Google has announced a major change to its Android source code release schedule. Instead of the traditional four updates per year, the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) will now be released only twice a year – specifically in the second and fourth quarters. According to Google, the change is intended to contribute to greater stability of the platform and better adherence to a new development model called trunk-stableThe goal is to simplify the work of developers, streamline code management, and at the same time maintain security updates in the current monthly mode.
Developers who previously relied on quarterly source code releases will now have to switch to branches "android-latest-release"which will always reflect the most up-to-date official version of the system. Google stresses that its commitment to the open-source philosophy remains unchanged, but the new schedule will allow for a more stable and secure platform for the entire Android ecosystem.
Google will continue to issue security patches monthly via a special security branch. This part of the development remains unchanged in order to be able to respond in a timely manner to discovered vulnerabilities in the system Android.
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The change comes with the year 2026 and is already visible on the official website Source.android.com, where the new rules appeared in the form of an announcement. This new practice will affect all developers and companies that use Android as the basis for their own operating systems. Android Open Source Project so it remains open, but less frequent.
