This year, Android 15 launched around the same time that Android 14 did last year. However, it might not have felt that way since the new OS version typically accompanies the year’s Google Pixel devices and this time around, those came about two months ahead of schedule. That led to other manufacturers pushing the new OS before Google.
With Android 16, that won’t be anything close to a worry for Google, as the tables will turn entirely. Google is ready to make a major shift in the Android release timeline, with the big OS coming in the first half of the year, and not the second. Interesting to say the least. Let’s talk about it.
Android 16 Is Confirmed For Q2 2025, Marking A Major Change In The Release Schedule
Google is very used to delivering major Android releases in the second half of the year. It’s how it has been for the longest time, and the thought of an Android release in the first half of the year is extremely odd. You’d have to go back to Android 4.1 (remember the Jelly Bean days?) in 2012 to see that.
Well, nearly 15 years later, Google is about to shake things up quite significantly. It’s been confirmed that Android 16 (any Dragon Ball Z fans out there?) is going to come a lot earlier than expected—in the second quarter of next year. For reference, Android 15 was official in September this year and Android 14 was in October.
This would mean the closest Android 16 could be to the usual launch would be late July. But then, it also means that it could come out as early as April. It’d certainly take some getting used to.
There Will Also Be A Minor Android Release In Q4 2025
While Google steadily pushes out new updates to its Pixel devices over the year, there’s essentially just one major release for Android as a whole. That too, is going to change.
Google has announced that it will be launching a minor release in the final quarter of next year—perhaps a new trend in the works. So, that might end up being called Android 16.1, if they choose to follow a Samsung-type nomenclature.
However, there won’t be any major changes that can break apps or anything of the sort, so developers can breathe a sigh of relief. Things are certainly going to be interesting though.
Google Wants Android Launched Before Most Phones For The Year
This is a substantial switch-up, so there has to be a very good reason for it. Well, Google says the change is being made to “better align with the schedule of device launches” across their ecosystem, enabling more devices to get the major release of Android sooner.
What I think that means is that Google has figured out that the tail end of the year is a lot more inclined to major smartphone releases—just look at last month, for one.
As a result, instead of having Android share the second half of the year and have OEMs scrambling to release their takes on Android 16, the new OS will be available well ahead of that, giving manufacturers plenty of time to develop and launch their new phones with the new version in tow.
