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Android 14 release date : when is Android 14 coming out?

When will Android 14 release? What features are coming in the latest Android OS?

Updated: Oct 3, 2023 1:07 pm
Android 14 release date : when is Android 14 coming out?

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So when is the Android 14 release date? It’s closer than ever – the newest iteration of the popular Android operating system is about to drop. Continue reading as we explain the release date, features, compatibility, and more. With billions of users, Android is one of the most popular mobile operating systems in the world.

Users rely on it for everything from work and productivity to communication and enjoyment. History points to Android 14 being released between mid-August and early October, just like the previous versions, although Google haven’t technically announced a date. Despite that, we can now be almost certain of the exact release date now that we’re in early October and the Pixel launch event is soon here.

You will get the most recent information on Android 14’s release date in this article, and we’ll be updating it as new info comes out. While we explore the Android 14 release date, it may be worth checking out the Google Pixel 8 release date if you’re looking for the very latest Google tech to enjoy Android 14 on!

Android 14 release date

We don’t know for certain when Android 14 releases, because Google has not yet made an exact date announcement yet. However, they did mention at Google I/O that it will be coming during the Fall. This isn’t really a surprise to anyone though. However, a big clue has been presented to us in the form of an upcoming event – Made by Google. This is an event on October 4th to introduce the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2. Although Android 14 isn’t specifically mentioned in the promotions, ‘a few more surprises’ will be featured, and it’s generally a good time to launch the new OS alongside the latest Google phone. Pixel Watch 2 pre orders and Google Pixel 8 pre orders will be starting as well.

So, everything considered, the likely Android 14 release date is October 4th. We were initially thinking anywhere between August 21st, 2023 – October 9th, 2023, so we don’t expect any later than that date. During the release final beta version (beta 5) on August 10th, it was mentioned that Android 14 is only ‘weeks away’ – so not much longer to wait now.

Further leaks have also backed up the October 4th release date for Android 14, as Canadian carrier Telus reveal a so-called ‘Android U’ update is coming on that date. 9to5Google are one outlet to report on this. This is when Android 14 should start rolling out, though it can take a few weeks before every device is eligible to download it.

Also according to 9to5google, all of the Pixel products set to be announced at the Pixel event are running on “Android U” which is the codename for Android version 14. While this is only speculation, it is safe to assume that this is the case.

There exists a list of products that are supposed to be getting the Androind 14 update, and that list is as follows:

  • Google Pixel 5
  • Google Pixel 6
  • Google Pixel 6 Pro
  • Google Pixel 6a
  • Google Pixel 7
  • Google Pixel 7 Pro
  • Google Pixel 7a

This information is, again, according to 9to5google. The Google Pixel 4 will not be elegable for the Android 14 update, as it may be too old. It is also true that the Google Pixel 4 as never elegable for the Android 14 Beta, which was our first clue.

Android 14 delays

Previously, some had anticipated the release of Android 14 as early as August, aligning with the timing of past updates. However, when rumors of a delay for that month emerged, we held onto hope for a September release. Instead, we received the final Android 13 security update two weeks later than usual.

The Android 14 beta program ultimately concluded on September 20, coinciding with Google’s release of the first Quarterly Platform Release build for its new OS version. This also marked the beginning of the beta program for the December Pixel Feature Drop. As a result, it became clear that the launch of the stable Android 14 build was imminent, and now we have a confirmed date.

Presumably, Google has diligently addressed all known issues during the extended development period, but there are limits to what can be achieved in terms of bug fixes before a launch.

Previous Android release dates

Every year, Android releases follow a consistent pattern, with new versions regularly appearing in the fall to coincide with the release of new devices, usually in or near to September. The dates of release for early versions of Android are listed below, you may even find the version of Android you’re currently on.

  • Android 10 release date: Launched on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019, Android 10 added new features like a system-wide dark theme, enhanced privacy settings, and a new gesture navigation system. Additionally, it unveiled a brand-new “Focus Mode” feature that enables users to silence particular apps and notifications momentarily as well as a brand-new “Live Caption” function that can automatically caption any media played on the device.
  • Android 11 release date: Launched on Tuesday, September 8th, 2020, Android 11 added new features like an integrated screen recording function, chat bubbles for messaging apps, a redesigned power button menu with smart home controls, and improved privacy controls. It also unveiled a brand-new “Material You” design that enables customers to choose the color scheme and accent colors of their devices.
  • Android 12 release date: Launched on Monday, October 4th, 2021, Android 12 added new features like responsive motion that reacts to your touch and dynamic color capabilities that can change your experience based on your wallpaper. Even the widgets have been updated, with your favorite persons constantly visible on your home screen.
  • Android 13 release date: Launched on Monday, August 15th, 2022, With innovations that improve your messaging, music, and multitasking experiences, Android 13 goes beyond the phone to synchronize all of the devices in your life. You have more control over what data apps can and cannot access with Android 13.

