It might seem a bit early for Android 13 Beta 1, and that’s because it is. We were expecting to see it at Google I/O next month, but it looks like that’ll be Beta 2. There’s not much new in Beta 1, at least that Google is talking about. Again, likely saving that for when the Android team gets on stage at Google I/O on May 11. But Google does say that Android 13 Beta 1 is continuing to focus on privacy features and the new notification permission. This first beta is also going to add “more granular access to media files, improved audio routing APIs and more.”
How can I install Android 13 Beta 1?
Now that Android 13 has moved into the beta stage, you can upgrade to the first beta through the OTA program. Just head over to the Android Beta Program here. On that page, you’ll see a list of your devices that are compatible, and can opt-in. Shortly after you opt-in, you should get an OTA on your phone to install. It’ll likely be a fairly large update to go to Android 13 Beta 1, as usual. So what phones are compatible with the beta? Basically the Pixel 4 and newer. So far, third-party phones are not supported, that support will likely come at Google I/O. So you can use it on the Pixel 4, Pixel 4 XL, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4a 5G, Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Unfortunately, there’s no support for the Pixel 3 and 3a series, which does not surprise us, as those have passed their three years of updates already. And very unlikely to get Android 13 in the fall. If you’re brave enough, go ahead and install Android 13 onto your Pixel device and take it for a spin.
