Asus has officially kicked off its Android 16 Beta program for the Zenfone 12 Ultra, giving owners an early taste of what Google’s next major update will bring. 
The phone, which debuted earlier this year, might have flown under the radar for many, but it’s now among the first Asus devices to jump into the A16 testing phase.
Joining the beta is refreshingly simple compared to other brands’ hoops: head to Settings > System > System update, tap the gear icon, and select Enroll in Android preview program. No need to be part of any insider group, no approval queues, and no indication that spots are limited-just sign up and you’re in.
While Asus may seem late compared to rivals who launched their betas weeks ago, this doesn’t mean the final stable rollout will lag behind. In fact, with only one 2025 flagship to maintain, Asus could still deliver the stable Android 16 build right alongside the big brands this fall.
Some fans see this as a rare win for a model often joked about for its niche following and, at times, questionable ergonomics. Others remain cautious, noting Asus’ mixed track record with update speed. Still, for those few dedicated Zenfone 12 Ultra owners, this beta marks a promising step toward keeping their devices current.