The absence of Android 13 was not a one-off for Google, which has been rumored to shift to a 2-year Android upgrade cycle for TV devices.
It is not uncommon for makers of TVs or media players to occasionally skip an Android version. For example, Nvidia skipped Android 10 and jumped straight from 9 to 11, which was Nvidia's own decision.
However, until Android 13, Google had released new Android system software annually for both mobile and TV devices. With Android 13, Google broke that pattern and rumors began to surface that it would shift from a 1-year to a longer 2-year upgrade cycle for TV devices.
2-year cycle confirmed
In its invitation for the annual Google I/O conference, scheduled for May 20-21, Google confirmed that the next release for TV devices will be Android 16, as spotted by Android Authority.
This confirms the rumors, as Google has now skipped both Android 13 and 15. In other words, Android versions with odd numbers are expected to be no-shows for TV devices going forward.
Google TV running on a Sony TV. Photo: Company
Google recently rolled out Android 14 for the Chromecast with Google TV, skipping Android 13. The release was significantly delayed compared to Android 14 for mobile devices.
Also read: Google TV has added about 130 million users in the last 2 years
TVs with Android 14
Most TVs with Google TV still run Android 12 or earlier, but Philips recently confirmed to FlatpanelsHD that its 2025 models will launch with Android 14.
No makers of TVs or media players have commented on their plans for Android 14 and beyond.
This stands in contrast to Apple TV 4K, where all devices receive the latest software on the day of release.
- Source: Android Authority
