Google surprised everyone by pushing out the first Android 16 beta earlier than usual, kicking things off in January instead of the traditional August-October window. Now, Android 16 is expected to go stable by the end of June — and smartphone makers are clearly moving quickly to keep pace. OnePlus has just released the second beta of Android 16 for its latest flagship, the OnePlus 13.
But before you get too excited, here’s the catch: this beta is not for everyone.
Who It’s For
The Android 16 Beta 2 build for the OnePlus 13 is aimed strictly at developers and advanced users. It’s not meant for casual users or anyone unfamiliar with flashing ROMs or handling software installation manually. OnePlus even recommends avoiding it on your main device — and for good reason. Things can go wrong, and there’s a very real risk of bricking your phone if the process isn’t done right.
In other words, unless you’re comfortable with custom ROMs and bootloaders, it’s best to wait for the stable version.
Known Issues
As with most early beta software, this one comes with its share of bugs. OnePlus hasn’t released a full list of what’s broken yet, but they do acknowledge multiple known issues are present in this build. That further reinforces the idea that this is more of a testing phase than something ready for daily use.
Expect app crashes, broken features, and inconsistent performance. This is normal for early betas — the goal here is to give developers time to prepare their apps and test integration with Android 16’s new APIs and system behaviors.
Requirements and Compatibility
If you still want to go ahead and try the new beta, there are a few key requirements to meet:
- The device must not be locked to T-Mobile or Verizon.
- You’ll need at least 4GB of free storage.
- Your phone must have at least 30% battery before installation.
- Back up everything before flashing, as this process wipes your data.
OnePlus has provided an installation guide at the official source link (not included here), which you’ll want to follow carefully if you’re taking the plunge.
Why It Matters
Although this beta isn’t for mainstream users, it’s a good sign for OnePlus fans. The fact that Android 16 is already in testing on the OnePlus 13 means that the company is serious about delivering timely updates. If things continue moving at this pace, we might see a stable Android 16 update for the OnePlus 13 not long after Google’s official release — a welcome change from years past when many brands lagged behind.
OnePlus 13 and Android 16 Beta
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Beta Version | Android 16 Beta 2 |
| Device | OnePlus 13 |
| Release Type | Developer/Advanced user build |
| Risk Level | High (may brick your phone) |
| Incompatible Devices | T-Mobile and Verizon models |
| Storage Needed | 4GB free space |
| Battery Requirement | Minimum 30% before flashing |
| Data Backup | Strongly recommended |
| Expected Android 16 Release | End of June 2025 |
For now, it’s best for most people to sit tight and wait for more stable versions. But for developers and early adopters, this beta offers a sneak peek at what Android 16 has to offer on the OnePlus 13 — and a chance to get a head start on optimizing apps for the next big Android release.
FAQs
Is Android 16 Beta 2 safe to install?
Not really, it’s risky and meant for advanced users only.
Which phones support this beta?
Only unlocked OnePlus 13 devices, not T-Mobile or Verizon.
How much storage is needed to install it?
At least 4GB of free space is required.
When will Android 16 go stable?
It is expected by the end of June 2025.
Will installing the beta wipe my data?
Yes, flashing the beta will erase your data.
