Android 11 is here! Stable launch rolling out to Pixels, betas coming to others. - Android

Today, right on schedule, Google announced that the final version of Android 11 is ready for primetime. The latest version of the operating system went through multiple developer previews and beta programs over the past six months.

Related: The most notable new Android 11 features

As one would expect, Google’s line of Pixel phones will likely be the very first to see the update. All Pixel phones (aside from the very first Google Pixel and Pixel XL) are eligible for the upgrade. That also includes the Google Pixel 3a and Google Pixel 4a.

If you own a Pixel phone, you should see a notification soon asking you to install Android 11. If you just can’t wait to give the new Android a try, you can always manually install it using Google’s browser-based tool. You can even go the old school route and perform the update manually.

Android 11: It’s all about connections

Google’s big priority with Android 11 is helping you, the user, better keep in touch with friends and family. That means keeping your notifications organized in a new spot within the notifications shade as well as offering bubble conversations to keep important chats front-and-center.

However, Google also added new tools and features that make Android easier to use and more efficient. These include things like a native screen recorder (finally!), easier-to-access media controls, and a more efficient way to control your smart home devices right from the power menu. With Android 11, bouncing around from app-to-app to get things done should be a thing of the past.

Although the latest Android upgrade will look very similar to last year's, there are plenty of cool changes under the hood.

Finally, Android 11 offers new features surrounding privacy and security. The biggest of these changes is your new ability to give one-time permissions to apps that request to use your camera, microphone, or location data. Once you’ve given permission, the next time you open the app you’ll need to give permission again. This helps ensure that only the apps you trust get permanent access to these very sensitive tools.

Other phones should see the update soon, too

This year, it’s not only Pixels that will see Android 11 updates on or close to the launch date.

Xiaomi confirmed that Mi 10 and Mi 10 Pro users who signed up for the beta software program will be the first to get Android 11 updates. This applies to both the Chinese and global variants. Oppo also confirmed that the first public beta of Color OS based on Android 11 will be available for the Find X2 and Reno 3 Pro series.

We are working on compiling a list of all the specific devices that will see the upgrade, so stay tuned for that.