A revolution is underway in the Android ecosystem. Recently, Google announced that next year, instead of releasing one new version of Android, it will release two. The first version, which will be a major update, will arrive in the second quarter while the second, which will be less important, will be released in the last quarter. Google has chosen to offer the first version from the second quarter in order to align with the release schedules of new manufacturers’ devices, so that this new software is available on as many devices as possible more quickly.
Android 16 from June 3?
No precise date has yet been communicated by the Mountain View firm, but, according to a source from the Android Headlines site, Google plans to launch Android 16 on June 3. Compared to Android 15, Android 16 would therefore be available 2 to 3 months earlier. In addition, Android Headlines specifies that on June 3, Android 16 would be available both on the open source Android project and on compatible Pixel smartphones.
However, it is possible (or even probable) that we will have to wait a certain time before the new version arrives with other brands. But in its announcement, Google also explained that it is “actively working” with smartphone manufacturers to make the second quarter update available on as many devices as possible.
New strategy for Android
At the moment, we don’t know much about Android 16. But, given that its release has been brought forward, it is also possible that the first preview versions, which will provide an overview of what’s new, will be released earlier. Otherwise, Google’s new strategy seems to be to divide its new products in two, so that the first wave can be deployed more quickly.
“Our goal with these changes is to enable faster innovation and a higher level of quality and polish between releases, without introducing more overhead or cost to developers”the firm indicated in its announcement. Indeed, only the second quarter update can cause behavioral changes in apps, which forces developers to conduct tests. The last quarter version, on the other hand, only includes new features.
- Google will radically change the way it updates Android, offering two new versions per year
- The first version of 2025 is planned for the second quarter and according to a leak, it would be available on June 3
- In addition to arriving on the open source project, Android 16 would be immediately deployed on compatible Pixel smartphones, before arriving at other brands
