for Android Q by releasing both on the same day last March. This strategy could be one of the reasons why, unlike the previous years, the early versions of Android Q beta is now compatible a much wider array of devices even those not created by Google.

Meanwhile, one of the most anticipated new features in Android Q is the system-wide dark mode setting. This addition is not a surprise considering the rising number of apps that have already added this option. Interestingly, it is also one of the highly rumored features to be introduced on iOS 13 that will be likely unveiled in June. Beta 3 is the latest version released and was dropped earlier this month to coincide the Google I/O conference.