#Android 12 Beta 4 Arrives With “Platform Stability” and More Phones Can Try It – Review Geek

Right on time and just like the last three betas, today, Google delivered the Android 12 beta 4 release. This is the official “platform stability” release, meaning not much will change from here, and the operating system is close to being ready for a global release.

At this point, the word “beta” doesn’t mean nearly as much, and if you’ve been waiting for a good time to try Android 12, now is probably your best bet. And while this release technically hit Google’s stability milestone, you still might experience a bug or two. That said, this is about as stable as it’ll get until it officially arrives.

The Android 12 beta 4 available today added any remaining “final system behaviors,” refines the new Material You experience and finalizes all APIs for developers. Today, Google is asking all app and game developers to start final compatibility testing and be prepared to release compatibility updates to the Play Store ahead of Android 12 rolling out to users.

Additionally, we’re now seeing more devices that can try the beta, which is good news. Phones like the OnePlus 9 or select devices from ASUS, Oppo, RealMe, Sharp, and ZTE can try the Android 12 beta. So, here’s what you need to know and how to try it today.

What’s New in Android 12 Beta 4?

So, what’s new? Well, not much that we can see from Google’s official announcement or from getting the update on our Pixel 4. We did notice the G-logo got a Material You makeover. Even Google’s release notes are pretty empty this release. Basically, the company confirmed that Android 12 is moving along great, it’s stable, and now is the time for developers to jump on board if they haven’t already.

The only notable change mentioned by Google is aimed at developers for the Google Play Services Ad Id, which works with advertisements. That said, the changelog mentions several bug fixes that may improve the experience for those who’ve enjoyed the 3rd beta thus far. We see bug fixes for quick settings, the material you colors, calls, alarm and mute icons, Bluetooth, calendar widgets, RCS messaging on a VPN, poor signal strength, and screen wake problems. Basically, if you experienced any of those, you’ll want to get the 4th beta.

How to Get the Android 12 Beta 4 Update?

This year, the Android 12 beta is available on more phones than any prior release, and it’s tempting to try it early. Now that we’re on beta 4 feel free to give it a try, especially if you have one of the devices mentioned earlier that can give it a spin.

The easiest way to get it on your Pixel is by going to google.com/android/beta. However, after the successful beta last year with Android 11, the Android 12 beta has a huge list of supported devices. Here are the compatible phones so far, but they might not all be offering this 4th release right away.

We’ve added relevant download links for each device’s Android 12 beta if it’s available. Of course, you’ll want to double-check what you download before flashing anything to a non-Pixel device.

Those with a Google Pixel already on the third beta will get an automatic over-the-air update to Android 12 beta 4. Or, join the beta, and you’ll get the update sent over in a matter of minutes.

Android 12 Release Date & What’s Next

For those wondering, this is the last Android 12 beta Google will release. After this, expect a final “release candidate” update that’s as final as it’s going to get, then an official release of Android 12 throughout the globe soon.

Now that we’re on the 4th and final beta and the RC is coming next, we don’t expect anything to change from here. Obviously, Google will probably make a few tweaks here and there, like the square search bar in the app tray, but we’ll have to wait and see.

In closing, Google hasn’t provided an exact date for the Android 12 release, but we’re expecting it sometime in early September.