After sticking to a yearly cadence of Android releases that turned obtainable on the finish of the yr, Google is switching issues up for 2025. It plans to roll out Android 16 a number of months upfront — the present timeline suggests a steady construct someday in Q2 2025, and there can be a second Android launch, albeit a minor one.
The transfer is in keeping with Google’s efforts to ship well timed options sooner, and it’s a constructive change. In fact, it stays to be seen how different producers adapt; most firms battle to roll out one replace on time (taking a look at you, Xiaomi and Motorola), so with an accelerated timeline and two releases in 2025, there is no scarcity of issues to speak about. With Android 16 taking heart stage, here is what I need to see within the subsequent model of the OS and predictions for the broader Android ecosystem in 2025.
Updates on a regular basis
The developer preview of Android 16 is already obtainable, nevertheless it does not have any notable new additions but — that may include the general public betas, that are slated to hit in Q1 2025. Google is transferring up the Android launch timeline to provide different manufacturers the power to ship the replace to a wider vary of units. With the Pixel launch now pushed to August, it is possible Google needed the steady construct to be obtainable nicely earlier than that in order that the Pixel 10 can have it pre-installed.
Google says the Android 16 launch can have all the key options, and the second launch scheduled to be obtainable in This autumn will embrace stability tweaks and optimizations. Given the wording, I feel it is fully possible we’ll return to level releases, and the second construct may very well be dubbed Android 16.1.
Now, the large query across the new replace timeline is whenever you’ll see it on different units. Xiaomi does not even have the Android 15 schedule prepared, and whereas different producers are fortunately doing a greater job, will probably be till Q1 2025 when most telephones launched in 2024 swap over to Android 15, together with these from Samsung.
There is not any telling when Android 16 will exit to units aside from Pixels, however the producers I talked to mentioned they’re organising the groundwork to have the construct rolled out comparatively quickly after launch.
Key interface modifications (once more)
Whereas I just like the outsized tiles that Google launched with its Materials You overhaul in Android 12, not everyone seems to be a fan of the design. In truth, most manufacturers eschewed this design and continued providing regular-sized tiles, with ColorOS assembly Google midway through the use of a cut up scheme that works somewhat nicely. With Android 16, Google is as soon as once more going again to smaller-sized tiles, and that ought to be welcome information in the event you’re utilizing a Pixel.
Foldables are not a distinct segment, and Google rolled out significant modifications in Android 15 aimed toward these units. That mentioned, I would like Google to supply higher multitasking in Android 16. OnePlus is the perfect at this, and the Open foldable has a freeform multitasking mode that is a delight to make use of. Google must roll out one thing comparable in Android 16.
AI all over the place
I do not actually see the purpose of AI, however I’ll admit that Google does an ideal job rolling out AI options which can be really helpful. The very best half is that the model is collaborating with different producers to make these options accessible on a wider vary of telephones, and that is a very good factor.
As such, will probably be attention-grabbing to see how Honor and Samsung combine Google’s suite of AI instruments into their units in 2025. Each manufacturers are leaning closely into AI to distinguish their software program, and with the Magic 7 Professional and Galaxy S25 slated to launch quickly, we needn’t wait lengthy to see what new AI options are onboard.
Android and ChromeOS collectively
I am but to make use of a Chromebook, and whereas I am not the target market for these units — I take advantage of a customized Home windows machine with an RTX 4090 — there’s clearly a sizeable demand, and it’s attention-grabbing to see Google slowly merging ChromeOS into Android. I feel it is a constructive transfer because it permits for tighter integration between the 2 platforms.
Android XR
Google is teaming up with Samsung and Qualcomm to introduce Android XR, a brand new OS constructed for prolonged actuality headsets and glasses. We’ll get an preliminary style of the {hardware} in 2025 by means of Samsung’s Mission Moohan, however different manufacturers ought to begin rolling out their very own merchandise later within the yr.
Android XR brings YouTube, Google TV, Google Maps, Google Images, Gemini, and Chrome to XR units, and a constant interface is the inflection level wanted to take these units mainstream. Having used a couple of headsets prior to now, the limiting issue continues to be the software program, and if Google is ready to ship a fluid interface with entry to its finest utilities, we might see this class flourishing in 2025 and past.
