Google’s Big Move: Android TV Updates Every Two Years?
If you’re like me, you probably love your TV for what it is—a giant screen to stream endless shows, movies, and the occasional YouTube rabbit hole at 2 AM. But let’s be honest: you probably don’t think about updating its software as religiously as you might your phone or laptop. TVs are built to last, and most of us expect to keep ours for a good 5 to 10 years without worrying about it getting outdated, especially when it comes to software. However, Google has other plans for us Android TV users, and they’re shaking things up in a way that might mean skipping right over Android TV 15 and jumping to Android TV 16 in 2026.
Let’s break it down. Google is shifting Android TV to a biyearly release schedule. Yes, you heard that right—every two years, not every year like your phone. So, if you’re wondering why Google would skip Android TV 15, it’s all part of a bigger plan to streamline the rollout schedule and prevent TV makers from constantly scrambling to keep up.
Why the Skip to Android 16?
In 2023, Google released Android TV 14, but you might have missed it because, honestly, how often do you check your TV’s software version? With Android TV, the updates aren’t exactly earth-shattering. They’re more about making small adjustments, adding compatibility, or tweaking UI elements rather than the revolutionary overhauls we see on phones. By moving to a biyearly cadence, Google is giving TV manufacturers a bit of breathing room. Rather than rushing to push out a new version every year, they’ll have more time to ensure stability and compatibility with a new version every two years.
Skipping a version isn’t new to Google’s Android TV roadmap, either. In fact, Android TV 13 was quietly put aside to pave the way for Android TV 14. Now, Google seems ready to leapfrog again, hinting that Android TV 15 might never see the light of day, with the next big update likely being Android 16.
So, What’s the Deal with Android 16?
The move to Android 16 isn’t just about numbers. Google’s strategy here reflects the different lifecycle of TVs versus phones. TVs aren’t pocket-sized companions that get dropped every two years for the latest model. They’re long-term investments, and consumers upgrade only when there’s a significant improvement in picture quality, size, or perhaps when the remote starts mysteriously disappearing. TV manufacturers would rather focus on hardware upgrades, like the new OLED tech or improved 4K and 8K resolutions, than stress over the latest OS version.
By aligning Android TV updates with this slower hardware upgrade cycle, Google is keeping in step with real-world consumer habits. This change also allows the company to focus on refining a version over two years, adding just enough new features and performance enhancements without overwhelming both manufacturers and users with constant, minor updates.
What’s Next for Your TV?
So, when can you expect Android 16? If the two-year schedule holds, the next major Android TV update should drop in 2026. However, don’t expect your TV to suddenly start competing with your phone in terms of features. Android TV updates are likely to remain focused on minor UI improvements, regulatory compliance updates, and a few quality-of-life changes rather than transformative shifts.
The rumor mill also suggests that Google is testing a few new system APIs in preparation for Android 16, which may introduce some behind-the-scenes changes that improve overall performance and compatibility with newer devices. But as of now, there’s nothing flashy on the horizon that would compel users to rush out and replace their current TVs. We’ll have to wait for Google’s official announcement to see if they unveil anything groundbreaking.
In the meantime, sit back and relax. Your TV isn’t going to demand a software update every time you turn it on. Instead, enjoy the peace of mind knowing that Google is adjusting their game plan, giving you one less thing to worry about on movie night.
