Google to release Android 16 OS update in May

File Photo: Google is expected to pre-pone the Android OS update release by a few months in 2025.

[In Picture: Android bot displayed at Google I/O Connect Bengaluru 2024 event.]

Credit: DH Photo/KVN Rohit

Google is reportedly planning for an early release of the stable Android 16 update this year.

Usually, Google releases an Android OS preview in the first quarter of the year and later roll-out the Android beta versions for three to four months and finally releases the final version with all the bugs removed to the general public in the third quarter.

However, this time, as per the Android Developer programme's official roadmap, Android 16 is expected to be released as early as May.

Google has already released two developer previews of Android 16 and the first Android 16 for public testers is expected to be released by the end of January.

Later, a few more beta updates are scheduled to be rolled out in February, March, and April.

Android 16 roadmap.

Credit: Screen grab of Android Developer website.

The stable update is said to be released in May 2025. What's interesting is that, during this very month, Google usually holds I/O event for Android developers.

At the annual I/O developer conference in May, Google used to offer a sneak peek at new features of the latest version of Android and also other productivity applications such as Maps, Gmail, Docs, YouTube and more.

Android 16 will bring improvements designed to enhance the app experience, extend battery life, and boost the performance of the device.

Also, it improves security on devices with support for WiFi 6's 802.11az. It allows apps to combine the higher accuracy, greater scalability, and dynamic scheduling of the protocol with security enhancements including AES-256-based encryption and protection against MITM (Man-in-the-middle) attacks.

Android 16.

Credit: Google

For the uninitiated, MITM is a type of cyberattack technique where a hacker intercepts and steals sensitive information exchanged between two parties using WI-FI. For instance, when people connect their phones to public Wi-Fi networks to communicate via messenger apps or emails.

Google hasn't officially announced I/O 2025 event dates yet, but this year, we expect some big announcements.

In addition to Android 16, the search engine giant is expected to announce a new Pixel 9a series mid-range Android phone with good camera upgrades.

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