Android 16 on Raspberry Pi: New Features and Compute Module 5 Support

After months of engineering work, we are excited to release major improvements for Android on Raspberry Pi. These updates focus on system stability, performance, hardware support, and device coverage across the Raspberry Pi ecosystem. 

Our main goal behind this release is to continue polishing Android OS for Raspberry Pi devices so developers, hobbyists, and product teams can build on a more reliable foundation. 

Android 16 is now available on Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5

Android 16 is now available on Raspberry Pi 4 and Raspberry Pi 5, bringing stronger performance, enhanced security, and broader support for Raspberry Pi hardware. This release lays the foundation for a smoother, more reliable Android experience and opens up new possibilities for projects, apps, and everyday use. 

Key features in Android 16 for Raspberry Pi

This release includes: 

• Better Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, including fixes for 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks and regulatory domain configuration,

• Full Bluetooth support, including Bluetooth audio

• Audio output through HDMI, Bluetooth, and the 3.5 mm audio jack

• Improved support for HDMI displays, DSI and USB touchscreens

• Camera support for CSI camera modules and USB webcams

• Support for rpicam apps, formerly known as libcamera apps

• Hardware-accelerated video playback

• FFmpeg support

Together, these improvements make Android 16 on Raspberry Pi more capable for multimedia, connectivity, display, and camera-based use cases.

Support for Compute Module 5

Android support is also coming to Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, with support currently available on Android 15. This expands Android availability across more Raspberry Pi hardware and gives developers and product teams greater flexibility when building, adapting, and scaling Raspberry Pi-based solutions. 

Updates for Android 14 and Android 15

Many of the same platform improvements are now also available for Android 14 and Android 15 on Raspberry Pi. This means existing users can benefit from better reliability and broader hardware support without moving immediately to a newer Android version. 

Key updates for existing Android 14 and Android 15

• Significantly improved system stability and performance

• Android revision updates

• Full Bluetooth audio support

• USB webcam support

• Improved hardware-accelerated video playback

• FFmpeg support

• Additional updates across system components and apps
  

These changes help align Android 14 and Android 15 more closely with the improvements introduced in newer Raspberry Pi Android builds.

Fresh Android image releases for supported Raspberry Pi devices

We’re excited to announce fresh new Android image releases across all supported devices and versions, making it easier than ever to get started with your Raspberry Pi projects. All images are available through the emteria Device Hub and the Raspberry Pi Imager, making it easy to download and flash the right version.

Available Android versions by device

Raspberry Pi 4, Compute Module 4, Raspberry Pi 400:

• Available versions: Android 14, Android 15, Android 16

Raspberry Pi 5:

• Available versions: Android 14, Android 15, Android 16
  

Compute Module 5:

• Available versions: Android 15

These refreshed images bring improved stability and performance, ensuring that whether you’re using a Pi 4, Pi 5, or Compute Module 5, you have the latest Android experience right from the start.

What's next for Android on Raspberry Pi

We already started working on several exciting updates to further expand the Android experience on Raspberry Pi. Upcoming improvements include:

• Android 16 support for Compute Module 5, extending the newest features to even more hardware,

• 802.1x support for Ethernet, improving secure network connectivity,

• Raspberry Pi Secure Boot support, adding an extra layer of security for your devices.

• Preparations for the upcoming Android 17.

We will continue our efforts to make sure that Android on Raspberry Pi keeps evolving to meet the needs of hobbyists, product developers, and large enterprises.