Android 13 update tracker: release date, features, supported devices, and more

Google has officially released Android 13 to AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and started pushing the Android 13 stable update to Google Pixel devices starting August 15th. Android 13 is the successor of Android 12, which introduced one of the biggest design overhauls the OS has seen since Android 5.0 with the new Material You design language. The company notes that Android 13 will be available to devices from Samsung, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi, and more “later this year”. Let’s take a look at the new features and improvements Android 13 has brought to the table.

Android 13 release date

Android 13 has officially been released to the public. Google officially announced the stable version of the new OS on August 15th, after months of testing. Eligible Pixel smartphones were the first devices to get the Android 13 update.

Android 13 features

Android 13 is packed with features and design improvements across the board. Google is iterating on the Material Design in Android 13 and is also introducing new privacy and security features, Project Mainline modules, background app behaviour improvements, changes and improvements to media controls, and more. 

New Photo picker

To improve the privacy and security of Android users Google is introducing a new Photo Picker UI. Android 13 adds a new system photo and video picker that allows users to share the required photos and video without giving target apps permission to access all device files. The private photo picker comes as an extension to the Document picker UI, which allowed sharing of files without granting the apps the permission to view all files. Google also plans to bring this functionality to older devices running Android 11 and above through an update to the MediaProvider module via Google Play System Updates. 

Android 13 allows users to choose between “Photos and Videos” and “Music and Audio” when an app asks for permission for file access. For apps that aren’t yet targeting Android 13, Google has introduced granular permissions for media file access as well. Using the new functionality, apps can access media files such as music and videos without explicitly asking for storage access permission.

A more private Nearby Device permission for Wi-Fi

Google is improving how apps get Nearby Wi-Fi permission. Previously if the apps wanted to search for nearby devices, apps had to turn on the Wi-Fi along with the location permission. This is changing with Android 13. Google is introducing a new way for apps to find nearby devices without needing to access the location with the new NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES runtime permission.

App icon theming

Google is iterating on the Material You theming to include app icons as well. Apps can now change their icons based on the wallpaper and other theming settings currently active on the user’s device. Previously apps could only adapt the Material You theming just in their UI, but as you can see in the above image, we are getting some interesting changes to app icons behaviour in Android 13. Google is asking developers to add a monochromatic app icon and a change to the adaptive icon XML so app icons can be changed on the fly according to user’s preferences.

Improving per-app language preferences

To help multilingual users, Google is adding a new feature where users can select the desired language on a per-app basis. What this means is users will be able easily to select the app language which is different from the current system language. Developers can use the new platform API to easily get the default system language or set the user desired language in the app, for an improved experience.

New Project Mainline modules

Google is adding a new Project Mainline called “Bluetooth and Ultra-wideband” with Android 13. To recall, Project Mainline was launched with Android 10 with hopes to modularize Android components so Google can update them automatically via Google Play System Updates, without any interruptions required from the OEMs. Previously, Android 12 added Android Runtime (ART) module as a major updatable part, and it is good to see Google continuing the tradition with Android 13. 

Bluetooth LE Audio

Android 13 sees the addition of Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio to enable High-Fidelity audio streaming without consuming too much battery that high-resolution audio streaming usually demands. This will be an interesting addition to Android as well as Bluetooth hardware such as wireless earbuds, which don’t have a battery life that can be called impressive. Google notes that it is adding this functionality on top of Bluetooth LE, so if the device had Bluetooth LE capabilities previously, users can expect to get this functionality when they update their devices to Android 13. As new hardware comes to the market, we can expect Bluetooth LE Audio to improve the overall Bluetooth audio streaming for users.

Additionally, Google notes that Bluetooth LE enables lower latencies, thus offering better audio video sync, for instance. Android 13 also enables “enhanced audio quality and broadcast audio to multiple devices at the same time”, says Google.

MIDI 2.0

Another functionality that Google has added with Android 13 is the support for the MIDI 2.0 standard. MIDI 2.0 standard will enable “features such as increased resolution for controllers, better support for non-Western intonation, and more expressive performance using per-note controllers.” says Google. 

Multitasking improvements for tablets

Google is iterating on improvements introduced in Android 12L for tablets. Android 13 further enhances the tablet experience and includes an “enhanced multitasking taskbar, more large-screen layouts and optimizations in system UI and apps, improved compatibility modes for apps, and more” says Google.

