Google recently released the Android 14 Beta 4, providing a preview of which features the users of Android smartphones can expect once it is fully released later in 2023.
Dubbed Upside Down Cake, Android 14 will likely release in the third or the fourth quarter of 2023, considering similar releases in recent years.
“Beta 4 is available for Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, in addition to the rest of the supported Pixel family, so you can test your applications on devices spanning multiple form factors and directly experience the work we're doing to improve the large-screen and foldable device experience,” VP of Engineering Dave Burke noted in a blog post.
When it comes to new accessibility features, Google has added multiple new options:
- Even larger fonts which now scale up to 200%
- Notifications using the camera flash
- Regional preferences so users can switch to EU-style measurements and calendar
Google is also making efforts to prolong battery life in the newest update, as well as returning a feature to see the screen time since the last full charge.
At the same time, several major privacy changes are coming.
Android 14 won’t allow users to install apps developed for systems older than Android 5.1, while also enabling a feature to only share some photos and videos in Play Store apps.
Moving to device security, users will be able to turn off animations shown while entering their PIN, while Android 14 will also remove the need to click the OK button once they enter their PIN.
Furthermore, apps that change their privacy policies will have to show a popup to existing users in Android 14 unlike with previous versions.
Other miscellaneous features include an integrated Health Connect app, as well as a customizable lock screen and wallpapers.
Which Phones Will Receive the Android 14 Update?
As with previous Android versions, only newer smartphones will be eligible to download this software update. Expectedly, Android owner Google said that its whole lineup starting from Pixel 4a 5G will get Android 14.
ASUS confirmed that its 2023 phones will get Android 14, as well as models Zenfone 10, ROG Phone 7, Zenfone 9, and ROG Phone.
Nothing's Phone 1 and Phone 2 will both receive Android 14, as the company promises three Android upgrades for its devices.
OnePlus offers three Android upgrades for its flagship phones, and devices like the OnePlus 11, OnePlus 9 series, and OnePlus 8T are confirmed to receive Android 14.
Most of Samsung’s lineup will receive four Android upgrades. Notable phones like the Galaxy S23 series, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy A series will all get Android 14.
Sony guarantees two Android upgrades for its devices, and the Xperia 1 V, Xperia 5 IV, Xperia 1 IV, and Xperia 10 IV are expected to receive Android 14.
Finally, Xiaomi provides beta access to Android 14 for devices like the Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13, and Xiaomi 12T, with other major models also expected to receive the update.