For quite some time, Android TV has remained at version 14, prompting questions about when version 15 would arrive. However, Google appears to have clarified this via its Google I/O 2025 event schedule, revealing plans to move directly from version 14 to version 16 instead. This development may not entirely surprise everyone since rumors suggested back in November that Google intended to skip version 15 altogether with their upcoming significant release.
Fresh information from the Google I/O 2025 agenda indicates that Google seems to be adhering to their strategy. Mishaal Rahman posted an image on X showcasing one of the conference sessions at Google I/O, entitled “Enhance User Engagement on Google TV Through Superior App Development.” While the title itself may not seem crucial, it’s the content disclosed in the summary section of the tech-oriented talk that truly stands out.
We’ll cover strategies for enhancing memory, taking advantage of recent improvements in Compose, getting ready for Android 16 for TV, and additional topics,” according to the summary. The description doesn’t provide further specifics regarding the session content or what features Android 16 for TV might introduce. Nonetheless, these could be educated guesses based on possible reasoning behind Google’s choice. Additionally, expect more insights into Android 16 for TV to emerge as we approach Google I/O.
Google I/O might not specify a release date for Android TV version 16.
While Google now seems to be confirming the next major Android TV version update will make its debut at Google I/O this year, that may be all it does. The session only mentions how to prepare TV apps for this new version of the software. With the previous rumor suggesting Google may be looking to update Android TV to this new version in 2026, there’s also nothing at this time to suggest that this isn’t Google’s plan.
Why disclose this so early? Although only Google knows the exact reason, several plausible explanations exist. One possibility is that Google wants to provide developers with sufficient time to prepare their applications for the upcoming software. Additionally, as we’re midway through what should be Google’s bi-annual release schedule for the platform, revealing the details now makes sense. Regardless of Google’s motivations, both Google TV and Android TV users stand to benefit from having advanced knowledge of the updates heading their way.
Is Google planning to skip more version numbers moving ahead?
Even though Google hasn’t officially stated anything along these lines, it seems likely that this could be their strategy. Naturally, there’s no assurance that Google will continue down this path beyond the upcoming significant update. It’s worth remembering that Google has previously bypassed some Android TV version releases.
The jump went directly from Android TV 12 to Android TV 14, and now it seems like they’re making another leap over Android TV 15, going right into Android TV 16 instead. According to reports from the previous year, Google appears to have adopted a biennial release cycle for updates. Currently, Android TV lags behind smartphone versions; whereas phones run on Android 15, Android TV remains at version 16. It looks like we won’t see an updated TV build until sometime next year since Google hasn’t yet issued the latest television software upgrade. Additionally, Android 16 isn’t expected before late this year, possibly seeing a steady rollout starting around early June.
Following the same schedule, it’s plausible that Android 17 could arrive around the time Android TV 16 is launched. This suggests that Google might keep up with this pattern moving ahead. For instance, they may roll out Android TV 18 in 2028 as they probably unveil Android 19 simultaneously. Still, these predictions remain speculative because everything is still several years down the line. Nonetheless, considering Google’s present rhythm for releasing new versions of Android TV, this theory holds water.
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The Google I/O 2025 agenda discloses a significant leapfrog over an Android TV version.
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