Google is making significant changes to Android TV and its file-sharing feature, Quick Share, bringing new improvements and requirements that could impact users across the Android ecosystem. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening and why it matters.

Why Android TV Might Skip Android 15 and Go Directly to 16

Unlike smartphones and tablets, Android TV is primarily a media consumption platform. Google has traditionally updated Android TV to stay aligned with Android’s core development cycle, but TV manufacturers struggle to keep up. Unlike handheld devices, people tend to replace TVs every 5-10 years, based on hardware features, rather than frequent software updates. This less frequent update cycle has led Google to a bi-yearly release schedule for Android TV updates, with the next major version potentially skipping Android 15 to focus on Android 16.

During a recent Android TV partner conference, Google reportedly announced this new release strategy. This isn’t entirely new territory for Google, as they skipped Android TV 13 and jumped straight to Android TV 14. The current version, Android TV 14, is based on the Android 14 codebase. Now, with a likely two-year gap, Android TV’s next big update might launch as Android TV 16 in 2026, aligning with the release of Android 16 for smartphones and tablets.

This shift could streamline development and give TV manufacturers more time to implement updates, although some may wonder if Google might surprise users by going directly to Android TV 17 in 2026. Google has also been testing system-level APIs for Android TV 16, suggesting a focus on Android 16 as the foundation for future Android TV developments.

Features to Expect in Android TV 16 (Or 17)

Currently, it’s unclear what new features might appear in Android TV 16. Most Android TV apps are not part of the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), making it challenging to track changes through source code. Google usually unveils new features through developer previews, so any upcoming innovations will likely be shared closer to the release date.

Google’s New Approach with Quick Share in Android 15

In addition to Android TV updates, Google is refining its Quick Share feature for Android devices, aiming to make it more accessible and widely used. Quick Share, originally known as Nearby Share, is Google’s built-in file-sharing solution, designed to be a fast, seamless way to transfer files between Android devices, Chromebooks, and even some Windows PCs.

Since its release in 2020, Quick Share has been available on most Android devices running Android 6.0 or higher with Google Play Services. However, many users are still unaware of its existence. To increase visibility, Google is making Quick Share part of the Android 15 setup process. When setting up a new Android 15 device, users will see a Quick Share configuration page within the setup wizard, making it easier to enable and customize.

Google has mandated that all Android devices launching with Android 15 or later must include this setup screen for Quick Share. Users will be prompted to set their device’s visibility and sharing preferences right from the start, helping them understand Quick Share’s capabilities immediately. This visibility setting allows users to control who can send files to them, enhancing privacy and user control.

OEM Requirements and Custom Solutions

Google’s mandate includes an exception for manufacturers that have their own custom Quick Share implementations using Google’s Nearby SDK. For instance, Samsung has its own version of Quick Share integrated with Google’s Nearby SDK, so Galaxy devices are not required to use Google’s setup page. Nevertheless, it wouldn’t be surprising if Samsung adds a similar setup page to improve the user experience and encourage more people to use the feature.

Why These Changes Matter

The shift to Android TV 16 reflects Google’s strategy to keep Android TV updated without overwhelming manufacturers. This biyearly schedule could result in more stable, feature-rich Android TV versions with greater adoption among TV makers.

Meanwhile, Quick Share’s integration into the setup process aims to boost adoption of Google’s file-sharing feature, making it as recognizable on Android devices as Apple’s AirDrop is on iOS. By making Quick Share more accessible, Google is addressing a key usability issue, potentially improving the overall Android experience for millions of users.

Conclusion

Google’s evolving strategy for Android TV and the Quick Share feature shows the company’s focus on long-term improvement and user accessibility. Android TV’s two-year release cycle could bring more innovation to the living room while allowing TV manufacturers to better keep up with updates. At the same time, Quick Share’s integration into Android’s setup wizard ensures that more users know about and can benefit from Android’s convenient file-sharing tool. As these changes roll out, they’ll likely enhance the functionality and usability of both Android TVs and mobile devices in the coming years.