Google usually launches the next version of Android on its Pixel devices before other phone makers. Many Android users
need to wait for months to get the latest features due to this cycle. However, Google is finally planning to change how
it rolls out new versions of its OS.
Android’s latest update, Android 16 QPR2, marks the beginning of an accelerated update schedule.
The latest Android 16 update signals a significant change in how Google approaches software updates, which Google hopes
will address the frustrations of slow rollouts on non-Pixel devices. For years, other Android phone makers have faced
long waits before new features reached their devices. The update lands just months after the major Android 16 launch in
June. It introduces expanded options for notifications, icons, and calling screens, indicating the company’s renewed
focus on delivering timely enhancements to a broader range of devices.
Why this Android update matters
Compared to previous cycles, Android 16 QPR2 introduces a schedule that favours smaller but more regular improvements.
According to Google, the new approach involves biannual SDK releases and quarterly feature drops. This change aims to
close the gap between Pixel and third-party devices, giving other manufacturers more time to prepare and release updates
for their customers without significant delays.
In October 2024, Google officially announced its commitment to more frequent platform updates, stating that this
strategy “will help to drive faster innovation in apps and devices.”
Biannual releases are now set to become standard, allowing for the earlier arrival of major Android versions. For
instance, Android 16 launched in the second quarter rather than the third, as would have been typical in the past. This
earlier and more frequent release schedule is expected to make it easier for manufacturers to synchronise their device
launches with the most current Android version.
What’s new with Android 16
The shift to a faster rollout comes alongside notable feature enhancements in Android 16. Notification management has
improved with the introduction of two new AI-powered tools - notification summaries, which condense lengthy
conversations, and a notification organiser that filters out low-priority alerts. Users can also expect more ways to
customise their devices, such as new icon shape options and the ability to unify themed icons across multiple apps.
Additional functionality includes an updated forced dark mode that automatically darkens most apps, catering to users
seeking a more comfortable viewing experience or improved battery life. For parents, Google has introduced a new
parental controls hub that places Family Link features directly on children’s devices
While Pixel phones remain first in line for updates, Google’s new model is designed to ensure that other devices are not
far behind. The company hopes that more devices will support the latest features sooner and that developers will be more
inclined to leverage new features, knowing that a wider audience will have access to them.