Android 16: Google could shake up its schedule again with an early release

Every year, Google releases a new version of Android, often between August and October. However, for 2025, Android 16 could shake up this routine. Indeed, everything suggests that this next version would arrive in the second quarter, i.e. between April and June. This advanced schedule could mark a break with previous releases, usually later, and a reduced lifespan for Android 15, whose deployment could occur in the coming days.

According to the site Android AuthorityGoogle seems to have optimized the development of its interface thanks to a new model based on a single development branch, called “trunk”. Unlike previous methods, where multiple branches were used, this system allows Google to move more quickly in creating and testing new features. This could explain why Android 16 would be ready a few months earlier than previous versions.

The code reveals all its secrets

Signs of this early release come from several sources: internal documents and code found in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) mention “25Q2”, a direct reference to the second quarter of 2025. This term has been spotted several times in fixes and feedback from Google engineers. It is therefore likely that Android 16 will be available before summer 2025, i.e. June, and not in autumn like other major updates.

A return to normal?

This faster release could have a positive impact for owners of the next Pixel smartphones, who could benefit from Android 16 out of the box, unlike current models which had to wait several months after their launch to take advantage of the new OS.

It would also allow developers to adapt their apps more quickly to this new version, thanks to preview tools available earlier in the year. Finally, this change in calendar would allow Pixel 9 to get updates up to Android 22, with their software tracking ending in August 2031.