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Google is going to shake up the Android ecosystem, by profoundly changing the way it updates its operating system. Traditionally, the firm releases a major OS update every year, usually in the second half of the year. But in a blog post, the firm indicates that this will change starting next year. Indeed, in 2025, the firm will release a major version in the second quarter, then a second update, which will be less important for developers, in the last quarter.
One of the consequences of this change is that instead of arriving in the second half of the year, Android 16 should therefore be available in the second quarter (which begins in April). And one of the goals is for the announced new features to arrive more quickly to users of Android smartphones. “We are planning to release the major version in Q2 instead of Q3 to better align with the launch schedule of devices in our ecosystem, so that more devices can receive the major version of Android sooner,” the announcement reads. Google also says it is working with manufacturers to get the major Q2 update to as many smartphones as possible as soon as possible.
What is the difference between the two updates ?
Google's announcement is addressed to developers and, as such, it mainly describes the impact that this change will have on applications. In essence, the major update in the second quarter will be the only one that will have an effect on the behavior of applications (which requires developers to optimize their products for the new OS). As for the second update, scheduled for the last quarter of 2025, it only includes new features, improvements and bug fixes. In addition to these two versions of Android, Google will also offer two other less important updates in the first quarter and the third quarter.
This is a new effort on Google's part to offer its new features as quickly as possible to Android users. As a reminder, the firm has already redesigned the architecture of the OS, so that smartphone manufacturers can more easily adapt the new versions of Android to their products. Additionally, the deployment of some features is managed by Google Play Services, instead of being managed by manufacturers, who can drag their feet. Finally, Google regularly announces new features whose deployment does not depend on Android versions.
- Google makes a surprise announcement: next year, there will be a new version of Android in the second quarter, then another new version in the last quarter
- The goal is to offer the new features of the operating system to as many people as possible more quickly
- Both updates will bring new features, but only the first one will have a real impact on developers
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