The Power of Customization: LineageOS Brings Android 16 to Life
In a world where stock Android experiences are often limited, LineageOS steps up to offer a unique and personalized journey. Despite challenges, the team has released LineageOS 23.0, an exciting update with a twist.
A Tale of Two Android Versions
LineageOS 23.0 is based on the initial Android 16 release, not the more recent Android 16 QPR1. Why? Google's delay in releasing the QPR1 source code left the team with a tough decision. Should they wait, risking a delayed release, or move forward with what they had? They chose the latter, resulting in today's LineageOS 23.0.
But here's where it gets controversial... Google's recent practices have made it harder for custom ROMs like LineageOS to keep up with security updates. With 'risk-based' security patches, the team now has to wait for quarterly releases to fix most issues. And if that wasn't enough, Pixel devices, once a priority, are now treated like any other OEM device, making support more challenging.
What's New in LineageOS 23.0?
While some features like Material 3 Expressive and Desktop Mode aren't fully implemented, LineageOS 23.0 brings a host of other Android 16 improvements. Think edge-to-edge mode, predictive back navigation, and support for Advanced Protection mode. Plus, there's a major update to Aperture, the custom camera app, with Ultra HDR and RAW capture support. The music player, Twelve, gets a 'play random songs' button and expanded Jellyfin integration. For TVs, a new launcher, Catapult, offers a fast and ad-free experience.
And this is the part most people miss... LineageOS 23.0 introduces a game-changer: the ability to run LineageOS in a virtual machine through QEMU. This opens doors to supporting devices compatible with the mainline Linux kernel, a significant step forward.
Supported Devices and the Future
With LineageOS 23.0, the team is updating its support policy. The development cycle for LineageOS 21 is ending, but the team will continue to add new devices to the LineageOS 22.2 roster. Today, LineageOS 23.0 is available for over 100 devices, with specific instructions available on the LineageOS wiki. The team is pushing forward, determined to give users the latest Android version with the best security fixes they can access.
So, what do you think? Are custom ROMs still relevant in 2025? Do the challenges faced by LineageOS impact your view of Android customization? Let's discuss in the comments!
