The first Android 12 developer preview is now available to download, although only a select few devices are eligible. However, the limited number of devices is not unusual given how early of a release this is. As time goes on, more devices will be added to the Android 12 supported list before the stable and public version eventually goes live later in 2021.
Android 12 is already shaping up to be an interesting upgrade. Before the release of the first developer preview, there had been indications that the new version will come with greater customization options and especially in terms of theming. While some Android 12 features have now been confirmed, they are subject to change or even be removed in the future. After all, these are early releases of Android and all of the features included in these previews don’t always make it through to the final product.
For Android device owners looking to install the first developer preview and see what features are already on offer, the device options are limited. As is usually the case with early versions of Android, only a small number of devices are compatible and the list is currently exclusively reserved for Google’s own Pixel phones. However, even when it comes to the Pixel phone lineup, not all of them are able to install Android 12. Essentially, anyone looking to download the latest version of Android right now will need to have access to a Pixel 3 series smartphone, at a minimum. For those that don’t own a Pixel 3 or newer Google Phone there is always the option to test out Android 12 using the Android Emulator available through Android Studio.
Android 12 compatible phones:
- Pixel 3 / 3 XL
- Pixel 3a / 3a XL
- Pixel 4 / 4 XL
- Pixel 4a / 4a 5G
- Pixel 5
More Devices Will Be Added In The Future
This is just the first developer preview of Android 12. Over the next few months, more developer preview versions will be released before Android 12 moves to a beta status. Once in beta, and the Android Beta Program becomes available, the number of devices that can install Android 12 will be increased. Based on past Android releases, that list will continue to expand before the stable version eventually becomes available much later in the year.
Of course, even when Android 12 is released to the general public, many Android device owners will still need to wait before they can upgrade to the latest version. Due to the way Android works, and the variety of different phone brands that all tend to favor their own customized version of Android, upgrade dates will vary wildly. Users will need to stay tuned to their specific phone brand’s feeds for information on when an upgrade to Android 12 will arrive for their individual devices.
Source: Android Developers