I am undecided anybody anticipated October to be such a busy month for Android information. Along with a number of court docket rulings that might have large implications for the way forward for Google’s cellular OS, we noticed Android 16 options leak, early glimpses of Samsung’s upcoming One UI 7 overhaul, and, in fact, the full, secure launch of Android 15. However the largest information would possibly’ve dropped on Halloween, when Google quietly confirmed a serious shakeup to how and when it drops main OS upgrades.
In case you missed the information, subsequent yr, Google will launch two SDK variations: one in Q2 of 2025, and one other, smaller improve within the typical This fall slot. Whereas you must learn between the traces just a little to grasp the ramifications of this announcement, it means the full launch of Android 16 is coming earlier than subsequent summer time, whereas a second construct — doubtlessly Android 16.1 — will arrive within the fall. Say goodbye to ready by way of an interminable beta interval, since you’ll have a brand new model in your Pixel 9 earlier than the Pixel 10 even hits retailer cabinets.
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A couple of years in the past, this could’ve been Earth-shattering information amongst Android die-hards, however this week, it felt like every other information story, and I feel that is the results of a serious change in how the Android neighborhood thinks about OS updates. Since Android 12 and the rollout of Materials You, we have seen three main annual upgrades arrive with little for normal shoppers — or frankly, even fanatics — to get really enthusiastic about. Whereas we have seen loads of welcome adjustments and enhancements, for higher or worse, Android has hit a state of maturity. Solely a lot can change from right here on out.
In fact, all of that is compounded by a decade of Google rethinking how and when software program updates attain its customers. Not like Apple, which nonetheless retains app redesigns and extra options locked to a September launch yearly, Google delivers the overwhelming majority of its adjustments by way of Play Retailer updates, or by way of Play Providers and server-side updates. If Google decides to tweak the visible design of its calculator or contacts apps, you are not caught ready for a single patch months away — that improve will arrive in your telephone each time it is prepared for primetime.
It is not simply the way in which Android is up to date that makes full OS upgrades really feel just a little extra boring than they used to, although — it is also a consequence of Google transferring away from “inventory” builds of Android. With the Pixel sequence working extra custom-made software program than ever, virtually each main and minor OEM alike customizes their respective OS expertise. There isn’t a inventory Android system you are prone to run into anymore; you are selecting between customized enhancements from Samsung, OnePlus, Asus, Motorola, and, sure, even Google.
On one hand, which may make the promise of Android 16’s early arrival really feel disappointing. On the opposite, although, it means our smartphone experiences are always altering and enhancing, with out the necessity to look forward to main enhancements to roll out on a once-a-year timeframe. That makes Android all of the extra thrilling, in my eyes — simply unfold out just a little extra evenly over 12 full months. And hey, that is to not say Android would not really feel thrilling each time a brand new model quantity drops. Even the extra minor leaps ahead (like final month’s launch, for instance) can include loads of little quality-of-life enhancements.
However as at all times, I am curious what AP readers suppose. Are you continue to enthusiastic about annual Android updates as they at present exist? Possibly you sit up for regardless of the OEM of your liking does with Google’s new builds, or possibly you are merely excited for Pixel-exclusive options over all else. Or, possibly, these night-before-Christmas ranges of anticipation have left you behind, with only a fashionable, mature working system instead. Tell us within the ballot — and the feedback — beneath.