Google LLC’s Android team today announced Android 11’s new launch date — June 3, a month later than originally expected — and said the revamped operating system will be available to download in beta test mode early next month.

Android is an open-source, mobile operating system developed by Google that powers more than 2.5 billion active devices. It’s based on the Linux kernel and is primarily designed for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The first commercial version, Android 1.0, was released in September 2008.

The next version of Android is set to launch in beta at 11 a.m. EDT on June 3 at an online event called #Android11: The Beta Launch Show, which will give interested developers an opportunity to get a first, hands-on look at some of its latest features.

“Later that day, we’ll be sharing a number of talks on a range of topics from Jetpack Compose to Android Studio and Google Play – talks that we had originally planned for Google I/O – to help you take advantage of the latest in Android development,” Google said in its release.

The launch of Android 11 in beta is actually a month later than originally planned. The beta version of the software will give Android developers an opportunity to test their latest applications for compatibility, ahead of a final release that’s currently scheduled for the third quarter of the year. At the same time, Google is also planning to release APIs of the Android 11 software development kit and native development kit on June 3.

“By bringing you the final APIs on the original timeline while shifting the other dates, we’re giving you an extra month to compile and test with the final APIs, while also ensuring that you have the same amount of time between Platform Stability and the final release,” Google said.

Developers who cannot wait until June 3 can try their luck with the fourth Developer Preview of Android 11, which is being released today. That software can only be run on Pixel 2, 3, 3a and 4 devices, or alternatively it can be run on the Android Emulator. The fourth developer preview is available to download now.

Image: Google