Everything You Need to Know About the New Features!
iFixScreens.com
Android 15 Release: Android 15, codenamed as "Vanilla Ice Cream," was released on September 3, 2024, and continued Google's yearly Android release pattern.
Accelerated Release Cycle: Google appears to be accelerating its Android release schedule, with Android 16 hopefully arriving in Q2 of 2025, which is earlier than the typical Q3/Q4 timeline.
New Development Model: Google has shifted to a trunk-based development model to improve platform stability and speed up feature development, and enabling faster Android version releases.
Evidence for Android 16 Timing: Multiple references in Android 15’s Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) and AOSP comments indicate a “25Q2” release, pointing to Android 16 in Q2 2025.
Improved Tooling and Development: Google's better infrastructure enables faster Android 16 development, arriving early.
Impact on API Changes: API changes are typically introduced with major Android releases, and comments in AOSP patches confirm that API changes are being planned for Android 16, not Android 15 QPR3.
SDK Version Bump: The next SDK version bump is also expected with Android 16 in Q2 2025, reinforcing the earlier launch timeframe.
Potential Google I/O Announcement: If Android 16 follows the accelerated schedule, it might be released in June 2025, aligning with the Google I/O event.
Pixel Series Compatibility: An early Android 16 release ensures next year's Pixel phones launch with the latest version.