More control over app notifications

Google

To bring the unwanted app notifications under control and improve the overall user experience, Google is adding new runtime permission for app notifications. Developers will now be required to ask for users’ permission before they can send notifications. For this, Google is requesting app developers to target Android 13 as soon as possible, to make the transition as smooth as possible. And for the apps that still target Android 12L or lower, the system will handle the notification permission on behalf of the developer.

Improved media controls

Android 13 has a new media control panel. As you can see in the above image, the media control notification includes a new progress bar and Google says that Android 13 now derives Media controls from ‘PlaybackState’, which enables broader media controls and consistent UI across the platforms such as Android Auto and Android TV.

Developer down gradable permissions

Google introduced the ability to automatically revoke app permissions if the user stops interacting with the app after a few months in Android 12 to preserve users’ privacy. With Android 13, Google is adding a feature where the developers themselves can choose to automatically revoke specific app permissions after the said task is done.

Improved text support

Google | Text wrapping disabled (above) and text wrapping enabled (below)

Android 13 also includes text and language improvements to help developers build better apps. For starters, Android 13 includes support for improved text wrapping for Japanese text to help developers build more polished apps, says Google.

Non-Latin scripts such as Tamil, Burmese, Telugu, and Tibetan now look better with adaptive line height for text in languages such as Tamil, Burmese, Telugu, and Tibetan. This improvement prevents the bottom of the text from getting cut off. Searching and auto-completion in languages like Japanese, Chinese, and others are getting faster thanks to the new Text conversion APIs included in Android 13.

DNS over HTTPS support

Android has supported DNS over TLS functionality since Android 9 with Private DNS. Now Google is also bringing DNS-over-HTTP/3 support with Android 13. This would bring many improvements such as faster response times and many other utility features. Google notes DNS-over-HTTP/3 support will roll out to Android 11 and up as well via the Google Play System Update. For now, DNS queries will automatically latch on to this new protocol when using Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS. The company is working on adding compatibility with more service providers soon.

Support for Spatial Audio

Android 13 officially introduces support for Spatial Audio. “On supported headphones that enable head tracking, Spatial Audio shifts the source of the sound to adapt with how you turn your head, giving you a more immersive listening experience on your Android phone or tablet”, says Google.

Cross-device sharing

Google says that you’ll soon be able to “stream the messaging apps” directly onto the Chromebooks “soon”. This enables users to receive message notifications as well as respond to them on the Chromebook itself. Additionally, Google notes that users will soon be able to copy things such as URLs, pictures, text or videos from Android phones and paste that content on their tablets and vice-versa. 

Quick Settings Placement API

Android 13 now includes a Quick Settings Placement API that will enable the app developers to easily let users add tiles to the notification panel with just one click. 

Under the hood improvements 

Android 13 includes support for HDR video on third-party camera apps, an updated media output switcher, braille displays for Talkback, and more. Android 13 also includes performance improvements thanks to the improved garbage collection and Android Runtime (ART) optimisations. Google is also currently testing a “Predictive back gesture” feature on Android 13 that will enable improved gesture responses. Currently, the functionality is only available to developers via the developer Settings. 

Google is also introducing Programmable Shaders on Android 13, which will enable app developers to rippleblurstretch, and similar advanced effects in the apps. Developers now also get access to Color vector fonts via the COLR version 1, which is COLRv1 is a “new, highly compact, font format that renders quickly and crisply at any size”. 

Android 13 supported devices

Some OEMs such as Google and OnePlus have revealed the plans for the Android 13 rollout for their respective devices, others are yet to announce any plans. We expect the below device to get the Android 13 update. We will keep updating the device lists as more manufacturers announce their rollout plans for Android 13.

Google

Android 13 is already rolling out to several Pixel devices. We expect the following Pixel devices to get the Android 13 update:

  • Pixel 6 
  • Pixel 6 Pro
  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 5
  • Pixel 5a 5G
  • Pixel 4
  • Pixel 4a
  • Pixel 4a 5G
  • Pixel 4XL

OnePlus

OnePlus has revealed the official list of devices that will get the Android 13 update:

  • OnePlus 10 Pro
  • OnePlus 9 Pro
  • OnePlus 9
  • OnePlus 8T
  • OnePlus 8
  • OnePlus 8 Pro
  • OnePlus 10T
  • OnePlus 10R
  • OnePlus 9R
  • OnePlus 9RT
  • OnePlus Nord 2 
  • OnePlus Nord 2T
  • OnePlus Nord CE 2
  • OnePlus Nord CE 2 Lite

ASUS

  • ASUS ZenFone 8

OPPO

We expect the below Oppo device to get Android 13.

