Google May Release Android 16 Early In 2025

Android 16 can faster improve the Android-based device ecosystem. (photo; x @LeCoinTech_LCT)

JAKARTA Google is reportedly planning to release the Android 16 operating system faster than usual, namely in the second quarter of 2025. This information is a surprise because usually the tech giants launch the latest version of Android in the third or fourth quarter of each year, such as August, September, or October. However, this time, Android 16 may be released between April and June 2025.

This step marks a significant change in the Android development cycle. This year, Android 15, codenamed Vanilla Ice Cream, was launched in early September 2024. While Android 14, Upside Down Cake, was released in October 2023. History shows that Google has been consistent in Android launches over the past few years, such as Android 13 (Tiramisu) in August 2022 and Android 12 (Snow Cone) in October 2021.

This change is thought to be because Google has switched to the retrunk-based development model, which allows this platform to accelerate the development and distribution process of the latest version of Android. Using one main branch of internal development, Google can now implement feature and API changes more quickly, without the need to wait long for full releases.

In recent weeks, references to Android 16 appear in the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) document for Android 15. Google explicitly states that the next large Android release will come in 25Q2, which refers to the second quarter of 2025. This indicates that Google is ready to launch Android 16 earlier than the usual schedule.

If it is true that Android 16 was released earlier, this means that app developers and Android users will quickly get new features presented by Google. This step also allows the latest Google Pixel devices released at the end of 2025 to launch with the latest Android version. At the launch of Pixel 9 this year, the device is still using Android 14 because Android 15 is not yet available at launch time.

Google usually introduces major changes to the user interface, improved performance, and increased security on every major version of Android. With an earlier release, it is hoped that Android 16 updates can more quickly improve the Android-based device ecosystem.

Another speculation also mentions that the release of Android 16 could coincide with the annual Google I/O developer conference in May 2025. If this happens, app developers will have more time to customize their app to the latest operating system before the latest Android devices launch on the market.

Although the exact schedule for the release of Android 16 has not been officially confirmed by Google, this leak provides an overview of the potential for major strategic changes being carried out by the company. If Android 16 was launched earlier, it could be a big step in increasing Google's competitiveness in the mobile operating system market.

With this development, Android users around the world can hope to get innovative features sooner than expected.