Do you recall how thrilled we used to get about a fresh Android release? For instance, when Lollipop came out, introducing us to an all-new look and the start of Material Design. Nowadays, which recent Android update has been the most thrilling one? Was it Android 12 perhaps?
We’re only a few weeks out from Google releasing the official Android 16 update, set exclusively for us to leak as June 3rd. However, it’s challenging to work up much enthusiasm for this latest iteration. What went wrong?
There’s two main things that changed for Android releases. First is the naming. Google used to name each release after a dessert from the next letter in the Alphabet. So we had Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, etc. Now, it’s just Android 14, 15, 16. The desserts were always so exciting, even though they meant absolutely nothing. The other thing that changed was, Android became more of a framework for Android devices, versus being the experience you’d get on a Pixel device. Go ahead, load up a phone with AOSP and you’ll see what I mean.
Although there are several modifications applicable to all users, such as the introduction of live activities in Android 16, the majority of these new Android updates consist mainly of internal improvements.
The Era of Peak Android Upgrades
When I initially began my work at Android Headlines, it coincided with Google’s announcement of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. This version brought about significant design alterations as it integrated many elements from Honeycomb—a redesign originally exclusive to tablets. Additionally, this period saw the intriguing release of the Galaxy Nexus.
Later on, we witnessed the revamp of Android 5.0 Lollipop. There was a period when it seemed as though each year (or even every couple of months), we were getting a fresh version of Android that truly felt innovative. However, this is no longer the situation.
These Android updates used to bring visible and transformative changes, and would even get a big portion of the Google I/O keynote. Hell, I remember when Google gave all Google I/O attendees a Nexus 4, a Nexus 7, and a Nexus 10. These days, we get virtually nothing. I can’t even remember the last time Google gave anything out at Google I/O.
That really shows how things have shifted for Google and Android. Obviously, Android is a lot more mature these days, so there’s not a lot that needs to change. Versus circa 2012.
So, what changed?
A big thing that changed was the exclusive features on Pixel devices. You see, Pixel and Nexus devices used to be almost entirely stock Android. If you wanted any of these features, you could just install AOSP onto your device and get it. Which is free for anyone to use, since it is open-sourced. But Google began moving away from that with its own Pixel devices, including features that even its partners don’t have, like Call Screening.
Google decided to develop its own “interface” for the Pixel primarily because all its collaborators were taking this approach. To ensure that the Pixel would be more distinctive among the various smartphones available at carriers’ outlets, differentiation was essential. Consequently, Google avoided having to push Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to duplicate functionalities since these elements were not included in the open-source version of Android. Nonetheless, certain redundancies persist, such as the presence of both the Photos app and the Gallery application, similar to how Samsung includes an additional App Store on their devices.
Additional updates can be accessed via App Updates.
To ensure prompt updates reach all Android devices, Google has shifted much of this process to the Play Store. In contrast, with iPhones, whenever Apple needs to release an update for services like Apple Music or Apple News on iOS, they must roll out a new version of iOS itself. For Android, however, updating such applications simply requires releasing a new version through the Play Store. This allows Google to make frequent changes without needing approval from device manufacturers and mobile network operators.
These days, a lot of the changes that we see come from Google Play Services, which does not require an OTA update. And that also meant that Android updates would be less feature-rich. Which isn’t a bad thing, because this means users on older and cheaper devices can still get updates and security patches.
Android updates often go unnoticed on certain carrier-branded devices.
Because some phones have such heavy skins, like Samsung, Xiaomi, Poco, OnePlus, etc., you won’t really notice when you get Android 15 or Android 16. At least not primarily because of Android 15 or 16. It’ll be because the version of that skin has added a ton of new features.
For instance, Samsung’s One UI 7 introduced numerous new functionalities and significantly revamped Samsung’s software from a visual standpoint. However, how many of these features will be available when using Android 15? Most likely, none of them will carry over.
On devices such as a Pixel, Motorola, or an ASUS model, you would notice more significant changes because these phones closely adhere to stock Android. Nevertheless, each one has its proprietary interface layered on top. Still, regarding the Motorola Razr from 2024, after updating to Android 15, could anyone tell me what new functionalities were added? Honestly, nothing comes to mind immediately. Of course, it includes certain Moto AI functions, yet those capabilities are not specifically linked to Android 15.
Google is prioritizing AI over Android.
As mentioned before, Android is pretty mature. There’s not much more that Google can change with Android. Most of the changes we’re seeing are just changes for the sake of change, like the new Material 3 Expressive we’ve been seeing lately. And that has Google focusing more on AI these days.
Let’s use Google I/O from last year as an illustration. During the kickoff presentation, which lasted slightly more than two hours, artificial intelligence came up 121 times. We have this information because Google maintained a running tally throughout. How much time did they dedicate to discussing Android instead? To my recollection, it received only a minute or so during that lengthy address. Comparing this with roughly ten years ago, when the main talk spanned less than three hours, Android commanded considerable attention—nearly one hour. Nowadays, however, Google struggles to find room for even brief mentions of Android.
This indicates that Google’s focus areas are shifting. Currently, artificial intelligence is dominating various sectors globally. Interestingly, Google initially lagged behind in this area and soon trailed significantly after OpenAI. Nonetheless, they’ve largely closed the gap today—though outcomes may vary based on measurement criteria—and surpassed ChatGPT performance-wise. We anticipate further announcements regarding their advancements in AI during the upcoming Google I/O keynote event later this month.
Why has AI become more significant than Android recently? Mainly because AI operates independently of specific platforms. It largely relies on servers situated globally, at least according to how Google functions. As the leading search engine, Google is concerned that AI could undermine its primary revenue sources: searches and advertisements. Consequently, they are prioritizing AI development, but this focus is inadvertently pushing aside many content providers who initially enriched Google Search with their contributions. This situation was highlighted in our report from last week.
Are Android updates still relevant these days?
To put it simply, they never actually did. The majority of users aren’t even aware which Android version they’re using. Additionally, consider all the countless kiosks and terminals globally that operate on Android—often versions so out-of-date you’d be surprised. Think about those seat-back screens for in-flight entertainment; yes, those run on Android too. A significant number of these systems use a very early 2012-era operating system with visible on-screen controls.
Customers continue receiving fairly beneficial updates; however, these do not necessitate a full system overhaul on their mobile devices and tablets. This situation has its advantages since it allows both Google and its collaborators to consistently introduce fresh enhancements and functionalities. They can bypass the cumbersome process of carrier certification prior to deployment.
In the end, it means that Android has matured. And those days of getting huge updates that changed everything on your phone are likely gone.
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Remember When Android Updates Were Actually Exciting?
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