Android 12 Beta 5 arrives as ‘release candidate’ while adding Pixel 5a support
It’s been quite a long time since the Android 12 journey began, but we’re inching ever-closer to the final release. Today, Google has released Android 12 Beta 5, signifying the “release candidate” version. According to Google’s own timeline, this means that we’re just weeks away from the final release.
Release date: September 8, 2021
Build: SPB5.210812.002
Emulator support: x86 (64-bit), ARM (v8-A)
Security patch level: August 2021
Google Play services: 21.26.21
API diff: API 30 → API 31
Along with releasing Beta 5 to everyone enrolled in the beta program, Google also confirmed that you can now install Android 12 Beta 5 on the all-new Pixel 5a. Surprisingly, this was not possible after the release of Beta 4.1, but you don’t have to wait any longer if you want to jump aboard the Android 12 train with the latest Pixel device.
We’re just a few weeks away from the official release of Android 12! As we put the finishing touches on the new version of Android, today we’re bringing you a final Beta update to help you with testing and development.
There’s not too much going on with the release of Android 12 Beta 5, as you’ll find just a few bug fixes:
Android 12 Beta 5 Resolved Issues
- Fixed an issue where the media controls sometimes wouldn’t appear after rotating the device. (Issue #196305826)
- Fixed an issue that caused Android System Intelligence to crash intermittently. (Issue #197053372)
- Fixed an issue where the Settings app would stop responding when the preferred mobile network type was changed. (Issue #196729167)
- Fixed an issue that prevented the device from switching between a physical SIM and an eSIM in certain cases. (Issue #196560081)
- Fixed an issue where, in some cases after updating a device to the next Beta release, Google Maps crashed whenever it was launched by a secondary user.
- Fixed an issue for devices with multiple users where, in some cases after updating the device to the next Beta release, the device crashed and rebooted when trying to switch to a secondary user.
But this release also means that it’s time for Android developers to get on the horse so that their apps will be properly supported when the final version of Android 12 lands.
If you happen to install Android 12 Beta 5 onto your compatible device, it’s highly recommended that you file any feedback with the Android Beta Feedback tool on your device. This is a quick and easy way to share any problems that you’ve come across so that they can be handled and hopefully fixed ahead of the final release.
Those who are already on the Android 12 beta channel will begin receiving the OTA update in the coming hours.