Google has announced a new strategy for releasing Android versions, with two releases per year. They will roll out a major version in the second quarter and a minor version in the fourth quarter of the year. Both versions will update the API number to a new version, but only the major version will include behavior changes that may impact apps. The minor version will focus on adding features, improving performance, and fixing bugs from the major version.
The decision to separate Android into two versions aims to speed up new releases while minimizing the burden on developers to test their own apps. Google stated that shifting the major version release to the second quarter instead of the previous third quarter aligns with the launch of new hardware from partners (including their own Pixel devices).
Android 16, set to release in the second quarter of 2025, will soon announce details and release a developer preview. It is yet to be decided how the minor version will be numbered, whether it will be 16.1 or 17, or named differently.
TLDR: Google will now release a major Android version in the second quarter and a minor version in the fourth quarter each year, with the major version including behavior changes and the minor version focusing on adding features and fixing bugs. Android 16 will be released in the second quarter of 2025, with more details to come soon.
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