  • OPPO Find X5 and Find X5 Pro (confirmed)
  • Oppo Find N (confirmed)
  • Oppo Find X2 Pro
  • Oppo Find X3
  • Oppo Find X3 Lite
  • Oppo Find X3 Neo
  • Oppo Find X3 Pro
  • Oppo Find X5
  • Oppo Find X5 Lite
  • Oppo Find X5 Pro
  • Oppo Reno 6 4G/ 5G
  • Oppo Reno 6 Pro 5G
  • Oppo Reno 6 Pro+ 5G
  • Oppo Reno 6 Z
  • Oppo Reno 7 5G
  • Oppo Reno 7 Pro 5G

Realme

  • Realme GT2 Pro
  •  Realme GT Neo 3 150W
  • Realme GT Neo 3 80W
  • Realme GT 2
  • Realme GT Neo 3T
  • Realme 9 Pro+ 5G
  • Realme 9 Pro 5G
  • Realme 9i 5G
  • Realme GT
  • Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G
  • Realme Narzo 50 5G
  • Realme GT Master Edition
  • Relame 9 SE 5G
  • Relame 9 5G
  • Realme 9
  • Realme 9i
  • Realme 8 Pro
  • Realme 8s 5G
  • Realme 8 4G
  • Realme 8i
  • Realme Narzo 50
  • Realme Narzo 50A Prime
  • Realme C35
  • Realme C31
  • Realme C30
  • Relame C33
  • Realme Narzo 50i Prime

Vivo

  • Vivo X80 Pro
  • Vivo X80

Xiaomi

  • Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro

Samsung

These Samsung devices are likely to get Android 13 update

Samasug Galaxy S series

  • Samsung S22
  • Samsung S22 Ultra 5G
  • Samsung S22+ 5G
  • Samsung S21
  • Samsung S21
  • Samsung S21+ 5G
  • Samsung S21 G FE 5G
  • Samsung S21 Ultra 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S10 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy S10+
  • Samsung Galaxy S10
  • Samsung Galaxy S10e
  • Samsung Galaxy S10 Lite

Samsung Galaxy A series

  • Samsung Galaxy A73
  • Samsung Galaxy A53
  • Samsung Galaxy A33
  • Samsung Galaxy A51 
  • Samsung Galaxy A71
  • Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy A90 5G

Samsung Galaxy Galaxy Z series

  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Fold2
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Fold

Galaxy Tab S series

  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+ 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite

Samsung Galaxy Note series

  • Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note20 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Note20
  • Samsung Galaxy Note10+ 5G
  • Samsung Galaxy Note10+
  • Samsung Galaxy Note10 5G 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note10
  • Samsung Galaxy Note10 Lite

LG 

LG’s Korean website and German website have revealed the Android 13 rollout plan. Here is the list of LG devices getting Android 13. Do note that as this information is from Korean and German websites, the list might also include the devices not launched in India.

  • LG Wing
  • LG Velvet 
  • LG Velvet LTE

Android 13 codename

While Google has publicly shelved the practice of naming Android versions after desserts since the release of Android 10, according to reports from XDA Developers, it seems the Android 13 is internally named “Tiramisu”. So, it is good to know that our beloved Android is still getting named after desserts, at least internally. Previously Android versions had several internal codenames — Quince Tart (Android 10), Red Velvet Cake (Android 11), and Snow Cone (Android 12).

Android 13 news

Realme announces Android 13 early access roadmap for its devices (September 19th)

Android 13 early access has started rolling out to supported devices. The Realme GT 2 Pro was the first Realme smartphone to get the Android 13 update. This was followed by Realme GT Neo 3 150W and 80W variants, along with Realme GT 2. Further, the update will be rolled out to the newly-launched Realme GT Neo 3T, Realme 9 Pro+ 5G, Realme 9 Pro 5G, Realme 9i 5G, Realme GT, Realme Narzo 50 Pro 5G, the Narzo 50 5G, Realme GT Master Edition, Relame 9 SE 5G, Relame 9 5G, Realme 9, Realme 9i, Realme 8 Pro, the Realme 8s 5G, Realme 8 4G, Realme 8i, and Realme Narzo 50. Realme said that the early access application channel is now open, and applications will be accepted in batches.