Android 14 current version

The latest Android version depends on what you’re asking. If you’re just concerned about full versions, then Android 13 is of course the latest, as we wait until 14 is released. Despite that, betas have already started for Android 14, and you can opt in to using if you’re using Pixel devices, namely the Google Pixel (4a 5G or newer) smartphone. The first developer beta for Android 14 released back in February, with the 2nd dev beta arriving during March – these form the ‘developer previews’.

If you’re not a developer, you had a wait around a little bit though for the public beta program to open up. Excitingly, the first public ‘beta 1’ build of Android 14 was released in April. Google I/O happened on May 10th, and we expected the beta 2 version to arrive shortly after the event is over. In fact, it turned out that beta 2 arrived to coincide with the event. Since then though, there have been further updates, so the current version is Android 14 beta 5 – which released on August 10th. These downloads are available if you sign up to the Android beta program, and the platform stability stage is in progress before we hit the final release.

android 14 beta version roadmap july
Source: Android Developers Blog

Android 14 at Google I/O recap

It was no surprise to see upgrades to Android featured at Google I/O in the latest preview of the upcoming system update. One strange note though is that Android 14 was not mentioned by name too much. Google instead showed a bunch of features coming to Android in future, rather than mentioning the version number in particular. However, we expect that most of these should be geared for implementation in Android 14.

AI was the biggest accelerator of the event, and this was to be expected. It’s an area of tech which is rapidly growing, with all of the giants of the industry investing their energy in. Google Bard is seeing rapid improvements. AI wallpapers and AI text prompts are both featured. We’ve also seen some changes to lock screen customization. Both cinematic and emoji wallpapers are also shown off, though these are expected to arrive a little sooner – but will no doubt be featured in Android 14.

Android 14 features confirmed

Although Google I/O was quite focused on the AI side of things, there have been some other features which have been seeping through in the early Android 14 Beta before the full release of the next version of Android. Some general updates include more security options to protect from malware accessing your password manager or banking app.

Lock screen customization

Even though betas are generally reserved for bug fixes and the like, beta 3 actually added the option for lock screen customization, something which was teased at I/O. This makes it possible to change the default lock screen clock we’re all used to, as Android Police reports. New customization allows you to change the background, fonts, and rearrange the information on screen as well, with interchangeable quick action buttons. Right now though, it seems like it’s not supported on Google Pixel 4a 5G or Pixel 5, though this could just be a bug for now.

Battery health

For some people, battery life is perhaps one of the most desired specs when picking out a new phone. Now with Android 14, you’ll be able to better understand your battery health, which is a component that can wear out the most. What this means is you’ll be able to understand how well the battery is performing compared to it’s factory new state. Apple’s iPhone have already been supporting this feature, so it’s nice to see Android introduce it in their latest version.

Predictive back gestures

This is a feature which Google have enabled for a number of apps, as it’s not supported for every app out there. However, enabling this is possible in the developer options. The back gesture is basically what happens when you press the back arrow / button. This may result in navigating to the wrong page or app by mistake as you thought you would be taken somewhere else. However, predictive back gestures show you where you’ll be taken following the gesture, allowing you to cancel the action in case you made a mistake.

New gesture navigation tutorials

Android 14 will also be offering new gesture navigation tutorials. Gesture navigation is something that not every user has got to grips with just yet, so Android are supporting users with better tutorials. With devices like the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet now here, navigation may gets a little more complicated with their additional screen space and taskbar. Open up the system settings on Android 14 and you can find the new gesture navigation tutorial which is an effort to make the feature easier to understand for all Android devices, regardless of manufacturer.

Features we hope to see when Android 14 releases

Prior to any official news, it was unknown what features Android 14 will include when it launches. However, some functions that customers and people in the industry wish to see in the new Android version include the following (please note that this is speculative, and we’ll be adding confirmed features just above).

Restore Lock Screen Widgets

*Update* Google are doing something similar – with lock screen shortcuts. These include shortcuts to actions directly from the lock screen, such as the flashlight, video camera, QR code scanner, and wallet.

In early versions of Android, lock screen widgets were a popular feature that let users access certain apps and information without unlocking the smartphone. This functionality, however, was removed in later versions of Android.

Users who complain about the removal of lock screen widgets argue that they provide a practical means of getting vital information without having to unlock the smartphone. Without having to unlock their handset, users may immediately check the weather, view their calendar appointments, or manage their music.

