The upcoming Android 16 operating system update is set to be made available for Samsung Galaxy devices this summer, according to a spokesperson from Samsung at The Android Show: I/O Edition held on Tuesday. This event served as a precursor to Google’s annual I/O 2025 developer conference, where several significant announcements regarding Android were shared, including a preliminary timeline for the launch of Android 16. The operating system is expected to reach stable status next month, after which it will be available for both Pixel and Galaxy devices.
Android 16 for Samsung Galaxy Devices
Following The Android Show: I/O Edition, a video was shared on Android’s official YouTube channel featuring Minseok Kang, Samsung’s Vice President and Head of Smartphone Planning. The video highlighted new features coming to Galaxy devices, showcasing the collaboration between Samsung and Google.
Towards the conclusion of the presentation, the spokesperson indicated that the updated Android 16 firmware would launch for Samsung Galaxy devices this summer. While an exact release date has not been specified, it is anticipated to coincide with the rollout of the stable update. Google has also stated that Android 16 will reach stable status in June, enabling developers to create customized versions of the OS for their respective devices ahead of the official release.
Traditionally, Android 16 is expected to debut first on Google’s Pixel devices, which include a range of smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. Samsung is poised to be the second major brand to adopt the new OS for its devices. This marks a notable change compared to the Android 15 release schedule, which is still ongoing for many of the company’s products, despite that version being launched in October 2024.
The announcement regarding the timeline for Android 16 aligns with comments made by a Google representative during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona this past March. Sameer Samat, President of the Android Ecosystem at Google, confirmed that Android 16 and other OS updates are on track for an early release this year, with June appearing to be the most likely timeframe for launch.
