Google has been releasing a new version of Android each year, with Android 15 being the latest, launched in 2023. Traditionally, these releases occur in the third or fourth quarter of the year, as seen with Android 15’s September release and Android 14’s in October. However, there is now reason to believe that the development cycle may be accelerating. According to Android Authority, Android 16 could be released earlier, potentially in Q2 2025.
Historically, Android versions have adhered to a consistent release cycle, allowing Google time to plan and test features. For example, Android 13 was released in August, Android 14 in early October, and Android 15 in September. The exception was Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, released in July 2012. Developers have continued to interact with the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) in the same way, but recent changes in how the platform is developed could shift the release schedule.
Shift to Trunk-Based Development
This year, Google introduced a new development model for Android called Trunk-Based Development (TBD), where code changes are directly made to the main branch. This shift allows for quicker releases, which may explain why Android 16 is projected to arrive earlier than expected. While releases typically happen in late Q3 or early Q4, hints from Google indicate a potential Q2 2025 launch for Android 16.
The Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) for Android 15 also points to this timeline, as it mentions Q2 2025 as the release window for the next version. Previously, the platform was expected to launch a quarter later. The first stable release using the TBD model was in March 2023, with Android 14 QPR2. Since then, Google has been marking major versions with dates, such as Android 14 QPR2 (24Q1), Android 15 (24Q3), and the forthcoming Android 15 QPR1 (24Q4).
Early Android 16 Mentions and Timing Expectations
In recent weeks, Google engineers have left comments in various patches referencing the next major release—Android 16—set for 25Q2. One mention was found in a patch comment regarding a minimum Linux kernel version requirement for Android W. It indicated that changes wouldn’t make it to the mainline until Q1 2025 was frozen, and the next release window would be Q2 2025. Another mention came from a patch for a new Bluetooth stack API that also pointed to the “25Q2 window” as the appropriate time for its release. The third mention involved another API that couldn’t be introduced until Q2 2025. Together, these references suggest that Android 16 will likely debut during this time, not as a quarterly platform release (QPR) but as a major version.
NIX Solutions adds that the next SDK version bump is also scheduled for Q2 2025, further aligning with the expected release window for Android 16. Internally, version 25Q3 is referred to as QPR, reinforcing that 25Q2 will mark the debut of Android 16.
Likely Release Window
Given the historical release pattern and hints from Google, we can expect Android 16 to be launched between April and June 2025. However, it seems more likely that the release will coincide with Google’s I/O event, which traditionally takes place in May, making June the most probable date. If this accelerated timeline holds, Android 16 would power the next generation of Pixel devices at launch, unlike the Pixel 9, which shipped with Android 14.
We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available on the release of Android 16 and any related announcements from Google.