Google has announced it will switch Android TV to a biannual release cycle, potentially skipping Android TV 15 and launching Android TV 16 in 2026, according to a report by Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman.
TV Upgrade Trends
Traditionally, unlike smartphones, people upgrade their TVs every 5 to 10 years, prioritizing price, screen size, and hardware over frequent software updates. TVs don’t require regular updates, so manufacturers aren’t under pressure to release new Android TV versions.
However, Google must update Android TV to introduce new features and meet regulatory requirements, although these updates are often delayed by slower adoption from TV makers, the report noted.
This move to a biannual release cycle isn’t unexpected. A source close to Rahman revealed that Google made this decision at its annual Android TV partner conference. When asked earlier this year, a Google spokesperson declined to comment on the future release schedule for Android TV.
Skipping Versions
This isn’t the first time Google has skipped a version. Google bypassed Android TV 13 and released Android TV 14 in early 2024 instead. Android TV 14 is based on Android 14, which launched in October 2023, meaning the Android TV release schedule is already behind the regular Android version cycle.
What’s Next for Android TV?
If Google maintains the biannual schedule, the next Android TV version is expected in 2026. While Android TV 16 is likely to be based on Android 16, which is set to release for mobile devices in 2025, Google hasn’t ruled out other possibilities. System APIs for Android TV 16 are being tested, suggesting that the 2026 release will likely be Android 16, though a shift to Android TV 17 is deemed unlikely by Rahman.
Unclear Features for Android TV 16
Details on the new features for Android TV 16 remain scarce. None of the Android 16 features so far appear relevant to Android TV, and many Android TV apps are not part of AOSP, making it difficult to uncover insights from the source code, said Rahman.
For now, we’ll need to wait for an official announcement or developer preview to learn more about Android TV 16.