Android 16 confirmed for early release — here’s what we know

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
(Image credit: Google / Future)

Google intends to release two major Software Development Kits (SDKs) in 2025, confirming an early release for Android 16.

The company has confirmed that Android 16, codenamed “Baklava,” is set for an early 2025 release, following speculation that it would arrive sooner than expected due to a switch to a more stable trunk-based system.

Originally spotted by Android Authority, Google has announced that it intends to release two SDKs next year — the first being Android 16 released in Q2. This will be the first time that Google will release a major update before Q3 in more than a decade. Not only that, but Google intends to release a smaller SDK in 2025 Q4.

Google's 2025 release schedule

(Image credit: Google)

Typically, Google releases one major Android update each year with a new Application Programming Interface (API) and follows it with smaller quarterly platform releases (QPR) that add new features but don’t change the API.

There have been occasions where Google has released a QPI with API, which necessitates a new Software Development Kit (SDK) usually under a new name. However, we don't know if the Q4 SDK will be released as Android 16.1 or not.

Android 16 looks to be a pretty major update compared to Android 15. For instance, recent code lines indicated a focus on multitasking with changes to the bubbles API that launched with Android 11. Currently, the bubble feature only works for chat apps, but that could change in the new version. There are also indications that Android 16 could make an iPhone-inspired change to notifications.

The early release of an OS gives developers more time to adapt and change apps to better perform, meaning it is a great time to grab one of the best Android phones, especially with Black Friday just around the corner.

More from Tom's Guide

Josh Render
Staff Writer

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. 

Read more
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 developer preview 2 is live — all the biggest changes
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 beta just arrived — here are all the new features
The Android 15 logo from the Android developer website, displayed on a Pixel 8 Pro
Android 15's getting some crucial fixes for Pixel phones — here's what's coming
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 beta 3 arrives today — all the newest features
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
Android 16 could come with this key navigation change — and another new volume slider
Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Watch 3
What to expect from Google in 2025 — Pixel 10, Android 16, Pixel Watch 4 and more
Latest in Android Phones
samsung galaxy s25 edge mockup at galaxy unpacked
Galaxy S25 Edge is overhyped — I want Samsung to make this phone thinner instead
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
android 16 logo on a samsung galaxy smartphone
One of Apple’s most controversial AI features could be coming to Android phones
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders could come with a free Google TV Streamer — what we know
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Older Samsung phones are finally getting One UI 7 — here's all the devices
The iPhone 16 Pro Max (L) and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rear cameras
I took 200 macro photos with Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra vs. iPhone 16 Pro — here's the winner
Latest in News
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 15 (#643)
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Ultra just tipped to replace Pro Max in new leak — with these key upgrades
RCS messaging on an iPhone
Forget green bubbles — iPhones will soon get encrypted RCS messaging to Androids
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro
Latest Google Pixel 10 leak could make you want to skip it altogether
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 — analysts say it will be massive hit even with price hike
Jason Sudeikis as Ted Lasso in Ted Lasso season 3
‘Ted Lasso’ season 4 is official — here’s what Jason Sudeikis revealed