Google I/O 2025 schedule Reveals Major Android TV Version Skip

The post Google I/O 2025 schedule Reveals Major Android TV Version Skip appeared first on Android Headlines.

Apr 23, 2025 - 23:08

Android TV has been stuck at version 14 for quite a while, leaving some to wonder when version 15 would be released, but now it looks like Google has confirmed through its Google I/O 2025 schedule that it will be jumping straight to Android TV version 16 instead. This might not come as a total shock. Back in November of last year, it was reported that Google was rumored to be bumping Android TV to version 16 with its next major update.

New details via the Google I/O 2025 schedule show that Google appears to be following this plan. Mishaal Rahman shared a screenshot over on X that details one of the Google I/O sessions, titled “Engage users on Google TV with excellent TV apps.” The title, of course, isn’t the most important part. It’s what Google mentions in the technical session’s overview that really matters.

“We’ll review tips for optimizing memory, leveraging the latest enhancements in Compose, preparing for Android 16 for TV, and more,” the overview reads. There are no other details about the session’s contents or what Android 16 for TV will include. However, there are some potential reasons why Google would make this decision. Even if they are speculation on our part. It’s also worth noting that more information is likely to pop up about Android 16 for TV leading up to Google I/O.

Google I/O may not confirm a launch date for Android TV version 16

While Google now seems to be confirming the next major Android TV version update will make its debut at Google I/O this year, that may be all it does. The session only mentions how to prepare TV apps for this new version of the software. With the previous rumor suggesting Google may be looking to update Android TV to this new version in 2026, there’s also nothing at this time to suggest that this isn’t Google’s plan.

But why reveal it this far ahead of time? While only Google can really answer that, there are some things that make sense. Google might want to make sure developers have ample time to get their apps ready for the new software. Google may also be ready to reveal the software update since it’s halfway through what is supposed to be its new bi-annual release cycle for the platform. Whatever Google’s reasons are, Google TV and Android TV users will likely appreciate more information about what’s coming.

Will Google continue to skip versions going forward?

Although Google hasn’t confirmed anything of the sort, it’s starting to look like this might be Google’s plan. Of course, there’s no guarantee that Google will follow this method any further than with the next major update. However, Google has skipped Android TV version updates before.

It jumped straight from Android TV 12 to Android TV 14. Now, it’s doing the same thing with Android TV 16, skipping Android TV 15 entirely. As the report from last year mentioned, Google is also said to be on a bi-annual release schedule. With Android TV being one version behind what Android smartphones are running. This is the case with Android TV 16, as phones are now on Android 15 and Google might not release the new TV update until next year. Android 16 will also be released a little later this year. The current suggestion is that Google will push the stable update at the beginning of June.

Going off of that same timeline, it’s possible that Android 17 will be here by the time Android TV 16 is released. That makes it entirely possible for Google to continue this going forward. Jumping to Android TV 18 in 2028, when Google is likely to be pushing out Android 19. Again, though, this is all speculation since all of that is years away. However, it makes sense given Google’s current Android TV release cadence.

The post Google I/O 2025 schedule Reveals Major Android TV Version Skip appeared first on Android Headlines.