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When it comes to operating systems, the software that powers smart TVs doesn’t get much attention. Your phone, watch or tablet typically receive annual updates, compared to the best Android smart TVswhich could see semi-regular security patches at best.
According to a report from Android AuthorityGoogle plans to add some regularity to updates for its TV software, moving to a semi-annual cycle Android TV operating system updates. That means that each new major version of the Android TV operating system is launched every two years.
Most people buy a new TV every five to ten years, with the purchase usually based on specifications such as price and screen size. As such, TVs don’t necessarily need updates as frequently as smartphones, which typically see shorter upgrade periods of two to four years.
An unnamed source told Android Authority that Google announced the six-month decision at the company’s Android TV partner conference earlier this year, although a spokesperson declined to confirm or deny the cadence.
Android TV is based on the same operating system as the operating system we know on our Android phones. However, current Android TVs run Android TV 14, based on the phone software released in 2023. Android TV 14 was officially launched in May 2024 during Google I/O.
That version of the TV OS made its debut with the new one Google TV streamer which started in August. The streamer introduced AI tools and upgrades for Google Home. For the most part, your Android TV is probably rocking Android TV 12, if not older.
Based on the report, it’s not clear if that two-year schedule starts this year with the release of Android TV 14 or if we’re somewhere in between.
Android 15 has only just started to come out for Google Pixel devices and other Android phones. Reportedly, we might just see it Android 16 launches early in the spring of next year. Assuming this report is correct, the next version of Android TV we could see would be based on Android 16 in late 2025 or early 2026.
So far, none of the features in Android 15 are related to Android TV, and it’s unclear if there’s anything in Android 16 that’s relevant to the TV operating system.
According to Android Authority, most Android TV operating system apps are not part of the Android Open Source Project, which allows manufacturers to put their own spin on Android, such as Samsung’s. One user interface or OnePlus’ color operating system.
This means curious tinkerers can’t poke around in the source code looking for hints about what Google might add to future versions of Android TV.
For now, we’ll have to wait until later 2025 or early 2026 to see where Google actually is in the cycle.
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