Android 14 Update Tracker: Release Date and Supported Phones
Last year, Google rolled out the Android 13 update to eligible Pixel devices. Currently, other manufacturers like Xiaomi, Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, and OnePlus are rolling out the Android 13 update. However, Google has already started working on the next-generation OS, i.e. Android 14.
Google tends to have a sweet or dessert name for its Android versions. For instance, Android 9 was name Pie. However, Google switched to number naming with Android 10. Then we saw Android 10, 11, 12 and 13. This dessert or sweet treat naming still exists internally, and that’s how we know what Android 14 will be called.
What is Android 14?
Android 14 is the fourteen major version of the Android operating system. It will arrive as the successor to Android 13. With Android 14, we will see several new features such as larger font sizes, more granular per-app language controls, support for native app cloning, Predictive back gesture, Exact alarm permissions, a Health Connect app, and more
Android 14 will be called Upside Down Cake. According to XDA Developers, the dessert name of Android 14 has been spotted in the Android Gerrit, and the new version is code-named Upside Down Cake. An “Upside Down Cake” is a baked cake upside down in the oven with its toppings on the bottom of the pan. The cake is then flipped and served right-side up. It’s cool to see Google holding up the tradition of dessert code names for Android versions.
This name of Android 14 might not sound as exciting as past code names, but in Google’s defence, there may not have been many good options to choose from. This is not something new or surprising, as we have already seen several leaks in the past that revealed the dessert or sweet code names of Android versions. For those who don’t know, Android 10 is known as Quince, Android 11 is called Red Velvet Cake, Android 12 is known as Snow Cone, and Android 13 is known as Tiramisu.
Android 14 Update Tracker
August 11: Samsung has started the beta program for One UI 6, based on Android 14, for the Galaxy S23, S23 Plus, and S23 Ultra. The beta program is now live in the United States, Germany, and South Korea. Users in those countries can sign up to participate through the Samsung Members app. Once enrolled, they will receive the beta firmware update over the air.
August 10: The official release of Android 14 is nearing but still a few weeks away from public availability. As a final step before the stable launch, Google has released Android 14 Beta 5. This last pre-release build allows enthusiasts and regular users to test the software and provide final feedback. The Beta 5 release marks the end of Android 14’s beta testing period.
July 12: Android 14 Beta 4 is now available. It is the upcoming operating system’s second “Platform Stable” release. Beta 4 brings more polish and fixes bugs, making it a good release for developers to test their apps. Google has not revealed a specific release date for the stable version of Android 14. However, it will likely be released in August 2023 based on past years.
June 20: The public beta testing phase of the Android 14 build has been ongoing for some time now. Samsung has also started working on the new version and currently undergoing internal testing as preparations are made for its official launch. As per a new report, Samsung will roll out the Android 14 beta update for the Galaxy S23 series in the third week of July 2023.
June 7: The latest beta version of Android 14, Beta 3, is now available. The new build introduces a popular feature from Android 11: You can access the Clock app through a shortcut in the notification shade. You just need to tap the clock to access the clock app quickly. If you own a supported Pixel phone and want to experience it, you can install Android 14 Beta 3.
May 25: Android 14 Beta 2.1 arrives with several bug fixes for Pixel phones. The new version comes with a build number of UPB2.230407.019 and an Android Security Patch Level of May 2023. This update fixed several issues, including issues preventing users from completing device setup, Issues with the battery percentage display, System stability issues, Crashes of the Google Photos and Contacts apps, Audio disruptions with the device’s speakers, and more.
May 10: On May 10, during Google I/O 2023, Google shared the latest features of Android 14 and rolled out the second beta build. The Android 14 beta version is now up for grabs on several devices from various brands such as iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. You can get the beta build from here.
April 12: The first beta version of Android 14 is now live and available for download. If you own a Pixel phone, you can install the beta build by joining the Android beta program. Additionally, suppose you are already a part of the Android 13 QPR Beta program, and your device is compatible with Android 14; in that case, you will get the Android 14 Beta 1 update without additional steps.
March 23: The 2023 edition of Google’s yearly developer conference will start on May 10 in Mountain View, California. The event will be broadcasted live on YouTube and various social media platforms. It is expected that Google will reveal the public launch of Android 14 during its I/O event.
March 1: Android 14 will reportedly bring passkey support for Dashlane and other applications. Passkeys are a safer replacement for passwords.
February 9: Android 14 Developer Preview 1 is out now. It comes with some significant improvements and features. With Android 14, we will see three significant changes: More compatibility with larger screens, More customization options, and Battery life improvements.
The Developer Preview 1 is now available for the Pixel 4a (5G), Pixel 5 & 5a, Pixel 6 & 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 & 7 Pro. Google has also shared the Android 14 update rollout timeline. The beta version will be released in April 2023.
It looks like Pixel 4a users will not get the Android 14 update.
January 23: Android 14 will reportedly block certain outdated apps from being installed. Google will block users from sideloading specific APK files. They will also block app stores from installing those outdated apps.
January 5: Android share menu shows the list of apps through which you can share a select file. It looks like Google will make the share menu updateable through Play Services. As per Mishaal Rahman share menu could finally be more consistent in Android 14.
December 23: With Android 14, you can continue surfing the Internet with an old Android phone. As per Mishaal Rahman, Google’s new mainline module will allow updating root certificates on the fly.
November 16: The predictive back gesture feature will arrive with Android 14. It will work inside apps and preview the prior home screen. Its development began with Android 13. The back gesture will immediately exit an application, and the home screen will get a sneak peek.
November 10: Android 14 will require support for the Identity Credential HAL that enables the secure storage of mobile driver’s licenses in Android.
November 8: Android 14 may support a new file format (NTFS?).
October 1: The AV1 codec might be a requirement for every Android 14 device; suggest an Android Open Source Project listing.
September 1: Google SVP of Platforms & Ecosystems Hiroshi Lockheimer, on his Twitter account, shared that Google is working on building satellite communication support for Android 14. So the next version of Android will bring direct satellite connectivity to smartphones.
Android 14 Release Date (Expected)
Android 14 was announced officially on May 10, 2023, at Google I/O 2023. Its Developer Preview build was released on February 8, 2023. The first Beta Build was released on April 12, 2023, and the second beta was on May 10, 2023. The stable version of Android 14 will likely be released in August 2023.
| ANDROID 14 BUILDS | RELEASE TIMELINE |
|---|---|
| Developer Preview 1 | February 8, 2023 |
| Developer Preview 2 | March 8, 2023 |
| Beta 1 | April 12, 2023 |
| Beta 2 | May 10, 2023 |
| Beta 3-4 | May-July 2023 |
| Stable Build | August 2023 (Expected)
Android 14 Supported Phones (Confirmed)Several brands offer long-term software support on their devices. As the Android 14 beta is now available on selected phones, we have the confirmed list of phones that will support Android 14. The list comprises the following models: |
