At MWC 2025, Google may not have unveiled any groundbreaking announcements, but its presence was felt throughout the event. Amidst the buzz of the show floor, I had the opportunity to engage with Seang Chau, Vice President and General Manager of the Android Platform, to explore what lies ahead for 2025. While artificial intelligence was a recurring theme, our conversation also touched on the accelerated timeline for Android 16 and the company’s commitment to enhancing update support across Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).
One of Google’s primary objectives this year is to streamline Android updates across the board. This initiative encompasses everything from optimizing the timing of device launches to facilitating longer software support from OEMs. While the allure of new Gemini features may capture attention, aligning everyone on the same page regarding Android updates is equally crucial, if not more so.
The Android 16 Developer Preview has already commenced, and Google has announced a significant shift in its release schedule. Departing from its traditional timeline, the stable update is now set to launch earlier, specifically in Q2. This means users can anticipate the update by June at the latest, a considerable advance compared to previous years.
Chau explained, “We’re receiving feedback from our OEM partners indicating that the earlier we can release, the more likely they can push new software when they launch new handsets within the same year.” He pointed out that many flagship devices are typically released in the latter half of the year, making it challenging to introduce a new Android version in August or September. For instance, the Pixel 9 debuted in August without the latest Android version, which raised eyebrows among consumers.
With Android 16 arriving much sooner, this adjustment should alleviate the awkward timing of device launches post-update. The Pixel 10 is expected to come equipped with Android 16 right out of the box, allowing other OEMs to follow suit with timely software updates.
Building better support
While updating a phone is one aspect, providing ongoing updates for years post-launch is another challenge altogether. The Pixel series has been at the forefront of extended update support, promising seven years of OS upgrades and security patches. Samsung has followed suit with its flagship Galaxy devices, but such support remains rare in the Android ecosystem.
The recent collaboration between Qualcomm and Google aims to simplify the process for OEMs, enabling them to extend support for their devices up to eight years. Chau expressed hope that this initiative would encourage more manufacturers to adopt similar practices. “One of the driving factors around this is sustainability, of course, but really, it’s about enabling users to keep their devices longer,” he noted. The expectation is that longer support will enhance the appeal of Android devices, as consumers will feel secure knowing their phones will remain updated for years.
Interestingly, this shift has already influenced some long-term Pixel users to upgrade from their older devices once support ended. Although they were initially drawn to the affordable Pixel 6a, many ultimately opted for the Pixel 7, attracted by its improved update support.
Chau acknowledged that one of the significant hurdles in extending support was the System on Chip (SoC) compatibility. The transition to Tensor SoC has facilitated this commitment for Pixel phones. “One of the challenges is the long-term support period for different versions of Linux kernels, which has been shortened,” he explained. This necessitated collaboration with SoC vendors to ensure kernel upgrades could be implemented effectively.
Currently, the eight years of support applies to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which powers many of today’s leading Android devices. This commitment will also extend to future 8-series and upcoming 7-series chips, potentially lowering costs for OEMs interested in providing extended software support.
Making updates better so your phone doesn’t get worse
While the Android 16 beta is still in its early stages, Chau refrained from disclosing specific features of the stable update. However, he emphasized Google’s dedication to enhancing the quality of each update, ensuring that every release is better than the last in terms of performance and efficiency. “We’ve promised seven years of updates on Pixel, and we worked with Qualcomm to achieve eight years. We’re committed to making sure that extended support doesn’t compromise quality,” he stated.
Chau acknowledged that some features may demand more power, a common occurrence with updates. This was evident with the Galaxy S25 series, which introduced new AI processing capabilities requiring the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Despite this, Google strives to offset increased demands by optimizing performance in other areas, ensuring that updates enhance rather than detract from user experience.
As the landscape of Android updates evolves, the question remains: “How do we ensure that our releases improve your device rather than hinder it?” With the new Android 16 release schedule and a commitment to aiding OEMs in providing longer and faster updates, 2025 is poised to be a transformative year for Android users.
