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.

In mid-October 2024, Google officially rolled out the stable Android 15 update with several new features. We have already started getting leaks and rumors about what the next version will bring. A recent report has revealed that the codename for Android 16 will be Baklava.

According to reliable tipster @mishaalRahman, Android 16 will be called Baklava. This breaks the usual alphabetical naming pattern, as the previous version, Android 15, was named Vanilla Ice Cream.

For context, Baklava is a delicious layered pastry made of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is reportedly a sweet name for Android 16.

Google has a tradition of using fun and creative names for its Android versions, starting with Android 1.5, which was named ‘Cupcake’ back in 2009.

Here are the codenames for the last few Android iterations:

• Android 11 – Red Velvet Cake
• Android 12 – Snow Cone
• Android 13 – Tiramisu
• Android 14 – Upside Down Cake
• Android 15 – Vanilla Ice Cream
• Android 16 – Baklava (reportedly)

While ‘Baklava’ doesn’t follow the alphabetical order, many are curious about names starting with the letter ‘W’ this time. This change in naming reflects how Google is currently developing Android and a new era of naming.

In case you wanted more confirmation that Android 16's code-name will be Baklava, here it is mentioned at the end of a list of every single other Android release's code-name. https://t.co/5ov19MUinK pic.twitter.com/j9mYjIJpvt

— Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) October 25, 2024

With the introduction of a new project called ‘trunk stable,’ the naming of releases has shifted. For instance, while Android 14 was named Upside Down Cake, its updates began with the letter ‘A’ instead of ‘U.’ This indicates that Google may alter how it names future versions, but the tradition of fun dessert names will continue.