For the past decade or so, Google has released major Android updates in the fall after an extended beta preview process with developers, but that’s about to change, at least in 2025. Google is now planning its next major release for Q2 instead of Q3, a recent report has confirmed. Android permissions About Android 16 with the dessert-themed codename “Baklava”.

Sure, Google Pixel smartphones came first in the latest release, but what about everyone else? With the new schedule, more manufacturers will be opting out instead of waiting for future updates that will add features like Circle to Search. It could be easier to release new devices with the latest features available from day one.

In the new pattern, Google tells developers there will be a major release in Q2 and a minor release of the SDK in Q4. This is more of a current quarterly release that adds new features without changing the underlying system too much. This means bringing forward compatibility testing, but another benefit is that more devices will be available out of the box, so your app will be able to keep up with new features (for example, continuous updates like Live Activity on iPhone). There is a reason to support notifications.