The release of the latest Android update is just around the corner. Which smartphones are jumping on the bandwagon?
The Android 15 release only just took place, and all eyes are already on the new Android 16. The first developer preview of Android 16 already rolled out in late November. Now it appears that Google wants the latest Android version ready before its newest hardware hits store shelves, namely the latest Pixels. As a result, we will get Android 16 several months after Android 15. The stable build of Android 16 is now scheduled for the second quarter of 2025.
Consequently, this would mean that more devices will ship with the latest version of Android, which is good news.
Android 16
Which new smartphones will feature Android 16? Android Central listed the Google, Samsung, Oppo, OnePlus and Xiaomi brands.
- Google: Those with a Pixel 6 or higher can already install the beta version of Android 16. Still, Android 15 is currently still a safer choice, as most of the changes in Android 16 are not yet aimed at end users.
- Samsung: Currently, Samsung has not announced any plans with Android 16. Currently, Samsung is working on the Android 15-based One UI 7, which has yet to be introduced.
- Oppo: About a month ago, Oppo announced the Find X8 Pro and FindX8, which run on Android 15. Oppo is currently still working on its interpretation of Android 15, namely ColorOS 15 which just went live.
- OnePlus: The OnePlus 13 will launch in January, with Oxygen OS15 as its operating system (based on Android 15). OnePlus is usually quick on beta versions. Therefore, the brand is expected to provide the OnePlus 13 with the public beta in Q1 2025.
- Xiaomi: For Xiaomi, keeping up with the latest updates is a little more difficult. As usual, the brand tries to avoid releasing smartphones with lengthy software updates.
Currently, not much information is known about Android 16, but the accelerated timeline makes it interesting to keep an eye on the rollout to additional devices.