Android 13: Everything We Know So Far About the New OS Update

The release of Android 13 is around the corner. Here's what we know about the next Android release, including new features and when you can get it.

Every year, Google announces a new version of Android with exciting features and much-needed refinements. For this year, it's Android 13, which is coming with many new features, APIs, and behavior changes.

Before the final release each year, Google first releases the developer preview and public beta to ensure there are no bugs and that apps are compatible with the newer version. So after reviewing previews and betas, we've got the confirmation for tons of new features. Here's what you need to know about the upcoming Android 13.

Current Status of Android 13

After the successful testing of the first and second developer previews, Android 13 is now in the public beta phase. Google has planned to release two developer previews and four public betas before the final release of Android 13, scheduled for later in the year. The name for Android 13 is going to be Tiramisu.

Google has released the above schedule for tracking Android 13's development timeline. See Google's Android 13 timeline overview if you want to know more about it.

Any specific date or month for the release is yet not announced by Google, as the final release depends upon the reviews of beta versions. If by the fourth beta, bugs are fixed, and the compatibility issues of applications are solved, Google will release the final stable version. Otherwise, the launch can be on hold till the developers get rid of all these issues.

What's New in Android 13?

Here's a list of some of the major changes that you can expect in the Android 13 update.

1. Photo Picker and APIs

Photo Picker is a very secure way to share both local and cloud photos on Android 13. It allows an app to access specific shared photos and videos without having permission to view all the media present on your device. The Photo Picker API will automatically grant access to the shared media once the user has chosen to share it.

2. Themed App Icons

Material You introduced system-wide customization of app icons in Android 12. The feature has got an update with Android 13 as well. Earlier, you could only customize icons to match the color of wallpapers, but now you can change icons according to the system UI theme.

If you're using a light theme, you will get light-colored icons, and if you're on the dark theme, you'll see dark-colored icons.

3. Updated Notification Permissions

A new permission in Android 13 means that apps will need to ask you to opt in to receive notifications, in a welcome move that should help improve your focus and productivity. The system will continue to automatically handle the notification flow for apps targeting Android 12 or below.

4. Text Conversion API

Android 13 also brings an all-new text conversion API for people who speak Chinese and Japanese and use the phonetic lettering input. The text conversion API used by apps will let the user find exactly what they're looking for quickly.

Which Pixel Devices Will Get the Android 13 Update?

Pixel devices are among the first to get the latest software updates. Here's a list of eligible devices for the Android 13 update:

• Google Pixel 6 Pro
• Google Pixel 6
• Google Pixel 5a
• Google Pixel 5
• Google Pixel 4a 5G
• Google Pixel 4a
• Google Pixel 4XL
• Google Pixel 4

If your device is on the list, you'll be getting the update when it becomes available later in the year. But if your device isn't, you can always flash a custom ROM based on Android 13 for your device.

Other manufacturers, including Samsung and OnePlus, are also committed to updating their devices to Android 13.

Upgrade Your Phone With Android 13

The previews we've seen so far have provided a glimpse into how personalization and security are going to be upgraded with Android 13. And this is only the start. We can expect more changes by the time the final version is launched as Google is set to announce even more new features over the coming months.