Tag: Android 16

January 10, 2025
Samsung One UI 8.0 on Android 16 to Bring Back TouchWiz Features
Android 16 is set to arrive much sooner than expected, breaking from Google’s usual release schedule of recent years. Additionally, Samsung seems to be ignoring earlier predictions about its software and is taking steps to customize the next significant software update for its devices.
New Developments in One UI
SmartPrix has discovered hints about the next version of the user interface that will be featured on high-end devices like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which is currently for sale on Amazon. The new skin, dubbed “One UI 8,” is rumored to bring back some nostalgic elements.
The latest code analysis reveals new references linked to a feature named Decal Shader. This element harks back to the days when TouchWiz was still in use, making it a throwback that hasn’t been seen in a long time.
Exciting Features Ahead
This “feature” is believed to improve the transitions on the home screen compared to One UI 7. However, the well-known leaker Ice Universe suggests that it might also introduce a new kind of lockscreen animation that features a ripple effect. If this leak holds true, it’s unlikely that it will be ready by the time the Galaxy S25 series launches in early 2025.
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Tags: Android 16, Galaxy S24 Ultra, One UI 8
November 20, 2024
Google Pixel 6 and Newer Phones Get First Android 16 Update
Google has just released the initial version of Android 16 for download. As is customary, the company has launched a Developer Preview first. Therefore, it’s advisable not to install Android 16 on your regular or work devices just yet.
Focus on Developers
As expected, Google is currently concentrating on changes that cater to developers. However, their latest post on the Android Developers Blog does share some information for users. Notably, Google has confirmed that stable versions of Android 16 should start rolling out in Q2 of 2025. In simpler terms, you can anticipate major OS updates for Pixel devices around April, May, or June.
More Devices Supported
Interestingly, it seems that Google intends to expand the availability of Android 16 to more devices than initially thought. The Developer Preview 1 can be downloaded on the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro (curr. $190 – renewed on Amazon), even though official support for these devices ended last month. For the moment, there’s no assurance that these models will get stable Android 16 updates.
Future Updates for the Pixel 6a
The introduction of the Pixel 6a might allow its flagship counterparts to receive one more Android update than originally anticipated. As Mishaal Rahman points out, the official software support for the Pixel 6a will wrap up after Android 16 is expected to be released. Therefore, Google will need to make Android 16 compatible with its Tensor G1 chip, which also powers the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. As a result, there’s a possibility that all models in the Pixel 6 series could get Android 16, but it may take some time before that happens.
Tags: Android 16, Developer Preview, Pixel 6
November 6, 2024
Android 16 Launch Date Leaks: What to Expect and When
Just a week ago, Google confirmed that Android 16 will be released sooner than expected. While new versions of Android usually come out in the third or fourth quarter of the year, this upcoming OS is slated to launch between April and June 2025.
Exciting Leak Reveals Launch Date
For those who are looking forward to the launch, there’s some great news. A recent leak has disclosed the specific launch date for Android 16. This information comes from the trusted source Android Headlines, making it likely accurate.
Details on the Android 16 Launch
The report states that Android 16 is set to launch on June 3, 2025. On this day, Google will not only unveil the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) but will also start distributing Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for Pixel devices that are compatible.
The reason for this quicker launch, as Google has previously mentioned, is to make sure that more smartphones come pre-installed with Android 16. This move will probably help out the upcoming Pixel 10 series, which is anticipated to debut next August.
Speculations Around the Faster Release
It’s a bit of a mystery how Google has managed to speed up the release timeline by 2 to 3 months, but it’s definitely positive news for users. An earlier launch means that Pixel devices will receive the latest OS features sooner, and the early AOSP release will enable other smartphone manufacturers to roll out their Android 16 updates more quickly as well.
Of course, we should keep in mind that this is merely a rumor, albeit an intriguing one. We need to wait for official word from Google to lock down the exact date. Still, given Google’s earlier announcement about a Q2 2025 rollout, a launch in early June seems like a real possibility.
Stay tuned, Android fans! We’ll provide updates on any official news regarding the Android 16 release. In the meantime, feel free to browse our previous articles about Android 16 and share in the comments what features you’re most looking forward to in the upcoming update.
Tags: Android 16, AOSP, Google Pixel 10
November 2, 2024
Pixel 9a: Google’s Exclusive Smartphone Launching with Android 15
Earlier this week, Google confirmed that it will launch the next big version of Android sooner than expected. This confirms earlier speculations, with the stable version of Android 16 set to roll out between April and June 2025. In a post on the Android Developers Blog, Google stated that this new timeline should coincide with the release of new Android smartphones.
Timing for OEMs
In theory, this timing should enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to release new smartphones equipped with the latest Android version. But, of course, this doesn’t guarantee that it will happen. Recently, there have been rumors surrounding the Pixel 9a, indicating that it might not meet this timeline. Reports suggest that the Pixel 9a could be launched in March 2025.
Pixel 9a’s Release
As a result, the upcoming mid-range Pixel 9a will follow what the Pixel 9 has done (currently priced at $799 on Amazon), which missed getting Android 15 by roughly two months. Interestingly, the Pixel 9a seems to be the only phone from Google that will debut with Android 15, breaking from previous patterns. For context, the Pixel 9 series was released with Android 14, similar to its older models. In contrast, Google’s upcoming flagship devices are expected to come pre-installed with Android 16.
Google via 9to5Google.
