Android beta testing programs have traditionally been limited to Google's own Pixel devices, but that landscape is changing rapidly. Honor has made a significant move in the Android ecosystem by becoming one of the first non-Google manufacturers to offer the Android 16 Beta 3 Developer Preview on its flagship Magic 7 Pro.
Early Access to Android 16
Honor has officially rolled out the Android 16 Beta 3 Developer Preview for its flagship Magic 7 Pro, positioning itself among the first smartphone manufacturers globally to provide access to Google's upcoming operating system. Starting May 7, developers can download and test the beta version on their devices, well ahead of the final stable release expected in June 2025. This early access demonstrates Honor's growing partnership with Google and its commitment to staying at the forefront of Android development.
Honor's Software Commitment
This beta rollout reflects more than just technical capability—it signals Honor's renewed dedication to long-term software support. The company has now promised up to seven years of Android OS and security updates in select markets, putting it in the same league as industry leaders like Google and Samsung. This extended support timeline represents a significant shift in Honor's software strategy and could be a compelling selling point for consumers considering their next flagship purchase.
Developer-Focused Release
It's important to note that this release is specifically targeted at developers rather than everyday users. The installation process requires technical knowledge, including enabling USB debugging and executing Python-based scripts through the Honor Suite on a PC. While the installation won't erase user data, it moves the system to a separate partition, making existing data inaccessible unless backed up beforehand. Honor has also acknowledged that, like any beta software, this release may contain bugs—including a low-probability issue that could cause random restarts.
Android 16 Beta 3 on Honor Magic 7 Pro - Key Details
- Release date: May 7, 2025
- Required base version: MagicOS 9.0.0.165 or higher
- Installation method: Requires Honor Suite on PC and Python-based script
- Target audience: Developers and advanced users only
- Known issues: Potential random restarts (low probability)
- Android 16 codename: "Baklava"
- Final stable release expected: June 2025
Android 16 Development Progress
Codenamed Baklava, Android 16 is approaching platform stability with Beta 4 already available through Google's channels. Until recently, these beta builds were exclusive to Pixel phones, but Google has expanded access to include flagship devices from several manufacturers including Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Vivo, and now Honor. Interestingly, Samsung—typically a major player in the Android ecosystem—is absent from this early testing phase as it continues to focus on rolling out Android 15-based One UI 7.
Global Strategy Implications
Honor's inclusion in the Android 16 beta program represents more than just a technical achievement. It demonstrates the company's strategic push for greater global relevance, particularly as it works to strengthen its presence in European markets. By aligning closely with Google's development cycle and offering early access to new Android versions, Honor is positioning itself as a serious competitor in the premium smartphone segment worldwide.