Next Android TV OS to arrive in 2026

Android TV might move to a bi-yearly release schedule. According to Android Authority's sources, Google will skip Android TV 15 and launch Android TV 16, based on Android 16. Given how many months it takes the company to push the TV version of its latest OS, it is entirely possible to see the next update launched somewhere in mid-2026.

The major reason for Google to reduce its OS updates for TVs is that customers do not upgrade their TVs as often as they do with smartphones. They usually do each for 5 to 10 years and base their choice on other factors like price, screen size and hardware specifications rather than software updates.

TVs are single-purpose media consumption devices and don't benefit as much from software updates. This means less pressure on TV makers to have the latest Android; thus, Google does not need to go all in on an OS update every year.

The platform still needs to be updated semi-regularly for new features and regulatory requirements, and Google already informed its partners at an internal Android TV partner conference about its decision.