- Starting next year, Google is changing the schedule of releasing new versions of its mobile system
- The main versions of Android will be released in the spring, then a smaller update will arrive in the fall
- Google wants to unify the release of new versions of Android with new phones
New versions of Android are released every year, usually between August and October. In the first wave, owners of Google Pixel devices are traditionally happy with the new system, after which a long carousel of updates for devices from other brands begins, lasting almost a whole year. In the coming years, Google wants to break this established schedule, and it will start as early as next year.
Android 16 will be released in the spring, a smaller update will arrive in the fall
We’ve had an unusually long wait for the release of Android 15 this year, and Google released it more than once – in September it released only the source code in the Android Open Source Program (AOSP), then released an update for Pixel devices a month later. We will be waiting for the next Android 16 for a much shorter time – because Google plans to release it already in the spring.
Changes in the release of Android were announced by Google on its blog for developers. Two new versions are to be released next year – the main one in the first half of the year, the smaller one in the second half of the year, specifically in the second and fourth quarter. Both versions will bring new APIs as well as a new set of developer tools, which is why Google is announcing these changes now – so developers have to prepare to be able to implement updates to their apps and games twice a year.
When were previous versions of Android released?
- Android 10 – September 3, 2019
- Android 11 – September 8, 2020
- Android 12 – October 4, 2021
- Android 13 – August 15, 2022
- Android 14 – October 4, 2023
- Android 15 – September 3, 2024
Google is reportedly making this change because of smartphone manufacturers – it wants the release of major versions of the system to better correspond with the launch of new devices. Most manufacturers present new phones in the fall, and often use an older version of Android in them, even though a newer version is already available – probably due to insufficient space to test the new version and implement custom add-ons.
Release schedule for next Android versions
If Google manages to stick to the proposed schedule, Android 16 will be released sometime between April and June of next year, and then a smaller update (Android 16.1?) will probably arrive in the fall. In the meantime, Google plans to release minor updates containing new features, but without changes to the API and SDK.
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It is very likely that Google will soon release the first developer beta version of Android 16 to the world to give developers a chance to slowly prepare for the upcoming changes.
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Author of the article
Jakub Karásek
Google’s Android Update Schedule – A Comedic Take!
Starting next year, Google is shaking things up in the tech world by changing its release schedule for Android! Yes, you heard that right! If you thought waiting for the next Android version was like waiting for a bus in the rain—only for a bus that never shows up—then congratulations! You now have a reference point for your tech frustration!
- New Versions in Spring and Fall: A major version in spring, followed by a smaller update in the fall. So, it’s like they’re giving Android a spring-cleaning and a fall wardrobe update. Who says tech people don’t have a flair for fashion?
- Goodbye, Long Waits: Gone will be the days of your Pixel device getting the latest goodness while your friend with a fancy brand ‘X’ phone is left like an abandoned child at a school gate—shivering and confused.
- Finally Some Unity! This shift aims to synchronize Android releases with new phone launches. Because nothing says efficiency like smooth-talking between Google and smartphone manufacturers, right? Maybe next they’ll target world peace?
Android 16 – The Arrival!
We’ve endured a waiting game for the release of Android 15, longer than the time it takes to decide what to watch on Netflix. Less time is expected for Android 16, which is scheduled for spring. That’s right; it’s springing up like a rabbit on Easter Sunday—quick and promising to bring joy!
Google recently made these announcements on their developer blog. Developers, grab your to-do lists, because you’ll need to adapt your apps faster than a deer caught in headlights!
Let’s Look Back
- Android 10 – September 3, 2019
- Android 11 – September 8, 2020
- Android 12 – October 4, 2021
- Android 13 – August 15, 2022
- Android 14 – October 4, 2023
- Android 15 – September 3, 2024
Now, Google wants to time the release of its blockbuster Android versions with when manufacturers unleash their latest models. Here’s a wild thought: what if tech companies start planning their release calendars around how much coffee their teams drink? No? Okay, back to reality!
What Happens Next?
If all goes according to Google’s plan (and with tech, we know that’s like trying to predict the British weather), then we can expect Android 16 to pop up sometime between April and June of next year. A smaller update, potentially dubbed Android 16.1, could follow like an entourage after a celebrity!
Meanwhile, Google will be sneaking in minor updates to keep things spicy. Think of them as the little sprinkles on your tech cupcake—sweet but not too heavy on the calories. Just enough to keep you coming back for more.
