Google confirms Android TV 16, skips version 15 in major platform shift
Among the key features teased with Gemini AI are the ability to speak directly to the TV without a wake word.
Google has officially announced a major shift in its Android TV roadmap, revealing that it will bypass Android TV 15 and move directly to version 16.
The decision, unveiled during the schedule for Google I/O 2025, signals a new direction for the platform as Google adopts a more deliberate update cycle and prepares to embed AI deeper into the TV experience.
This marks the second time Google has skipped a version on its TV platform, following the absence of Android TV 13.
By adopting a biannual release cycle, the tech giant is focusing on fewer but more impactful updates, aiming to deliver better performance and smarter features in each version.
During the Google I/O 2025 session titled "Engage users on Google TV with excellent TV apps," developers were given an early look at what’s coming in Android TV 16.
Though full details remain under wraps, the preview provided a glimpse into several changes aimed at enhancing how apps perform and look on the big screen.
Some of the key updates developers can expect include guidance on memory optimization to support better performance on devices with limited hardware.
Google is also expanding its modern UI toolkit, Jetpack Compose for TV, allowing developers to create cleaner and more interactive interfaces for Android TV apps.
In what appears to be a sign of an approaching rollout, Google urged developers to start preparing their apps for Android TV 16. “Prep for Android 16 for TV,” the session emphasized, suggesting that the next version is not far from launch.
Another major reveal was the upcoming integration of Gemini AI into the Google TV experience.
This addition is set to transform how users interact with their TVs by removing the need to say trigger phrases like "Hey Google" and enabling more seamless control of smart home devices.
With Gemini AI, Google TVs will also begin using far-field microphones and proximity sensors to detect when someone is nearby.
Based on the user’s presence and habits, the TV will display helpful widgets and alerts, creating a more personalized experience.
Among the key features teased with Gemini AI are the ability to speak directly to the TV without a wake word, manage smart home settings more easily, and receive content suggestions tailored to individual viewing habits.
"Talk to your TV without saying ‘Hey Google,"' Google said in a statement outlining the new interaction model.
It also promised easier control of connected devices and content recommendations that adapt based on how and when the TV is used.
Although the company has not announced an official release date for Android TV 16, its message to developers makes it clear that preparations should begin now.
The focus on memory improvements, user interface enhancements, and AI features underlines Google’s goal of making Android TV more useful and efficient.
The decision to skip version 15 may seem unusual at first, but it reflects a broader effort to streamline the Android TV platform.
By aligning the platform with a slower, more deliberate update rhythm, Google aims to deliver more stable and feature-rich updates that better meet evolving user expectations.
As Android TV 16 nears, developers are being encouraged to embrace the new tools and capabilities Google is rolling out.
From performance upgrades to AI-driven features, the company appears to be laying the groundwork for a smarter, more intuitive television experience.