Vivo X80 Pro users in India will get exclusive rollout of Android 13 (August 17th)

Vivo has announced an exclusive rollout of Android 13 preview program for the X80 Pro users. The preview program will be officially released on August 23rd for the first 500 registered users. To register, go to the Vivo X80 Pro settings menu > System Update > Settings Icon (at the top-right corner) >Trial version.

Android 13 is officially released (August 15th)

Google has officially released Android 13 to AOSP (Android Open Source Project) and started pushing the Android 13 stable update to Google Pixel devices starting today. The company notes that Android 13 will also be available to devices from Samsung, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi, and more “later this year”. 

DNS-over-HTTP/3 functionality started rolling out (July 20th)

Google has started rolling out the DNS-over-HTTP/3 functionality as part of an update to the Google Play system. In fact, Google notes on its Security blog (via) notes that most devices running Android 11 and up should have already got the update, and DNS queries should automatically latch on to this new protocol when using Google DNS and Cloudflare DNS. Google is also working on adding compatibility with more service providers soon. With this, we can be sure that Android 13 when it officially launches, will support the DNS-over-HTTP/3  protocol.  

Android 13 final Beta 4 update with bug fixes starts rolling out (July 14th)

Google has started rolling out the final release candidate, the Beta 4 update for Android 13. The update is now available on Pixel devices and on Android Emulator for developers to test their apps. With this Google notes that we are just a “few weeks away” from the official Android 13 launch. Following are a few fixes included in Android 13 Beta 4:

  • Fixed an issue where on some devices, paired Bluetooth devices could be observed to rapidly connect and disconnect from the device.
  • Fixed an issue where the Google Camera app occasionally crashed on Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices.
  • Fixed an issue where, when a user checks for system updates by navigating to Settings > System > System update, the system incorrectly reported Android 12 as the device’s Android version, even when the device was already successfully updated to an Android 13 build.
  • Fixed an issue on Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro devices where the Now Playing page sometimes got stuck on Downloading song database.

Android 13 Beta 3.3 update with bug fixes starts rolling out (July 11th)

A new beta update for Android 13 has started rolling out for compatible Pixel devices. It’s an incremental update that fixes a whole bunch of issues, including slow UI rendering, inability to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and system UI crashes, among other things. Here’s a list of Android 13 Beta 3.3 features

  • Fixed an issue with the Pixel launcher where if the Always show keyboard option was enabled for the app drawer, then when the user closed the app drawer and opened an app folder on the Home screen, the keyboard was erroneously shown as well. 
  • Fixed an issue where in some cases, such as gesturing to go back, the system UI crashed.
  • Fixed an issue where devices couldn’t connect to a WiFi network in some cases even when the network was available and the signal strength was good.
  • Fixed an issue where the BluetoothManagerService continued to try and bind to the TBSservice even when bluetooth.profile.ccp.server.enabled was false, leading to slow performance and cold starts for apps.
  • Fixed an issue where in some cases after a device was plugged in to charge (for example, overnight), the device would become unresponsive until it was rebooted.
  • Fixed a kernel issue with lib/list_debug.c that caused a kernel panic in certain cases on some devices.
  • Fixed an issue with the Connectivity Thermal Power Manager that caused slow UI rendering, unresponsiveness in apps, and poor battery performance in some cases.

Android 13 Beta 2 announced at Google I/O 2022 (May 11th)

Google has announced the Android 13 Beta 2 build for Pixel and a handful of non-Pixel devices. Interested users can download the build by visiting the Google Android beta website.

Android 13 Beta 1 for Google TV announced (May 9th)

In addition to Android TV, beta testing Android 13 for Google TV has also begun. The beta update can be installed on the ADT-3 Developer Kit. 

Android 13 beta is out (April 26th)

Google has released the first beta of Android 13 to eligible Pixel phones. This comes just days before the OS official release date. The Android 13 official features will be introduced at Google I/O 2022 event, which is scheduled for May 11th and 12th.