ASUS has officially rolled out the Android 16 beta program for its flagship smartphone, the Zenfone 12 Ultra. This marks the first step toward delivering the stable version of Android 16 to ASUS users. The update allows early adopters to explore new features and improvements before the final release.
While the beta is now open, ASUS has not yet confirmed when the stable build will arrive. However, based on the company’s past rollout patterns, it is expected that more Zenfone models could join the beta in the coming months.
How to Enroll in the Android 16 Beta
Enrolling in the beta program is straightforward and can be done directly through the phone’s settings. Follow these steps:
-
Open Settings on your Zenfone 12 Ultra.
-
Go to System > System update.
-
Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner.
-
Select Enroll in Android preview program.
Once completed, your device will be queued to receive the Android 16 beta updates over the air.
Summary Table
Feature |
Details |
|---|---|
Eligible Device |
ASUS Zenfone 12 Ultra |
Enrollment Process |
Settings → System → System update → Tap gear icon → Enroll in Android preview program |
Rollback Option |
Not available without factory reset and manual firmware install |
ASUS UI Style |
Near-stock Android with light customization |
Final Release Timeline |
Not yet announced |
Possible Expansion |
Older Zenfone models may be added later |
ROG Phone Beta Availability |
Not yet announced |
Official Announcement Link |
No Rollback Option Without Data Wipe
It is important to understand the risks before joining the beta program. ASUS has confirmed that:
-
Once the device is updated to Android 16 beta, there is no official way to return to Android 15 without performing a full factory reset.
-
Rolling back will erase all user data and require a manual installation of the previous firmware.
-
Beta builds may include bugs, stability issues, or incomplete features.
For users who rely on their phone for daily use, this limitation is worth serious consideration.
Expected Features and UI Changes
ASUS has not provided a detailed list of Android 16–specific features for the Zenfone 12 Ultra. This is not unusual for ASUS, as its software is known for being close to stock Android with only a few custom enhancements.
Typical ASUS UI features include:
-
Customizable lock screen and always-on display.
-
A lightweight interface with minimal pre-installed apps.
-
Performance optimizations for battery life and gaming.
Because ASUS’s skin is minimal, the beta is expected to focus primarily on Google’s Android 16 changes rather than major design overhauls.
Timeline and Possible Expansion
The final release timeline for Android 16 on the Zenfone 12 Ultra remains unknown. However, looking at previous years gives some insight:
-
In 2024, ASUS released the Android 15 beta for the Zenfone 11 Ultra first.
-
About a month later, the Zenfone 10 was added to the beta list.
If ASUS follows a similar pattern, owners of older Zenfone models might see their devices included in the Android 16 beta program in the coming months.
ROG Phone Beta Status
ASUS’s gaming-focused ROG Phone series typically runs on a slightly different UI compared to the Zenfone series. These devices generally receive beta updates later, often several months after the main Zenfone flagship is updated. No Android 16 beta has yet been announced for ROG Phone models.
About the Zenfone 12 Ultra
The Zenfone 12 Ultra was launched on February 6, 2025, running Android 15 out of the box. It features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and is designed with AI-powered capabilities that combine on-device processing with cloud-based enhancements. Its focus on both performance and user experience makes it a strong candidate for testing the latest Android version early.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I sign up for the Android 16 beta on the Zenfone 12 Ultra?
A. Go to Settings > System > System update, tap the gear icon, and select Enroll in Android preview program.
2. Can I go back to Android 15 after updating?
A. No, not without wiping your device and manually reinstalling the older firmware.
3. Are there many new ASUS-specific features in Android 16?
A. ASUS has not listed new custom features yet. Expect mostly stock Android changes with a few ASUS enhancements.
4. When will the stable version of Android 16 be released?
A. ASUS has not provided a release date.
5. Will other Zenfone models get the beta?
A. Possibly. Based on previous years, older models may join the beta after the flagship release.
6. Is this beta available for ROG Phones?
A. No. ROG Phone models usually receive beta programs later than the Zenfone series.
For More Information Click HERE.