Upcoming Android TV OS Release Expected in 2026
Android TV may switch to a bi-yearly release schedule starting in 2026, according to sources from Android Authority. Google plans to skip Android TV 15 and jump directly to Android TV 16, which will be based on Android 16. Given the time it typically takes to roll out updates for the TV platform, the next major release could land around mid-2026.
This shift in update strategy comes from the understanding that consumers tend to upgrade their TVs much less frequently than smartphones. While phones are often replaced every 2–3 years, televisions are typically used for 5 to 10 years before being replaced. When shopping for a new TV, factors like price, screen size, and hardware specifications are more important to most consumers than having the latest software version. As a result, TVs are ...