Android 16 is the next operating system (OS) from Google expected to come as a successor to Android 15, which came out in September. While Google has confirmed the timeline for the update’s release, an exact date is yet to be announced. However, a recent report has hinted that Android 16 could be launched for devices much sooner than previous iterations, with the summer of next year being tipped as the most likely period for its launch.
As per a report from Android Headlines, Android 16 will be moved to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on June 3. It will also reportedly be made available as an over-the-air (OTA) update for Google Pixel devices, which are usually the first in the market to get the latest Android updates, on the same day.
AOSP is a source code repository that contains the core of the Android OS. When Android 16’s source code is made available on this platform, developers will be able to create custom variants of the OS catering to their respective devices and port it for the launch.
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What To Expect From Android 16
Google has already confirmed that it will have a major Android release in Q2 2025, followed by a minor release in the fourth quarter. This is in contrast to the typical Q3 launch window where the latest Android OS is usually rolled out. The company says it wants the software to be launched for eligible devices at a faster rate and its decision was made to “better align with the schedule of device launches.”
Previous reports have hinted that Android 16 could let third-party developers access Rich Ongoing Notifications, which is the OS version of Dynamic Island. It allows them to add custom text, background colors, and icons to the status bar chips. However, its capability must first be integrated within apps before end users can see it on their devices.
The update is also reported to have a new “bubble anything” feature that might enable users to use any app in a floating window on smartphones and tablets for an improved multitasking experience.
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Nothing Could Develop Own MobileOS as Android Alternative
Nothing is considering the development of its own mobile OS, according to CEO and founder Carl Pei. The UK startup’s smartphones currently run on Google’s Android operating system, with a custom interface running on top.
Most smartphones today run on Android, while Apple’s iPhone models run on iOS, the company’s mobile OS. Developers offering access to popular apps on Android and iOS through the Play Store and App Store, respectively, while Huawei’s HArmonyOS is attempting to bring a third alternative, and Nothing could eventually join the party.