Android 16 Split Release: What to Expect and When It's Dropping

Android 16 Launch Details and Speculations

Two-Part Release: For the first time in years, Android 16 will have a two-part release. Initially, there will be a smaller over-the-air (OTA) update followed by a more comprehensive update later in the year. This unusual process is partly due to the August 2024 launch of the Pixel 9 with Android 15 from 2023, which was not ready at that time.

Reasons for Two-Part Release:

• 2024 Launch: The Pixel 9 launched in August 2024, two months earlier than usual, and the phone shipped with an outdated version of Android.
• Development Timeline: To account for this, Google is shifting to a two-part release to provide more time for development and introduce significant changes later in the year.

Minimal Changes So Far:

• The initial phase of Android 16 has seen minimal major changes, possibly due to multiple deadlines and a focus on preparing the core framework.
• Speculation suggests that the lack of major changes is because Android has been stable for a long time and new frontiers like XR (Extended Reality) are still in early development.

Expected Timeframe:

• First Part: Likely to be released in Q2 2025, with June 2025 being the most probable month. This will include major SDK changes for developers.
• Second Part: Expected in Q4 2025, possibly October, which will bring the full version of Android 16 with all features and enhancements.

Google I/O 2023:

• The annual Google I/O developer conference on May 20-21 might not see a major Android 16 beta release due to the later stage of the Beta cycle and platform stability milestone expected in March 2025.