Android N preview: Here’s how to get the next version of Android now

Google has randomly made a developer preview of the next version of Android, codenamed N, available for Nexus devices.

Google typically releases the latest Android preview during its I/O developer conference held annually in May. Now – for the first time – the preview is available early as an over-the-air update for those enrolled in the Android N Beta Program. But there are actually a couple of different ways for getting ahold of Android N way before the official consumer release later this year.

Here are two different routes you can take…

Android N: What is it and when will it arrive for all?

Android N is the upcoming, next version of Android (Android 7.0).

Google names its Android versions after sweet treats. That’s run on for years, recently taking in Kit Kat, Lollipop, and Marshmallow. So what will be the name of Android 7.0? All we know is that it is currently going by the codename N. We also know Android N is expected to be unveiled at Google I/O opening on 18 May 2016. We usually get our first glimpse of the next version of Android at this conference.

Android N won’t land for consumers until later in the year however, around October. This is usually timed with the release of a new Nexus handset, making the debut of the new Android version, and showcasing its new features.

Android N: What is the developer preview?

A developer preview is a “work in progress” build that is released to app developers prior to a consumer rollout of the final software. Google offers a preview to collect and incorporate developer feedback. The preview includes an updated a software development kit with system images for testing on the official Android emulator and on Nexus 6, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Nexus Player, Nexus 9, and Pixel C devices.

Google has warned the developer preview release is for developers only and not intended for daily use or consumer use.

Android N: How can you get the developer preview?

Traditional system image

The first way to get the Android N developer preview is to go the system image/manual flashing route. You can download images from Google and then flash them onto your device. Here’s the site where you can download them, or you can use the direct links below for specific devices. This page details how to flash while also providing step-by-step instructions that’ll get you going.

Keep in mind flashing a system image will wipe all your information off your device, so ensure you back up important data beforehand. Also, flashing additional Android N preview images will cause more data wipes, and if go this route, you will not get automatic OTA updates like you do with the Android N Beta program (continue reading to learn more about the beta program).

• Nexus 5X
• Nexus 6P
• Nexus 6
• Nexus 9
• Nexus 9 LTE
• Nexus Player
• Pixel C

Android N Beta Program

Google wants to make it easier for you to try Android N on your development device (not your everyday device), so it’s offering an Android Beta Program that allows anyone enrolled to update their Android devices to the developer preview and receive ongoing, over-the-air updates.

So, by enrolling in the beta, you can get the Android N developer preview via an over-the-air update as you would get any standard update. You’ll also automatically get any other updates that won’t require you to wipe your data every time they come down the pipeline (and that includes the update that’ll bring you to a stable Android N build prior to the release of the consumer version).

You will receive a preview update every 4 to 6 weeks until the public launch of Android N. Google has opened enrollment at this site, which also provides information about how the beta program works.

Android N: Want to know more?

Pocket-lint offers this piece with information about everything you can expect from Android N.