Google will reportedly skip Android 15 for Android TV and Google TV devices as part of a new plan to release major versions only every two years. It has also lowered RAM requirements.
Google skipped Android 13 for TV devices, jumping straight from Android 12 to 14.
The company may repeat this exercise and skip Android 15 for TV devices, according to a report from Android Authority, meaning that the next major version, Android 16, will not come to TV devices until 2026.
- "A source tells me that Google privately announced this decision at its annual Android TV partner conference, but when I asked Google for comment earlier this year, a spokesperson informed me the company had nothing to share about Android TV’s future release cadence," reported Android Authority.
Competitors ramp up updates
This stands in stark contrast to other major players moving in the opposite direction. LG and Samsung will finally begin upgrading webOS and Tizen in Smart TVs.
Apple appears to actually be increasing the cadence of tvOS updates, although major new tvOS versions are still released annually.
Also read: Review: Google TV Streamer
The Google TV streamer is currently running Android 14, with no announcements from Google about Android 15 or 16.
Lower RAM requirements
While Google has declined to comment publicly on the matter, the tech giant has clearly adjusted its TV strategy. A source tells Android Authority that Google is lowering the RAM requirements for new Android TV devices.
New 1080p Android TV devices can now launch with just 1GB of RAM, down from 1.5GB, while 4K devices will only require 1.5GB, down from 2GB. This shift means Android TV devices can become even more low-end.
Meanwhile, Google TV devices will still be required to have at least 2GB of RAM, according to code strings in Android.
- Source: Android Authority (2)
