Pixel devices in line to get Android 16 update much earlier than usual

Google Pixel users are still waiting for the update to Android 15. But news of the next iteration is already doing rounds, and it looks like Google is shaking things up with its Android release schedule. We’re used to seeing new Android versions drop in late summer or fall, but rumors suggest that Android 16 might hit our devices much earlier — potentially as soon as Q2 of 2025. That means we could see it in April, May, or June, which is quite the change from the usual September-October timeframe.

So, what’s the rush? Well, Google’s been fine-tuning how it develops Android, making the whole process faster and more efficient. With a new trunk-based development model (fancy talk for a smoother, more streamlined system), Google’s engineers are speeding things up. This system has helped them work on all their new features at once instead of waiting until later in the year, giving them the confidence to launch Android 16 ahead of schedule.

For Pixel users, this is big. We all remember the Pixel 9 series launching with Android 14 when Android 15 was just around the corner — awkward, right? Well, Google wants to make sure that doesn’t happen again. If Android 16 arrives in early summer 2025, we might finally see Pixel phones shipping with the latest Android version straight out of the box. No more waiting weeks or months for the update.

It’s still a little unclear exactly when this release will happen or how it will affect the Pixel update timeline. Sure, Android 16 could come in April or May, but the smart money’s on a June release, giving Google time to polish things up. Either way, Pixel owners could enjoy Android 16 on their phones even sooner than expected.

The big takeaway? If Google sticks to this early release, we could see new Android features and improvements hit our devices faster — and who wouldn’t want that? So, keep an eye out for Android 16; it’s coming, and it might arrive sooner than you think.