Android 16 could arrive months earlier than expected

Many are still waiting for the first stable version of Android 15 on their Pixel devices. This year, Google launched its new Pixel smartphones earlier, but not the update. That said, the potential release date of Android 16 has been leaked, and it would be much sooner than you expect.

Usually, you would have to wait until Q3 or Q4 of the year to get the first stable version of each new big Android update. Normally it comes pre-installed on new Google Pixel phones, but the Pixel 9 lineup arrived earlier than usual. The latest reports suggest that Google will begin the OTA rollout on October 15. Well, Android 16 is reportedly expected to be available starting in Q2 2025.

Android 16 release date leaked in Android 15’s documentation

Android expert Mishaal Rahman found several references to Q2 2025 as the Android 16 release window in the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) for Android 15. Since Android 14 QPR2, Google has made it easier to “track” when upcoming Android updates arrive. Each Android’s quarterly update (QPR) now bears a code associated with its launch window.

For example, Android 14 QPR2 uses the label “24Q1” and Android 14 QPR3 uses the label “24Q2.” Android 15 utilizes the label “24Q3,” whereas Android 15 QPR1 bears the label “24Q4”. Interestingly, the expected date for the stable rollout of Android 15 on Pixel devices is a bit outside its range (Q3 2024). However, Vivo has already started sending stable Android 15 to a few flagship phones.

AOSP dev comments also point to a Q2 2025 announcement

Regarding Android 16, the Android 15’s CDD says that the next big OS update is codenamed “25Q2.” This is not the only clue that points to said release window for the update. Rahman also spotted hints in developer comments about pending AOSP patches. For instance, a developer comment regarding a patch that introduces a minimum Linux kernel version for Android 16 indicates its implementation in “25Q2/Android W.” Yes, internally, AOSP developers still identify different Android versions with letters.

There is another hint in a patch that implements a new API in Android’s Bluetooth stack. A developer comment clarifies why they haven’t implemented the patch yet. Basically, they’re waiting for the 25Q2 release because 24Q4 “won’t allow any API change.” If you are not aware, Android only allows API changes in major releases. So, all signs point to an Android 16 announcement in Q2 2025. This would be up to three months earlier than the usual wait. The news could compensate Pixel 9 series buyers for not getting Android 15 out of the box.

A new trunk-based development model would speed up new big Android updates

According to Rahman, the Android dev team has moved to a trunk-based development model. The latter can not only improve platform stability but also speed up development times. So, you can expect to see more frequent early releases of big Android updates from now on.