And as the tech world buzzes, we can expect Google to release the first developer beta version of Android 16 soon. Developers, get excited—your lives are about to get a whole lot busier!
So there you have it, folks! Another twist in the Android saga. Grab your popcorn and wait for the chills of tech anticipation to kick in. Remember, if all else fails, there’s still always the option of going out and living your life. But let’s be honest—who would do that when there’s a shiny new operating system around the corner?
- Starting next year, Google is set to revamp the schedule for releasing new versions of its highly anticipated mobile operating system.
- The primary versions of Android will transition to a spring release, followed by a smaller update arriving in the fall.
- In an effort to create alignment, Google aims to synchronize the release of new Android versions with the launch of new smartphones.
New versions of Android are typically launched every year, usually between August and October, often leaving users eagerly anticipating the next big update. Traditionally, the first recipients of the latest Android version are owners of Google Pixel devices, who celebrate the initial rollout of the new system. However, this is often followed by a prolonged series of updates for devices from third-party manufacturers, a process that can stretch nearly a full year. Next year, Google intends to overhaul this established timeline and streamline the process significantly.
Android 16 will debut in the spring, while a supplementary update is expected in the fall
This year, Android 15 experienced an unusually lengthy wait for its release, with Google initially unveiling the source code in September through the Android Open Source Program (AOSP). This was only followed by an update specifically for Pixel devices a month later. However, Android enthusiasts can anticipate a much shorter waiting period for the next iteration, Android 16, as Google plans for its release in the spring.
Changes to the release schedule of Android were disclosed by Google on its developer blog. Next year, two new versions are intended to roll out—one in the first half of the year, and a smaller one in the second half, specifically targeting the second and fourth quarters. Both updates will introduce new application programming interfaces (APIs) and a revamped suite of developer tools. Google is announcing these changes well in advance so that developers have ample time to update their apps and games twice annually.
When were previous versions of Android released?
- Android 10 – September 3, 2019
- Android 11 – September 8, 2020
- Android 12 – October 4, 2021
- Android 13 – August 15, 2022
- Android 14 – October 4, 2023
- Android 15 – September 3, 2024
Google’s decision to modify the release schedule appears to be a strategic response to smartphone manufacturers’ practices—eager to align major software releases with the unveiling of new devices. This change comes as many manufacturers tend to launch new models in the fall, often opting to use an older version of Android despite a newer iteration being just around the corner. This delay is frequently attributed to limited testing capacity and the need for additional time to integrate custom features.
If Google adheres to the planned timeline, Android 16 is projected to launch between April and June of next year, followed by a potential smaller update, possibly named Android 16.1, arriving in the fall. Additionally, Google is expected to introduce minor updates that will bring new features, yet these updates will not modify the API or SDK.
It is highly likely that Google will soon unveil the first developer beta version of Android 16, allowing developers a head start to prepare for the forthcoming changes and features.
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In the meantime, excitement builds around the functionalities of Android 16 as developers get ready for the new era.
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As the tech community braces for these updates, anticipation is rising regarding Google’s next steps in revolutionizing the Android experience.
Jakub Karásek
Android 15 release date
3 – August 15, 2022
As we look back, it’s clear that Google has been intermittently sprinkling Android updates throughout the calendar year, but with this new strategy, they hope to create a more predictable and efficient rollout process. For Android 16, we should expect to see Google get things rolling between April and June, with some exciting features that might just replace your coffee as the morning pick-me-up! With Google preparing to drop the first developer beta for Android 16, it’s time for developers to sharpen their tools and get ready for a whirlwind of updates. Think of it like gearing up for a marathon—not just any marathon, but a tech marathon where the prize is smoother-running apps and happier users! And while you’re at it, keep an eye on the Google Pixel 9. With its powerful features and AI capabilities, it may chart new territories in the smartphone realm. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for a tech revolution—or at least the next best selfie! So get excited, tech enthusiasts! The future is bright, the updates are coming, and who knows—maybe one day the release cycle will align with your coffee breaks, making them even more thrilling!What’s Next for Developers?
Stay Tuned!
Don’t Forget!
And while we wait for all these seasonal changes, let’s not sidestep the Google Pixel 9—especially the Pro version. It’s almost like it should get its own reality show: “Keeping Up with the Pixels!”