Google may not have had a major announcement at MWC 2025, but that doesn’t mean big changes aren’t coming. Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, shared insights into the future of Android updates, including an accelerated release timeline for Android 16 and plans to improve update support across manufacturers. While AI advancements remain a major focus, Google is also prioritizing a more streamlined update process to enhance device longevity and performance.
Why Android 16 Is Launching Sooner
When Google unveiled the Android 16 Developer Preview, the company confirmed a shift in its traditional update schedule. Rather than launching in August or September, Android 16 is set to roll out in Q2 2025, meaning it will be available by June at the latest. This change benefits both users and smartphone manufacturers (OEMs), allowing new devices to launch with the latest Android version instead of lagging behind.
Chau explained that the move was driven by feedback from OEMs:
“The earlier you can release, the more likely we can push new [software] when we launch a new handset in that same year. If we’re releasing a new Android version in August or September, it’s really hard to release a phone that same year with the latest release.”
This was evident in 2024 when the Pixel 9 launched in August without the latest Android version, causing a delay before Android 15 was finally introduced. With Android 16 launching sooner, flagship devices like the Pixel 10 and Samsung’s next Galaxy lineup should come with the latest software out of the box, reducing the awkward gap between phone launches and software updates.
Additionally, Chau noted that an earlier release would allow for faster API updates, particularly for AI-driven features. By shifting the timeline, Google can introduce multiple API updates per year instead of bundling them into a single annual release.
Expanding Long-Term Support for Android Devices
Beyond updating devices faster, Google is also pushing for longer software support across all Android manufacturers. The Pixel series pioneered long-term updates, offering seven years of OS and security updates. Samsung followed suit with its flagship Galaxy devices, but not all OEMs have adopted this standard.
In a significant move, Google partnered with Qualcomm to enable up to eight years of updates, making it easier for manufacturers to offer long-term software support. Honor has already committed to seven years of updates, but it’s up to individual OEMs to decide whether they will extend their support policies.
Chau emphasized the benefits of extended support, particularly for sustainability and resale value:
“One of the driving factors around this is sustainability, of course, but really, it’s so that you can keep your devices longer. If you decide to pass that device down or return it, you’re able to retain more [secondary market] value.”
For many consumers, longer support means greater peace of mind. Some Pixel users who held onto their Pixel 2 and Pixel 3 devices only upgraded after software support ended, knowing that newer Pixels, like the Pixel 7 and beyond, would last much longer.
The Challenge of Long-Term Updates
While extended support is beneficial, it presents technical challenges—particularly at the System on a Chip (SoC) level. Chau highlighted that Pixel’s shift to Google’s Tensor SoC was key to enabling extended updates. However, Android runs on Linux, which historically had shorter long-term support periods for kernels, making extended OS updates more difficult.
Google has worked closely with Qualcomm and other partners to overcome these barriers, ensuring that new Snapdragon 8-series and 7-series chips will support long-term updates. Qualcomm also noted that longer support lowers costs for OEMs, making it easier for more brands to offer better software longevity.
This could be great news for brands like Motorola, which has historically lagged in software updates but might now have the tools to improve.
Ensuring Updates Improve Performance, Not Degrade It
A common concern among Android users is whether long-term updates slow down older devices. Chau reassured that Google is actively working to ensure each update enhances performance rather than diminishing it:
“We’ve promised seven years of updates on Pixel, and we worked with Qualcomm to get to eight years. Some say, ‘Who cares about eight years because it’s going to make the phone worse?’ But we’re really working hard to make sure that’s not the case.”
Battery life and performance optimizations are key areas of focus. New features will require more powerful hardware, but Google is working on offsetting performance costs through software efficiencies. We’ve seen this already with the Galaxy S25 series, where Snapdragon 8 Elite-enabled AI features are unavailable on older models due to processing power limitations.
Ultimately, Chau’s goal is clear:
“How do we make the releases better so that we’re not making your phone worse?”
The Future of Android Updates in 2025 and Beyond
With Android 16 arriving earlier and OEMs getting more support to provide long-term updates, 2025 is shaping up to be a major turning point for Android. The faster release cycle, combined with extended update commitments, means that Android users can expect more timely software improvements without sacrificing performance.
While AI remains a dominant theme in Google’s plans, the company’s renewed focus on software longevity and efficiency is just as significant—ensuring that Android devices remain useful for years to come.
