Android
LineageOS 22 arrives with Android 15 and a host of enhancements
The modding community has just received a shot in the arm. LineageOS, the titan of custom Android ROMs, has officially unveiled its latest iteration: LineageOS 22. This release, based on Android 15 QPR1, brings a wealth of new features, performance enhancements, and, perhaps most excitingly, official support for the entire Pixel 9 series.
For those unfamiliar, LineageOS offers a refined, bloat-free Android experience, often extending the lifespan of devices beyond their manufacturer’s official support. With over 1.5 million installations worldwide, its impact on the Android ecosystem is undeniable. Now, Pixel 9 owners can experience this freedom and flexibility firsthand.
Pixel 9 Family Joins the LineageOS Fold
After a wait of a few months following the Pixel 9’s release, LineageOS 22 now officially supports all variants: the Pixel 9 (tokay), Pixel 9 Pro (caiman), Pixel 9 Pro XL (komodo), and even the Pixel 9 Pro Fold (comet). This means users of these devices can now unlock their full potential with a clean, customizable Android experience.
While the Pixel 9 series is still under Google’s robust support umbrella for the next six years, LineageOS offers a different kind of longevity. For enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their devices and pushing them to their limits, this release is a game-changer. It also raises an interesting question: could LineageOS extend the usable life of these Tensor-powered Pixels beyond Google’s own timeline? Only time will tell how the hardware withstands the test of time and continuous use, but the dedicated LineageOS team’s commitment offers a promising outlook.
LineageOS 22: What’s New Under the Hood?
This isn’t just a simple Android 15 port. LineageOS 22 brings a suite of improvements and additions, building upon the foundation of Android 15 QPR1. Among the highlights:
- A Brand New Music Player: “Twelve”: Say goodbye to the old “Eleven” player. “Twelve” is a complete overhaul, boasting a modern Material You design, dedicated landscape mode for tablets and foldables, and support for various music library server protocols like Subsonic and Jellyfin. This offers users greater flexibility in managing and enjoying their music collections.
Integrated PDF Reader: Addressing limitations with the Jelly browser, LineageOS 22 now includes a native PDF reader. This eliminates the need for users to download separate apps for simple document viewing.
Redesigned Download Page: The LineageOS download portal has received a visual refresh, featuring a dark theme for the first time. It also offers improved navigation for downloading device images and a new feature for verifying downloaded files, even those not directly from the official repository.
Under-the-Hood Optimizations: Beyond the visible changes, LineageOS 22 includes numerous under-the-hood tweaks and enhancements inherited from the QPR1 update. These include improvements to charging limits, pseudo desktop mode functionality (especially relevant for devices like the Pixel Tablet), and a host of other refinements that enhance the overall user experience.
A Step Ahead of the Curve
LineageOS 22’s arrival before the end of 2024 marks a significant shift compared to previous releases. This early launch allows users running LineageOS 21 to upgrade to Android 15 well ahead of the new year. The release is based on Android 15 QPR1, designated as LineageOS 22.1 rather than 22.0, aligning with Google’s “minor SDK releases” update naming scheme. The team even hinted at LineageOS 23.2 as part of the proposed Android 16 25Q4 release cycle, showing a clear commitment to staying current with Google’s updates.
A Community-Driven Effort
With over 100 devices now supported by LineageOS 22, and an additional 50 supporting the previous LineageOS 21 build, the project’s reach is impressive. This is a testament to the dedication and passion of the LineageOS development team and the vibrant community that supports it.
While downloads weren’t immediately available at the time of the announcement, they are expected to roll out in the coming days. Enthusiasts eager to get their hands on LineageOS 22 for their Pixel 9 devices can monitor the official LineageOS download pages for updates.
LineageOS 22 represents more than just a software update; it’s a testament to the power of open-source development and the desire for greater control over our devices. It breathes new life into existing hardware, offering a fresh, customizable, and often more enduring Android experience. For Pixel 9 owners looking to push the boundaries of their devices, LineageOS 22 is an exciting prospect indeed.
A new leak shows that the next big update to Android, called Android 16, might change how you look at your phone’s alerts and controls. Right now, when you pull down the top of your screen, you see either your notifications or the quick settings panel, but not both at the same time. The leak suggests Android 16 could let you see both together, side by side, when you swipe down from the top.
This new look would be helpful for people who want to check their messages and change settings quickly. It would mean less swiping and more info at a glance. The leak comes from someone who looks at Android’s code and shares new features before they are officially announced. The images in the leak show a split view, with notifications on one side and quick settings on the other.
This idea is still in testing, so it might not make it to the final version of Android 16. But if it does, it could make using your phone a bit easier and faster. The update is expected to come out later this year, and more details will be shared as we get closer to the launch. For now, this leak gives us a peek at what might be coming next for Android phones.
Google has made it easier for people to use video and audio apps in cars that run Android Automotive. Now, car makers can let drivers and passengers use more types of media apps, making car rides more fun and useful.
Before, Android Automotive only allowed certain apps for music, podcasts, and radio. With the new updates, car makers can now add video apps like YouTube and other streaming services. This means you can watch videos when the car is parked, such as while charging an electric vehicle or waiting for someone. Google is also letting more audio apps work in cars, so you can listen to audiobooks, news, and other audio content.
To keep everyone safe, video apps will only work when the car is not moving. Audio apps, on the other hand, can be used while driving, as long as they don’t distract the driver. Google is working closely with car companies to make sure these apps run smoothly and safely.
These changes are part of Google’s plan to make Android Automotive a better system for both drivers and passengers. By adding more ways to enjoy music, videos, and other content, car rides can be more entertaining and comfortable for everyone.
Google recently announced some big improvements to Android Auto at Google I/O 2025, especially for people who use music and podcast apps in their cars. These changes are meant to make it easier and safer to listen to your favorite songs and shows while driving.
Now, media apps on Android Auto will look and work more like the apps on your phone. For example, you’ll see bigger album covers, better controls, and more helpful information on the screen. If you use apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Audible, you’ll notice that it’s simpler to find and play what you want.
Another cool update is that Android Auto will now show suggestions for things you might want to listen to next, based on your habits. This means you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying your drive.
Google also made it easier for app developers to update their apps for Android Auto. This should mean more apps get these new features soon.
Overall, these updates are designed to make listening to music and podcasts in your car smoother and more enjoyable, so you can focus on the road and have a better driving experience.
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