Tags: Android 16, google, Pixel 9a
November 1, 2024
Android 16 Launch Date Set for Q2 2025, Says Google
This year, Android 15 launched later than previous versions. Rather than coming out in the third quarter, the latest Android started its rollout to compatible devices just over a week ago. In 2025, Google plans to shift away from the Q3 timeline for Android 16, opting instead for an earlier release in Q2!
Details from the Android Developers Blog
The information was shared in an official announcement on the Android Developers Blog, which revealed that there will be two Android updates in 2025. The first update will be a major version in Q2, followed by a minor update in Q4. The main reason for moving the major release to an earlier date is to sync with the launch schedules of devices throughout the Android platform, allowing a wider range of devices to receive the significant update sooner.
Manufacturer Launch Timings
This change seems logical, as many manufacturers typically plan their new device launches for Q3, often extending into Q4, yet they often release their phones with an outdated version of Android. Google itself experienced this issue this year when the Pixel 9 (priced at $899 on Amazon) came with Android 14 instead of the latest Android 15.
Upcoming Features and Changes
The Android update planned for the fourth quarter of 2025 will include feature enhancements, optimizations, bug fixes, and new APIs for developers, all following the major update in Q2. However, there won’t be any changes that would impact apps’ behaviors. From this description, it sounds like we might see a revival of the Android Jelly Bean days, where versions had decimal points. Therefore, the Q4 update could resemble Android 16.1.
With this new schedule, the testing phase for Android 16, codenamed Baklava, will start sooner than initially anticipated, and users with compatible devices should be on the lookout for developer previews coming soon.
Tags: Android 16, Android Developers Blog, Google Pixel 9
October 4, 2024
Google Pixel 9a and 10a Launch Dates Revealed
Following an unusually early launch of the Pixel 9 series in August, recent reports indicate that the more budget-friendly Google Pixel 9a may also be released sooner than expected.
Pre-order and Release Dates
Sources cited by Android Headlines suggest that pre-orders for the Pixel 9a could start as soon as mid-March 2025. This would mean an advance of two months from its typical May release period, which usually aligns with Google’s I/O developer events. Additionally, the Pixel 9a is expected to be available for direct purchase in stores by the end of March. The device will come in four color choices: Porcelain, Obsidian, Peony, and Iris.
Future A-Series Launches
Not only is the Pixel 9a shifting its schedule, but there are hints that this earlier launch pattern could carry over to future Pixel A-series models as well. The report implies that Google might consistently stick to this March release timeline, meaning we could see the Pixel 10a in March 2026 and its successor the following March.
Speeding Up Android Releases
Furthermore, Google seems to be accelerating the launch of Android 16. The next version of the operating system may drop before the end of June, which would be nearly four months ahead of the schedule previously followed until Android 14.
Reasoning Behind the Changes
The reason behind these quicker releases isn’t clear just yet. However, it could be a strategy to outpace Apple’s iPhone launches. Google released the Pixel 9 series before the iPhone 16, and if the rumored schedule holds true, the Pixel 9a could debut prior to the iPhone SE 4.
In conclusion, it’s uncertain if this new schedule will become standard for both Pixel A-series and Android releases. Nevertheless, these changes indicate that Google is trying to rethink its release approach in order to compete more effectively in the competitive smartphone landscape.
Tags: Android 16, google, Pixel 9a
October 1, 2024
Android 16 is Baklava, Not ‘W’ – Here’s Why It Makes Sense
It looks like Google is gearing up for a surprise with the upcoming Android 16 update. A recent report from Android Authority reveals that the internal codename for this version will be “Baklava,” marking a surprising break from the company’s usual practice of using dessert-themed names for Android releases.
A Shift in Naming Tradition
For many years, Google has adhered to a dessert naming convention for Android versions, following an alphabetical order. Names have included Cupcake (Android 1.5) through to more recent ones like Upside Down Cake (Android 14) and Vanilla Ice Cream (Android 15). These fun codenames have made it easier to follow the development of the operating system.
However, with the upcoming version, Google has opted for “Baklava,” a popular pastry from the Middle East. This choice has raised questions. While it still maintains the dessert theme, many were anticipating a name starting with “W,” such as Waffle Sundae or Whoopie Pie.
Details on Android 16’s Codename
The information about the new Android version’s name was discovered in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code. In the AOSP, the min_sdk_version field is currently labeled as “Baklava,” similar to how it was labeled “VanillaIceCream” for Android 15. Google typically changes the name to its official title when the OS hits its first Platform Stability milestone, so a similar update is expected for Android 16.
Interestingly, a Google engineer unintentionally confirmed the codename for Android 16 by checking if the platform SDK matched Baklava.
Reasons Behind the Name Change
The decision to switch to Baklava could be related to Google’s updated development process for Android OS, which started with Android 14. Google introduced the “Trunk Stable” project to enhance Android version development.
The initial release under this new process was Android 14 QPR2 in March, which brought a new naming system for build IDs. Instead of beginning with "U" for Upside Down Cake, the build IDs now start with "A." For instance, the Pixel Tablet’s March update had the build ID AP1A.240305.019.A1, and the June update, based on Android 14 QPR3, was labeled AP2A.240605.024.
The October update, based on Android 15, is expected to follow suit with a build ID like AP3A.241005.0XX. Similarly, the Android 15 QPR1 update anticipated in December should have a build ID resembling AP4A.241205.0XX.
Looking ahead, next year’s Android releases will begin with build IDs starting with "B," which indicates why Google chose “Baklava” as the codename for Android 16, rather than something beginning with "W."
Tags: Android 16, Baklava, google