Google Shakes Up Android Update Schedule, Aims for Faster Rollouts
In a significant shift for the Android ecosystem, Google has announced plans to alter its release schedule for major Android updates starting in 2025. The tech giant will move the launch of Android 16, codenamed “Baklava,” to the second quarter of the year, departing from its traditional third-quarter release cycle.
This strategic change is designed to align Android updates more closely with device launch schedules, potentially allowing a broader range of devices to receive the latest features and improvements sooner. Historically, Google Pixel phones have been first in line for updates, with other manufacturers’ devices often experiencing significant delays.
The new schedule addresses long-standing concerns about fragmentation in the Android ecosystem, where many users have had to wait months or even years for the latest Android version to reach their devices. By releasing major updates earlier in the year, Google aims to enable manufacturers to launch new devices with the most up-to-date Android features from day one.
Under the revised plan, Google will introduce a major release in Q2, followed by a minor SDK release in Q4. This approach could have far-reaching implications for both developers and consumers. App developers will need to adjust their timelines for compatibility testing, but may also benefit from the ability to support new features earlier in the product cycle.
For users, the change could mean faster access to new Android capabilities across a wider range of devices. Features similar to iPhone’s Live Activities, such as enhanced ongoing notifications, could become available on Android phones more quickly and uniformly.
In addition to the schedule changes, Google announced improvements to the Play Store, allowing users to share preferences for more personalized app recommendations. The company is also enhancing Android Studio with additional Gemini AI features to improve coding efficiency and quality.
As the Android ecosystem prepares for this significant shift, industry observers will be watching closely to see how manufacturers and developers adapt to the new timeline, and whether it will indeed lead to a more synchronized and up-to-date Android experience for users worldwide.