Android
Android 16 ‘Baklava’ might drop sooner than expected – June 2025 release?
Google has recently announced that Android 16, codenamed Baklava, will be released earlier than usual. Instead of the usual Q3 release, it will now come in Q2 2025. The exact date for the Android 16 rollout was unclear at first, but it now appears to be set for June 2025.
According to the information (via Android Authority), Google will start the Android 16 rollout on 3 June 2025. This marks a big change in the Android update schedule, as Android updates typically arrive between August and October.
Google’s Android 16 update will be available on the same day for both the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and Pixel devices. This is a shift from previous releases, which saw AOSP updates arrive first, followed by the Pixel update a few weeks later.
By reportedly launching on June 3, Android 16 will be available ahead of several phone releases. It shows that new devices coming out in July, August, and September will ship with the fresh version of Android.
This earlier launch is part of Google’s strategy to get Android 16 on devices sooner, mainly with new AI features. By rolling out a major update in June, Google aims to push out smaller updates later in the year to help fix bugs and add improvements.
While details about new features are still emerging, Android 16 will focus on improving AI capabilities. Several leaks and rumors show that this major update will introduce Dynamic Island-like rich notifications, Advanced Protection features, Quick Settings tile categories, separate Quick and Notification panels, and more.
With Android 16, Google plans to make several changes, including a shift in its rollout timeline and a break from its usual naming pattern. Android 16 will reportedly be called Baklava, which differs from the usual alphabetical naming tradition. The current Android 15 is named Vanilla Ice Cream.
As Android 16 is set for an earlier release than usual, it will be interesting to see how the change impacts the performance of new devices next year. Notably, Google hasn’t officially confirmed this rollout date yet, so we should take it with a pinch of salt until an official announcement.
Google has released the November 2024 Play System Update for Android devices including phones, Wear OS, Android TV, Google Auto, and PCs. This update makes your device faster, safer, and more reliable.
This update brings changes to the Play Store so that users will now see more relevant content when they install or update apps. This means the Play Store will better recommend apps based on your interests and usage.
In addition to the Google Play Store, the November 2024 Play System update also improves your device’s overall performance. It includes updates to system management services that help with things like device connectivity, network usage, security, and stability.
There are also bug fixes for system management and diagnostics which help keep your phone running smoothly and improve the process of downloading future updates.
In addition to the Play Store and Play System updates, other Google apps are also getting improvements. Apps like Android System Intelligence, Android WebView, and Device Health Services have been updated to provide better performance.
What’s New
Google Play Store v43.5 (2024-11-04)
- [Phone] You’ll find more relevant content when you install and update apps on Google Play.
Google Play system update (2024-11-04)
- [Phone] Updates to system management services that improve device connectivity, network usage, security, stability and updatability.
- [Phone] Bug fixes for System Management and Diagnostics-related services.
October 2024 Google Play System update rolling out to Samsung devices
Android 16 could be released early in 2025, paving the way for faster One UI 8 arrival. Per the official announcement, Google plans to release Android 16 in Q2 2025, rather than the conventional Q3 timeframe.
Recently, Baklava surfaced as Android 16’s codename, suggesting a major shift in dessert and internal naming strategy. It seems the naming strategy isn’t only changing, but Google is preparing a faster Android debut, starting in 2025.
Early Android 16 debut could help Samsung deploy One UI 8 earlier than the One UI 7. Google believes early OS launch will “better align with the schedule of device launches across our ecosystem, so more devices can get the major release of Android sooner.”
The strategic change will also help Android vendors to launch their latest devices with the most updated OS from day one. Those Android flagships won’t have to wait for a major upgrade to adopt new changes and features.
Google revealed that there will be a major release in Q2, along with a minor SDK release in Q4. It indicates that the Android 16 could launch in the second quarter, while Android users can expect a big feature drop in the fourth quarter.
Google’s proposed new schedule could make it easier for non-Pixel Android vendors to release new devices with the latest capabilities available on day one instead of waiting for future updates to add things like Circle to Search.
Aside from this, the company disclosed improvements to the Play Store. Users will be able to share preferences for better recommendations on new apps. More Gemini AI features also coming to Android Studio to “write, refactor, and document” code in apps.
Google could bring a Dynamic Island-like rich notifications feature to Android 16. Smartphone vendors have recently started the Android 15 rollout. However, the company is already working on the next version of Android.
According to AndroidAuthority, Google may bring a new API, letting apps create Dynamic Island-like Rich Ongoing Notifications in Android 16. These notifications will appear as chips in the status bar, sharing a similar look as Apple’s Dynamic Island.
Android phones usually feature the modern punch-hole cutout display for selfie cameras. Apple’s Dynamic Island is a stunning visual creation that manages to hide the large pill-shaped cutout on the iPhone display.
Rich Ongoing Notifications would mark the return of pill shape notifications on Android. Before Apple’s Dynamic Island, Android debuted chips for ongoing notifications, but an improved version is likely to come next year.
Rich Ongoing Notifications (Mock)
- Google Clock: An alarm is about to go off in 10 minutes
- Uber: Ride will arrive in 5 minutes
- United Airlines: Flight will board in 9 minutes
This means, not only Google apps but third-party apps will also be able to display rich notifications. It’s a great visual upgrade to be welcomed, potentially offering an even more dynamic user experience to Android users.
Should Samsung adopt?
Android 16 could come to Galaxy phones with One UI 8 upgrade. Samsung is already running late in Android 15 adoption and distribution to consumers. Therefore, discussing One UI 8 of 2026 is like a crime for the time being.
Well, there’s the possibility of this rich notifications feature’s arrival on Galaxy phones. Samsung has its own One UI skin based on Android. The company isn’t forced to adopt any visual change, but it should consider bringing rich notifications.