Google has released the first Android 13 beta for eligible Pixel phones. Android 13 includes a number of new features and enhancements, including new privacy features and interface changes. The finalized version of Android 13 is expected to be released sometime after July.
If you have a Pixel phone that is supported, you can try out the upcoming Android 13 beta right now. In this article, you’ll learn how to install the first Android 13 beta on your Pixel phone, as well as a list of Pixel phones that support the Android 13 beta.
Pixel Phones Compatible with Android 13
One of the many advantages of buying one of Google’s Pixel devices is early access to upcoming Android updates, such as the recently released Android 13 Beta. To install Android 13 Beta right now, you’ll need one of the following phones:
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- Pixel 4a
- Google Pixel 4a (5G)
- Google Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a (5G)
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
It’s rumoured that the pixel 6a will be launched with Android 13.
Android 13 Beta Key Features
Android 13 places a strong emphasis on privacy and security. It includes a new notification authorization, an upgraded photo picker, themed app icons, improved localization and language support, and more.
One of the most talked about feature of the Android 13 Beta 1, is the granular media permissions.
The goal is to ensure that the app has the permissions it requires to function properly and complete its intended task, without overburdening it.
This is an attempt to restrict access to personal information in order to make it more targeted and useful for specific purposes.
Android 13 Name
Google used to name Android versions after desserts, and this practice lasted for over a decade. However, with Android 10 (also known as Android Q), Google decided to break with tradition and rebrand Android as we know it today. Internally, however, these dessert codenames are still in use. Quince Tart was Android 10, Red Velvet Cake was Android 11, and Snow Cone was Android 12. According to rumors, Android 13 will be named “Tiramisu,” after a popular Italian dessert, but this will, of course, remain unconfirmed… at least until Android 13 is officially announced.
So far, all Android versions have had the following dessert names (internal or public):
- Android 1.5: Cupcake
- Android 1.6: Donut
- Android 2.0: Eclair
- Android 2.2: Froyo
- Android 2.3: Gingerbread
- Android 3.0: Honeycomb
- Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich
- Android 4.1: Jelly Bean
- Android 4.4: KitKat
- Android 5.0: Lollipop
- Android 6.0: Marshmallow
- Android 7.0: Nougat
- Android 8.0: Oreo
- Android 9: Pie
- Android 10: Quince Tart
- Android 11: Red Velvet Cake
- Android 12: Snow Cone
- Android 13: Tiramisu?
How to install Android 13 Beta 1
The installation of Android 13 Beta 1 follows the same steps as previous Google beta programs.
- Visit google.com/android/beta on your phone or computer.
- Sign in with the Google account associated with your Pixel phone, and then click the opt-in button.
- Read everything Google has listed. You’ll learn more about the program’s intricacies and read Google’s own warning about what to expect when testing a beta.
- Scroll down to the section labeled Your eligible devices after you’ve finished reading. Locate your Pixel phone and press the blue Opt In button. A popup will appear asking if you want to participate in the Android 12 program or move on to Android 13.
- Select Android 13 from the drop-down menu, then click Review terms. Read through the terms and, at the very least, check the box that says you agree to them.
- Check one or both of the other checkboxes if you’re interested in receiving more information. Finally, confirm your enrollment by clicking Confirm.
- Wait a few minutes, then unlock your Pixel phone and check for a software update (Settings > System > System Update) to see if Android 13 is available for installation. Allow it to install like any other software update.
