The long-awaited Android 14 has finally arrived in its stable version, marking a modest step forward in terms of features and interface compared to its predecessor, Android 13. However, there's no shortage of improvements and changes worth exploring. We also wonder which devices are compatible with this new version and when we can expect the updates to roll out to other manufacturers.
Join us for this review to learn all the details.
Android 14 version history
Android 14 has gone through several stages of development before its official release:
Android 14 Developers Preview 1: The first version of Android for developers is coming out on February 8th, with significant API improvements compared to the previous version.
Android 14 Developers Preview 2: This version brought important security changes.
Android 14 Beta 1: The first release after two developer releases with significant design changes and new privacy features.
Android 14 Beta 1.1: A minor security and bug fix update that improves stability.
Android 14 Beta 2: In this release, Google introduces privacy changes and improvements to the camera and health metrics.
Android 14 Beta 2.1: A lightweight release that focuses on bug fixes and improvements for the previous beta, 2.
Android 14 Beta 3: Includes battery-saving improvements, new lock screen icons, increased customization, and options to increase font size.
Android 14 Beta 3.1: A maintenance update focused on bug fixes and stability improvements for Google Pixel devices running Android 14.
Android 14 Beta 4: In addition to bug fixes, Google introduces unlocking without having to press the accept button after entering the PIN and adds a hidden space alien game.
Android 14 Beta 4.1: This security update fixes more than 30 bugs found on Google Pixel devices, paving the way for the stable release Google plans to release in August.
Android 14 Beta 5: Beta 5 addresses a significant number of bugs, improving system stability, speed, and security.
Android 14 Beta 5.1: Brings additional improvements to ensure optimal performance on devices compatible with Android 14.
Android 14 Beta 5.2: Devices running Android 14, such as tablets and foldable phones, see improved performance with this update.
Android 14 Beta 5.3: This release further improves performance on Google Pixel devices.
Android 14 Final and Stable : After more than half a year of preview and beta versions, Google has released the final and stable version of Android 14 along with the Pixel 8, marking its official arrival to all users.
Android 14 Release Date
The Android 14 update is now available for download on Google Pixel devices starting with the Pixel 4a 5G and up. So, if you own one of these phones, you've likely already received a notification to update.
The following Google Pixel models are now eligible for updates:
- Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Google Pixel 5
- Google Pixel 5a
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7a
For other manufacturers, the update will be rolled out gradually as it's tested and stability is ensured. It's expected to begin this October, starting with Xiaomi, OnePlus , Galaxy , and Nothing Phone.
Typically, the first devices to receive the update will be the latest and highest-end models from each manufacturer, as they offer greater update security.
Most notable new features of Android 14
- We'll likely see the return of a navigation gesture that lets you preview the previous screen when you swipe back from the edge of the screen. This gesture was already present in Android 13's developer options and could become a default feature in Android 14.
- Google is taking another step toward removing support for 32-bit apps, meaning very old apps won't be compatible with Android 14.
- Android 14 will require manufacturers to support the AV1 codec, an open-source video codec that promises to improve video streaming through more efficient compression.
- Satellite connectivity, introduced by Apple on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, will be available on Android 14 devices, enabling connectivity in areas without mobile or Wi-Fi coverage.
- The share menu will be redesigned, allowing for a more standardized native content sharing feature between apps.
- Android 14 will focus on privacy and security, giving users more options to manage both hardware and software permissions.