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 considered single-purpose media devices, which don’t gain as much from continuous software updates.
This slower upgrade cycle means that Google doesn’t face the same pressure to release new Android TV versions every year, as it does with smartphones. Manufacturers are less concerned with offering the latest Android updates on their TVs, which are generally used for media consumption rather than multi-purpose tasks.
While Google is reducing the frequency of updates, Tv will still receive periodic updates to introduce new features and address regulatory requirements. The company has already informed its partners about this decision at an internal Android TV partner conference. This new bi-yearly release strategy reflects a shift in how Google views the long-term lifecycle of TV hardware compared to more rapidly evolving devices like smartphones.