Google has just dropped the Android 11 Developer Preview, and you can try it out on the Pixel 2, Pixel 3, Pixel 3a and Pixel 4 smartphones right now.
Yes, you read that right, no support for the original Pixel right now. That doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t get Android 11, it’s just not getting the first developer preview.
You can download the Android 11 Developer Preview here.
The beta for Android 11 is not yet available, but according to the Android Developers’ website, it’ll be available in “the coming weeks”. So for now, you’ll need to flash the factory image, and we have instructions on how to do that, right here.
Android 11 Preview timeline
Currently, Google is planning three Android 11 Developer Previews, followed by three public betas which will start in May. It is most likely that the first public beta will come at Google I/O which also takes place in May.
The final release for Android 11 will take place sometime in Q3 2020.
This is mostly the same schedule we’ve had for the past few versions of Android. With a new preview or beta coming out just about every month, starting in February. And then the final release coming in either August or September. Keep in mind that Q3 starts July 1 and runs through September 30, so it could happen anytime in July, August or September.
Don’t install this on your main device!
This is the first developer preview for Android 11, so needless to say, this is still a very early build. And that means there will be plenty of bugs.
So as fair warning, do not install this preview on your main or daily driver smartphone. As it could become unusable, and that would be a very big deal, especially if you actually use your phone as a phone.
Usually the second or third preview is a bit more stable. There are still bugs obviously, but not as many as in the first preview, which is almost like a pre-alpha build.
That is also why Google is keeping the preview as a flashing only build right now. Instead of allowing users to opt into the beta and have it sent to their device via OTA. That way Google is able to control how many people are actually using the beta. As flashing the full build is a lot more difficult and time consuming. And most users won’t even both with it. So keep that in mind as well.