Google is modifying the release schedule for the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) source code. Effective 2026, new AOSP source code will be published twice annually, specifically in the second and fourth quarters.
Previous Release Schedule
Historically, Google has released AOSP source code for nearly every new version of Android for mobile devices, typically within days of rolling out corresponding updates to its Pixel devices. This included releasing source code for each of the four quarterly Android releases per year.
New Release Schedule and Rationale
The new schedule reduces the frequency of source code releases from four times a year to two. Google stated that this adjustment is intended to ensure platform stability for the Android ecosystem and to better align with Android’s trunk-stable development model.
A Google spokesperson further explained that the change aims to simplify development, reduce the complexity associated with managing multiple code branches, and facilitate the delivery of more stable and secure code to Android platform developers. Google affirmed that its commitment to AOSP remains unchanged, with the new schedule designed to build a more robust and secure foundation for the Android ecosystem.
For developers, the aosp-latest-release manifest branch will consistently reference the most recent release pushed to AOSP. A banner on source.android.com confirms this transition.
Security Patch Releases
Google specified that its process for releasing security patches will not be altered. The company will continue to publish monthly security patches on a dedicated security-only branch for relevant operating system releases.