Stacked Widgets

A widget is a small, interactive element that can display information and carry out certain tasks on the home screen. Examples of widgets include weather widgets, music controls, and quick access to programs. Instead of having each widget occupy a separate spot on the home screen, users would be able to stack several widgets on top of one another.

Users could thus view several widgets at once, better utilizing the small amount of screen space on their home screen. Additionally, users might categorize widgets to make it simpler for users to get the precise information they require.

Reintroduce Toggles for the Mobile and Wi-fi Networks

The restoration of dedicated Wi-Fi and mobile network toggles is another feature that some users are hoping to see when Android 14 is released. Using dedicated toggles in the fast settings menu, users of earlier iterations of Android may swiftly turn on and off their Wi-Fi and mobile data connections.

Later versions, however, removed these toggles in favor of a single “Airplane mode” toggle that instantly disables all wireless connections. The specialized toggles, according to those who miss them, provide a more practical approach to managing WiFi connections.

Restore Smoothness to Third-party Launchers

Improved support for third-party launchers is another feature some users want to see when Android 14 launches. Users of Android smartphones can vary the look and behavior of their devices by installing third-party launchers, which are different home screens.

However, some Android users have recently complained that some third-party launchers can be slow, unresponsive, or have other performance problems. Users of third-party launchers are hoping that Android 14 will fix these problems and offer a responsive and smooth experience.

Options for Improved Privacy and Security

The privacy and security of users’ data are one of the key concerns for many of them. Users anticipate seeing more advanced security features in Android 14 such as stronger biometric authentication options, built-in VPN support, and encryption options. Users also want better tracking of app permissions and more control over what personal data apps can access.

What devices will support Android 14?

If you’re looking forward to the Android 14 release date, then you best make sure that your phone or tablet can support the upgrade to the newest version of the operating system. Right now, we’re working through the Android 14 beta phases. During the beta phase only Google’s own pixel phones can access Android 14. These are as listed:

  • Pixel 4a (5G)
  • Pixel 5 / 5a
  • Pixel 6 / 6 Pro / 6a
  • Pixel 7 / 7 Pro / 7a
  • Pixel Fold
  • Pixel Tablet

This list of models will of course will be joined by the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro upon release.

This is just for the beta though, so we’ll be seeing support extended to most devices launched in past couple of years following the full release. For example, we expect the Samsung Galaxy S21-S23 range to all be able upgrade to Android. This list also extends to the likes of the Fold / Flip 4 & Fold / Flip 3 devices.

For OnePlus, current predictions show that the OnePlus 9 or newer should be able to upgrade to Android 14. The OnePlus 8 on the other hand seems to be on the fence, but it’s compatibility is yet to be announced.

What does Android 14 upgrade?

Each new major iteration of Android brings new upgrades, but what will they be? Android 13 brought improvements to messaging, music, and multitasking – as well as improvements to device synchronization.

As mentioned Google I/O showed off a bunch of new AI features being integrated into Android 14 in the future. There have also been plenty of upgrades to the UI, camera/media, and privacy/security so far – as revealed in the early betas.

It’s yet to be confirmed, but some of the upgrades we want to see are to widgets, mobile network & Wi-Fi toggling, and better support for third-party launchers.

When does my phone get Android 14?

As expected, your phone should be getting Android 14 when the release date comes around. We previously mentioned that owners of a relatively recent Pixel phone can already opt-in to the Android 14 beta ahead of the full release – so this may be a possibility for you. If you’re on a different Android device, such as a Samsung Galaxy or OnePlus smartphone, then you’ll likely have to wait until the release of the full version in Fall.

Once the Android 14 release date comes around, you should be prompted to update to the latest version on your phone. If you aren’t notified of this more directly, be sure to check the system update settings following the launch to see if your phone is available to update.

Android 14 release date FAQs

Is the Android 14 release date officially announced?

There is currently no official announcement date for Android 14 specifically. Google have only mentioned that it is coming during the Fall season. However, they are hosting their Made by Google event on October 4th to launch the new Google Pixel phone and Pixel Watch, which will more than likely be joined by Android 14.

When was Android 14 announced?

During the Google I/O event on May 10th, Google announced a whole bunch of features and upgrades coming to Android 14. They capped this off by revealing that Android 14 is ‘Coming this Fall’ – as expected.

Android 14 release date : Final word

We hope that this Android 14 release date page has helped you better understand when to expect the next major Android OS update. Now that close rival Apple’s smartphone operating system (iOS 17) is out, Android is closely following it up. We fully expect Android 14 to be arriving on October 4th, especially with even more leaks arriving from carriers like Telus.


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