In an interesting development for Xiaomi owners, the company has secretly started testing the latest version of Android 16 on select flagship devices in January 2025. The testing is being done with the company's latest flagship devices: Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 15 Pro, and Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro, the first of the devices to get the next version of Android installed.
Initial testing phase
The latest Xiaomi custom skin of HyperOS 2.1 is being tested. Redmi K devices, Turbo devices, and Xiaomi 14 devices are notably excluded from the testing at the moment, with a preferential approach being suggested for new flagship devices first.
Currently in testing
- Xiaomi 15
- Xiaomi 15 Pro
- Xiaomi Pad 7 Pro
Android 16 development timeline
Google makes big announcement about Android 16 release schedule
- Currently in Beta 2
- Beta 3 to be released in March 2025
- Final stable version due in Q2 2025
- New approach with two API updates per year
Xiaomi’s Implementation Plan
The testing schedule also suggests that Xiaomi is aligning its development very closely with Google’s schedule. There is potential here
- A possible beta version from Xiaomi by the end of March 2025
- Stable public roll-out of Android 16 in conjunction with Google
- Integration with HyperOS 2.1
Xiaomi’s early testing of Android 16 is a reflection of the company’s efforts to deliver timely updates to its premium handsets. With the latest update to Google’s operating system approach and Xiaomi’s well-timed testing schedule, owners of the latest Xiaomi devices can expect a smooth roll-out after the public arrival of Android 16.