Asus has opened the Android 16 beta test for ROG Phone 9 series
By ForGeeks
Asus has launched an Android 16 testing program for the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro gaming smartphones. Owners of the flagship models can enroll right from their device and get early access to the next version of the system.
Asus has launched the Android 16 testing program for the ROG Phone 9 and ROG Phone 9 Pro series.
How to get into the testing program
To join the testing program, users need to open Settings > System > System Update, tap on the gear icon and select “Enroll in Android preview program”. Once the application is approved, the smartphone will download the beta build “over the air.”
After the application is approved, the smartphone will download the beta build over the air.
There’s an important limitation, however. Once you upgrade to Android 16 Beta, you can’t go back to Android 15. So testers will remain on a preliminary version of the system until the official release of the stable firmware. Asus plans to release Android 16 in full in early 2026.
Device Updates and Support
Despite its flagship status, Asus is only promising two system upgrades – Android 16 and Android 17. The more affordable ROG Phone 9 FE, introduced earlier in 2025, isn’t in the beta program, but will receive updates along the same lines.
The ROG Phone 9 FE is not in the beta program, but will receive updates along the same lines.
With Samsung and Google’s seven years of support, this approach seems modest. Especially as the ROG Phone 9 and 9 Pro are priced at close to €1000.
Should you install Android 16 Beta
In the test firmware, users get early access to Android 16 improvements. These include enhanced optimizations for gaming and improved power efficiency. But it’s important to keep in mind: the beta may contain bugs and unstable features.
The lack of a rollback option makes participation risky for those who use a smartphone as their primary device. For enthusiasts, however, it’s a chance to be one of the first to try Android 16 and see how the update changes Asus’ gaming flagships.
