Renowned Android blogger, Mishaal Rahman, has observed that Google is set to release Android 16 models by 2025, aiming for faster releases to align with the accelerated Pixel launch schedule. This poses a challenge for users unable to keep up with the stable versions of Android in that year.
Evidence from the Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) of Android 15 shows the term “25Q2”, deviating from the usual quarterly release cycle. Typically, stable Android versions are launched in the third quarter of each year, but the case for 2025 specifies Q2 instead.
In addition to Google’s CDD, a comment by a Google engineer in AOSP hints at “25Q2/Android W,” indicating the next Android version might start with the letter W (as Vanilla Ice Cream is linked to Android 15).
The uncertainty surrounding the code name “W” leaves room for speculation, especially with the appearance of “Baklava” code name (a type of Turkish dessert) alongside VanillaIceCream in the AOSP source code. It remains unclear if this signifies a new code name direction or a potential reordering of dessert-themed alphabetical sequence by Google.
Source: Android Authority, Android Authority
TLDR: Google’s anticipated release of Android 16 models by 2025 challenges users to keep pace with rapid Pixel launches, deviating from the established Android release cycle as indicated by the “25Q2” term in the Compatibility Definition Document of Android 15. Uncertainty looms over the potential code name “W” and its association with dessert-themed names, suggesting a shift or reset in Google’s naming conventions for Android versions.
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