Platform Stability in Q1, rollout in Q2

Android 14‘s beta releases have been a curler coaster trip; Android 15 debuted after Google’s main Pixel 9 flagship collection, and now Android 16 is hurling in the direction of us like a meteor. We have recognized for some time now that Google is expediting its main OS releases, however we did not know the Mountain View, California-based tech big would utterly ground the fuel pedal with Android 16.

Expedited by roughly 1 / 4, Android 16’s Developer Preview 1 (DP1) is out at present, whereas some main OEMs are nonetheless combating rolling out Android 15. For reference, Android 15 DP1 wasn’t out till February earlier this yr, shifting the Android launch timeline forward by 3–4 months. In reality, DP1 for the final 4 main Android releases have all been launched in February.

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Google is severe about its new launch schedule

Google’s reasoning behind expediting the foremost OS launch is that it higher fits the gadget launch schedule throughout the Android ecosystem. “That is the beginning of Android having extra frequent API releases as a part of our effort to drive sooner innovation in apps and units,” wrote Google in its weblog publish. In keeping with the tech big, customers can anticipate secure Android 16 to land someday in Q2, 2025 — on June 3, 2025, particularly, if a earlier leak is to be believed.

This units Google up for achievement, the place it could doubtlessly keep away from releasing a brand new flagship operating final yr’s OS — which was the case with the Pixel 9 collection. For customers seeking to check out an almost-stable expertise, Google has revealed that it goals to realize Android 16 Platform Stability someday in March 2025, with public betas coming a lot sooner.

Supply: Google

If Google sticks with its launch timeline, Android fans can anticipate two developer previews in 2024 (together with the one launched at present), paired with 4 beta releases earlier than secure Android 16 comes knocking.

For reference, customers can anticipate Android 16 DP2 to land in December, adopted by the primary beta launch that brings Android 16 to a a lot bigger subset of customers, seemingly opening the doorways to Android 16 to non-Pixel units too.

An I/O rollout could be on the playing cards

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Sanity might have prevailed inside Google

February will mark the second beta the place Google will doubtlessly introduce new options and iron out bugs earlier than March’s Platform Stability, finalizing all developer APIs and app-facing behaviors. The final beta is predicted to reach in April, adopted by Google exhibiting off the brand new OS launch in secure someday in Q2.

It is price noting that the tech big’s annual I/O developer convention takes place in Might annually. You’d should go all of the method again to 2014 to identify an I/O that did not happen within the month of Might. It is price noting, nevertheless, that Google unveiled 2014’s main OS launch, Android Lollipop, at I/O. Contemplating the current leak that means Android 16 will come out on June 3, 2025, might we be eyeing a shift from Might to June for 2025’s Google I/O? Alternatively, it might be that the current leak is wrong, and Google may persist with Might for I/O and formally rollout Android 16 on the occasion — which matches its “deliberate launch in Q2 of 2025.” We’re certain we’ll uncover these particulars as we method 2025.

Additionally price noting is that 2023’s Pixel 7a and 2024’s Pixel 8a have been each launched within the month of Might. If Google’s new expedited launch schedule does keep on monitor, the tech big’s mid-range Pixel 9a may doubtlessly be the primary smartphone to launch with Android 16 out of the field.

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