Android 16 is anticipated to launch in June 2025, marking a shift from its traditional release schedule in August, as indicated by a senior executive at Google. This announcement was made during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 held in Barcelona, where Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, highlighted the forthcoming improvements to the operating system.
This early rollout is thought to be attributed to Google’s implementation of the Trunk Stable development model, which is a new software engineering method aimed at significantly accelerating the Android release schedule.
In a conversation with Android Police, Samat elaborated on Google’s shift to Trunk Stable development. This approach focuses on ongoing updates to a single shared branch of code rather than relying on isolated updates centred around specific features. He noted that “Trunk Stable development allows all contributors to work from the same codebase,” stressing how this technique mitigates time-consuming integration and merging delays.
This transition could enable Google to package and distribute Android 16 faster, providing manufacturers with the opportunity to customise their operating systems earlier than typical timelines suggest.
According to earlier reports, Google may shift Android 16 to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) by June 3. This would allow developers to commence adapting the OS for various devices, which aligns with previous information indicating Pixel devices would be the initial recipients of the upgrade in the second quarter of 2025.
Recently, the second developer beta of Android 16 was released, which primarily addressed bug fixes and performance enhancements instead of introducing significant new functionalities. Nevertheless, future beta versions may bring:
– Improved UI elements for enhanced user interactions
– AI-driven optimisations to boost device efficiency
– Enhanced connectivity options for better integration throughout the Android ecosystem
– Additional privacy and security protocols to protect user information
More information is likely to emerge in the coming weeks as the beta testing continues.
Should the June release schedule be maintained, it would represent a noteworthy change in Google’s Android update approach. This would enable manufacturers such as Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi to commence updates for One UI, OxygenOS, and MIUI sooner than anticipated.
This progression also coincides with Samsung broadening its One UI 7 Beta Programme and Google introducing new features for Pixel devices through its March Pixel Drop.