According to the latest figures available, the most used Android version is Android 10 to date, followed closely by Android 11 and Android 9. Android 12 continues to slowly rise in the numbers, but its release is still too recent, and few smartphones do offer the latest version of the operating system.
However, despite this fairly slow distribution, it has become a ritual: every year, Google launches a new major Android version. After a beta phase, Google has just released the first stable version of Android 13. Depending on your smartphone brand, the update may or may not already be available.
When is Android 13 coming out?
As of this writing, Android 13 is in final release. Of course, the operating system will not be immediately available on all smartphones and tablets. At first, each manufacturer still has to adapt the operating system to their devices. But if you have a Google Pixel or Samsung smartphone, it may be possible to install this update more quickly.
What’s new in Android 13?
With the launch of the 2nd Android 13 consumer beta, Google has detailed some of the big new features of the next version of the operating system. Of course at this stage, other new features should be unveiled over the betas until the general public version. This section will therefore be regularly updated with the latest information available.
Android 13 emphasizes privacy
©Google
Android 13 does a lot to improve privacy. A new center allows you to declare your advertising interests yourself to avoid tracking. There are also notifications which now have to be manually activated for each app. There are also new, more granular permissions to prevent apps from having access to too much data.
Android 13 better protects your data
©Google
Android 13 adapts a number of APIs (programming interfaces) to strengthen privacy protection. One example is the arrival of a secure system component that will standardize photo and video selection across all applications.
In addition to selection, this component simplifies the sharing of your files. In addition, Google has added a new WiFi permission that allows applications that require it to deliver more accurate information, without however collecting the user’s location as was the norm with the location permission.
Android 13 pushes theme customization further
©Google
Google just shared this screenshot on its blog. Android 13 can now replace the display of all icons with a monochrome version capable of dynamically adapting to the system theme. Google explains to developers: âall you need to do is provide a monochrome version of your application’s icon, and a modification of the adaptive icons XMLâ.
Google specifies from the outset, however, that this novelty will initially be exclusive to Google Pixel: âwe are working with our partner device manufacturers to bring this feature to other devicesâ.
Automatic themes also adapt third-party applications
So far Google has implemented an AI-powered system to dynamically adapt accent colors to your screen backgrounds. But it worked especially with native applications. With Beta 2, Google is rolling out support for these themes in more third-party apps for a more consistent user experience.
Android 13 allows you to define a language in each app
Android 13 will have a nice advantage over iOS 15 in terms of language management. If you travel between several countries, and speak at least two languages ââdaily, you are probably frustrated by the fact that until now it was only possible to select one language for the system and all applications.
Android 13 changes that by letting you choose a different language for each app. For example, you can use WhatsApp in French and the RCS messaging application in English, depending on your needs.
Android 13 updates many essential system components
The photo selection interface changes, but it’s not the only critical system component that gets improvements. System, app and driver updates strengthen their integration with Google Play Store. There is the arrival of Java 11 via OpenJDK 11, the arrival of programmable shaders, to adapt to the arrival of real GPUs on mobile and allow game developers on the platform to enter a new era.
In addition, Google is updating the Quick Settings API to allow applications to add icons directly to this menu.
Android 13 beta 3.3 includes a new easter egg
©Google
As with each new Android version, Google has chosen to integrate a new easter egg over the betas â in other words a wink from the developers. In previous years, Google sometimes offered mini-games to be discovered by activating secret codes in the menus. This year, you have to settle for an easter egg based on the clock, sprinkled with emojis.
To activate it, you must of course install the latest Android beta. Then change the time to 1:00 p.m. Then, go to the section About in the settings. From there, tap the version number until the easter egg appears. This one looks like the one offered by Google in Android 12. But with a small difference: if you touch the bubbles, different emojis will invade the screen.
Which smartphones are Android 13 compatible?
For now, no manufacturer, apart from Google, has formalized the arrival of an Android 13 ROM for their devices. We can nevertheless assume from the outset that the manufacturers who had been the most reactive on the port of Android 12 will also be so with Android 13. First of all, expect Android 13 to arrive first on very high-end smartphones of range.
According to Google, some high-end models from this list of manufacturers will offer Android 13 by the end of 2022.
- Google Pixel (Android 13 ROM available)
- Xiaomi
- Samsung
- OnePlus
- Motorola
- Oppo
- Nokia /HMD
- Asus
- live
- realme
- Sharp
- iQOO
- Techno
You can view an up-to-date list of all Android 13 compatible smartphones in this folder.
How to install Android 13?
To install Android 13 on a compatible smartphone, follow the specific installation instructions for your model. If so, this tutorial gives you the general steps to install Android 13 on any smartphone.
