Android 16 is expected to arrive earlier than usual in 2025. According to Android Headlines, the operating system will be released on June 3 of next year. Google had previously announced plans to launch a significant update in the first half of the year, deviating from the typical timeline, and now a potential release date has been leaked.
The update is expected to first roll out to Pixel devices, with the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source code being distributed to other manufacturers who use the system on their phones and tablets.
This change in the release schedule could benefit new device launches later in the year, as new models may arrive with the updated system already installed, along with bug fixes. However, it’s important to note that Google has yet to officially confirm the June 3 release date.
Change in the Android cycle
Google has confirmed the new distribution cycle for Android 16, set for 2025. The major launch will take place in the second quarter of the year, between April and June. This update will bring significant “behavioral changes to the system,” which could potentially affect apps — hinting at the introduction of a new generation of Android.
In addition, Google plans a smaller update in the last quarter of the year, between October and December. This update will focus on bug fixes, optimizations, new features, and a newer API for developers. However, it won’t introduce the same system-wide changes that affect apps.
The company explains this shift in the release schedule is designed to align with device launch cycles, ensuring that more devices receive the latest Android updates as soon as possible.
This move marks a departure from Google’s traditional pattern, where Android updates have typically been released in the second half of the year. Here’s a quick look at previous release timelines:
- Android 15: October 2024
- Android 14: October 2023
- Android 13: August 2022
- Android 12: October 2021
Android 15 hasn’t arrived for many people yet
The distribution of Android updates remains a persistent issue, particularly for mid-range and older devices. While high-end phones often receive updates quickly, many other models may not get the latest system version until months after its initial release.
For example, Android 15, which was launched in October, was initially available only for Pixel devices. Other manufacturers, such as Samsung and Motorola, are rolling out the update more gradually. Samsung has confirmed that One UI 7, based on Android 15, will arrive in January 2025, while Motorola began beta testing the update on select models last month.
In contrast, Apple’s iOS updates are rolled out simultaneously for all compatible devices, ensuring a more unified experience across its ecosystem. However, it’s important to note that Apple faces fewer devices to manage than Android, which has to accommodate a wide range of third-party manufacturers and device customizations.
