Android Q Developer Preview 4 is now available for several OnePlus-branded smartphones, including the OnePlus 6, 6T, 7, and 7 Pro. Do note that you will need to sideload and install this update even if you’re already enrolled in the Developer Preview program, as this is not OnePlus’ Open Beta program.
Before you do that, however, do note that this is not a stable build of Android Q, this is just a Developer Preview build, and even though it’s in late beta at this point, it’s not a stable release by any means, so you may stumble upon some bugs and whatnot.
At the time of writing this article, OnePlus still hasn’t posted the news on its official forums, but OnePlus users have reported that the update is available, and the files are now available to download for those of you who want to try it out.
Unfortunately, though, the changelog doesn’t really reveal much. It does not say what’s new in this build, as the only change it lists is system-related, it says that system functions have been improved.
The changelog does list issues that you may encounter in this build, though. Those issues include application compatibility, which is common when it comes to builds like this. Google Pay may not work on your device after you install this software, while you will be required to set your fingerprint scanner all over again, as all the info will be wiped.
On top of that, OnePlus says that there is low probability you may encounter OS stability issues, and low probability that you may encounter issues regarding smoothness, in other words, you may experience some lag here.
If a device on which you’re planning to install Android Q Developer Preview 4 is your only device, or you’re using it as your daily driver, we’d suggest you wait for an official release. This software is quite stable, but it’s not completely stable, and issues may arrive which will affect your user experience. Also, if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing when it comes to flashing your Android device, you may want to avoid installing this update, as there’s always a chance you’ll brick your phone.
OnePlus was actually rather quick to release Android 9 Pie for its devices last year, it was much quicker than most other OEMs, and the same is expected to happen this year for Android Q. We still do not know what this build of Android will be called, but Google’s Pixel 4 phones will probably the first ones to ship with it.
OnePlus is expected to release Android Q to the OnePlus 7 and OnePlus 7 Pro by the end of this year, and if last year is any indication, it may even arrive way before the year comes to an end. Chances are the company will keep us all updated on the progress, as it does every year, so we’ll see what will happen. Until then, you can play around with Android Q Developer Preview 4 if you’d like, presuming you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into.