A recent report indicates a shift in the development landscape of Android, suggesting that the code development process is moving towards a more private model. This revelation may raise eyebrows, particularly among those who perceive Android as an entirely open-source initiative. However, the reality is that Android has never been as open as it appears, and these changes are more of a confirmation than a transformation.
At the heart of Android’s development is Google, which retains ultimate control over the code. The company dictates the direction of the project, including what features are developed, how they are implemented, and the timeline for their release. While contributions from the community are welcome, the final product is curated and released by Google, ensuring that only polished code is made available for public use.
Currently, Android 16 is in development, following a pattern established with previous versions. Each major release typically includes a main branch and an experimental branch. The main branch, which is not publicly visible during development, is where Google works on the next platform version. Once the development phase concludes, the complete code will be made available for download. However, this won’t occur until Google finalizes Android 16.
The experimental branch serves as a testing ground for features that may or may not make it into the final release. While some of this code is accessible to the public, the latest updates suggest that visibility into this branch will diminish in the future. It’s important to note that the experimental branch does not constitute part of the official Android release and may never transition into it.
Anyone can submit software patches to Google, which are then placed in the experimental branch. However, many of these suggestions are often disregarded, as Google, like any other software company, must ensure that only viable changes are integrated into the final product. Consequently, the experimental branch has become somewhat of a rumor mill, with speculation circulating about potential features in upcoming versions of Android. This aspect of development is likely to fade away.
What would this mean for you?
For companies involved in smartphone manufacturing, the transition to a more private code development process is unlikely to disrupt their operations. They typically gain early access to the “private” code before its public release, which includes both security patches and new platform versions. This advance knowledge allows manufacturers to prepare their devices accordingly, avoiding delays that would arise from waiting for public access.
For developers creating custom ROMs—modified versions of Android—the foundation of their work remains the stable version of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This approach ensures compatibility with essential components, such as Google Play and third-party applications, which rely on the documented stable version of Android. The need for these applications means that developers prioritize stability over experimentation.
For those who have been part of the Android community for years, particularly enthusiasts who have dabbled in custom ROM development, the process remains accessible, albeit time-consuming. The shift towards a more private development model will likely impact the landscape of online discussions and speculation, particularly on platforms like Reddit and various tech news sites. This change may ultimately lead to a more focused discourse, steering away from the noise of unverified rumors and clickbait headlines.
