Google has released Android 16's source code, but Samsung fans won't need to wait long for One UI 8
TL;DR Google has officially released the Android 16 source code, allowing developers to build their own versions of the operating system.
Major smartphone manufacturers like Samsung have already had prerelease access, though, which allows them to expedite their Android 16 updates, with some planning rollouts as early as this summer.
The full Android 16 source code is being uploaded today to AOSP, a full three months earlier than when Android 15's source code was released.
Alongside the update for Pixel devices, Google today released the Android 16 source code, allowing everyone to learn how the new platform features work and build the operating system for themselves. While this release is most developers' first exposure to the Android 16 codebase, major smartphone makers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO have already had access to prerelease versions. This head start allows them to prepare their own Android 16 updates, with some companies promising a rollout as early as this summer.
The Android operating system you know and love is based on an open-source project called AOSP, or the Android Open Source Project. AOSP provides the core OS framework, platform APIs, system apps, and other foundational components for nearly every Android-based operating system on the market. It is licensed under Apache 2.0, a permissive license that allows individuals and companies to freely modify and distribute it.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
To ensure a consistent app experience across Android devices, Google requires OEMs to follow a set of compatibility requirements. The company enforces these requirements by tying them to the license for its Google Mobile Services (GMS) package, which includes essential components like Google Play Services and the Google Play Store. OEMs that license GMS receive prerelease access to the source code for the next Android version, enabling companies like Samsung to release their Android 16 betas early.
With the release of the Android 16 source code, Google will allow OEMs to roll out their own Android 16 updates, assuming they're ready to do so. However, even with prerelease access to Android 16's source code, some OEMs like Samsung have not had enough time to fully port their changes, fix all identified bugs, and integrate new features to make their updates exciting.
The duration of this entire process depends on the OEM. Samsung's Android 15-based One UI 7 update rolled out slowly to its devices, but the company promises a significantly faster rollout for its Android 16-based One UI 8 update this time. In fact, Samsung has already confirmed that One UI 8 will debut this summer on its upcoming foldables, gradually expanding to more Galaxy devices soon after. The company has already launched a One UI 8 beta program for its latest S series device, demonstrating its commitment to this promise.
The full Android 16 source code will soon be available in AOSP. Google began uploading the source code today, but it may take a few hours for the complete release due to its size. Once the android16-release branch appears in the Android Platform Manifest, the full code should be ready for download.
Today's Android 16 source code release is happening much earlier than usual. For reference, Google released Android 15's source code on September 3, 2024, meaning Android 16's source code is arriving almost three months early. Google shifted Android's release cycle to better align with summer device launches, which explains this earlier release. We can expect a similar timeframe for the Android 17 source code release next year.
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