LineageOS releases Android 16 replace for 100+ units

The golden period of customized Android ROMs could also be lengthy over, however loads of individuals nonetheless set up them in 2025. The explanations for doing so range: some desire a extra stock-like Android expertise, others wish to maintain on to their current system just a little longer, and plenty of wish to repurpose an outdated system or transfer away from Google’s companies.

The preferred choice is by far LineageOS, a mission that gives a close-to-stock expertise with extra options and its personal set of apps. As we speak, the workforce behind the mission launched LineageOS 23.0 for over 100 units, bringing its personal taste of Android 16 to quite a lot of older fashions.

LineageOS 23.0 is predicated on Android 16’s preliminary steady launch from June moderately than the more moderen Android 16 QPR1. It’s because Google nonetheless hasn’t publicly launched the supply code for Android 16 QPR1, stopping the LineageOS workforce from merging the brand new code. The Android 16 QPR1 supply code is just obtainable to Google’s OEM companions, a gaggle that, in fact, doesn’t embody hobbyist initiatives like LineageOS.

Prior to now, Google would usually publish the supply code for brand new Android releases to the Android Open Supply Undertaking (AOSP) inside a day or two of the replace’s rollout to Pixel units. This time, nevertheless, Google delayed the discharge of the supply code for unknown causes. This left the LineageOS workforce with a alternative: both await the supply code drop or proceed with the discharge as is. The workforce selected the latter, which is why right now’s launch is called LineageOS 23.0 and never LineageOS 23.1.

On prime of that, Google’s latest shift to ‘risk-based’ safety updates signifies that LineageOS, in addition to most different customized ROMs, can now not ship as many safety fixes as they used to every month. It’s because Android’s month-to-month safety bulletins now not embody patches for all addressed vulnerabilities, however moderately solely people who Google deems “excessive danger.” Patches for the overwhelming majority of different vulnerabilities at the moment are solely launched in quarterly bulletins. This, mixed with Google now not sharing the supply code for patches included in its month-to-month bulletins, means the LineageOS workforce has to attend for Android’s quarterly releases to repair most safety points.

And if issues don’t sound unhealthy sufficient, the LineageOS workforce has needed to drop first-class assist for Pixel units. Pixel units was assured “day one” units for LineageOS, however they’re now handled the identical as every other OEM’s units. It’s because Google now not publishes Pixel system timber, HALs, or configs, they usually solely supply kernel supply code as history-stripped tarballs. Due to the efforts of initiatives like CalyxOS, Pixel units will nonetheless be supported, however they’re now not shoe-ins for day one releases.

Regardless of these points, the LineageOS workforce is pushing ahead, giving customers the most recent model of Android with the most recent safety fixes it will possibly legally entry.

What’s new in LineageOS 23.0?

As a result of LineageOS 23.0 is predicated on Android 16 and never Android 16 QPR1, some options like Materials 3 Expressive and Desktop Mode aren’t absolutely carried out. Nonetheless, all the brand new options included within the June steady launch of Android 16 are current. These embody the enforcement of edge-to-edge mode, predictive again navigation, improved app adaptivity, and assist for Superior Safety mode.

On the app entrance, LineageOS 23.0 consists of an enormous replace to Aperture, the mission’s customized digital camera app. The brand new model of Aperture helps Extremely HDR and RAW seize and comes with a redesigned notification island with dynamic colours and new indicators.

Twelve, the mission’s customized music participant, has added a “play random songs” button, a brand new Now Enjoying display screen with playback statistics, expanded Jellyfin integration, and extra.

For TVs, there’s a brand new dwelling display screen launcher referred to as Catapult. It gives a quick, clutter-free interface freed from ads and suggestions.

The discharge additionally bundles up to date variations of the SeedVault backup answer, Etar calendar app, WebView element, and charging management function, in addition to a brand new set of ringtones and alarms.

Lastly, this model introduces main foundational enhancements. It’s now attainable to run LineageOS in a digital machine by QEMU. This work additionally lays the groundwork to assist any system that’s suitable with the mainline Linux kernel sooner or later, a major step for the mission.

What units does LineageOS assist?

With the launch of LineageOS 23.0, the workforce is updating its assist coverage for older variations. The event cycle for LineageOS 21 is now formally ending, which implies no new units will likely be added to that construct roster. The workforce will, nevertheless, proceed to keep up and add new units to the LineageOS 22.2 roster.

LineageOS 23.0 will likely be obtainable beginning right now for the next units. Yow will discover the builds on the mission’s official obtain portal. Earlier than beginning the set up, we strongly suggest you totally learn the precise directions to your system on the LineageOS wiki, as our generalized set up information is probably not appropriate.

LineageOS 23.0 construct roster – Preliminary units

LineageOS 22.2 construct roster – NEW units

As well as, the LineageOS workforce has introduced the next units have been added to the LineageOS 22.2 (primarily based on Android 15 QPR2) construct roster: