Emir BardakçıThe open-source Android system project, LineageOS, has officially released its first mainline version based on Android 16—LineageOS 23. Dubbed the “Primetime Release,” this iteration represents the first fully ported and functionally refactored version since Android 16’s launch in June. The development team indicated that having already adapted to the interface adjustments between Android 12 and 14, the reconstruction effort based on Android 16 progressed more swiftly than anticipated. This rapid adaptation is a significant development, especially as it relates to extending the lifespan and functionality of devices like the beloved Xiaomi 9T.
Core Details of the Android 16 Initial Release
The LineageOS team clarified that the new version is numbered “23.0” rather than “23.1” because Google has yet to release the source code for the Quarterly Platform Release (QPR1) of Android 16. As LineageOS is not a contracted OEM partner, the current version is built upon the initial Android 16 (QPR0) release and incorporates publicly available security patches. A notable consequence of changes in Google’s security update cadence is that LineageOS security updates may experience delays. The team emphasized that the security patch level will only be updated after all patches have been made public, aligning with the project’s commitment to robust stability and security.
System Core and Tooling Advancements
LineageOS 23 integrates security patches from September 2024 through August 2025 and features updates to several critical components. These technical enhancements aim to boost system efficiency and preparation for future development.
- Build System Optimizations: OpenZFS and the build system have undergone further optimization, resulting in a more efficient compilation process.
- Upstream Application Updates: Core applications like SeedVault and Etar have been updated to their latest upstream versions, with fixes concurrently committed back to their original projects.
- WebView Upgrade: The system’s WebView has been upgraded to Chromium 140.0.7339.51.
- Virtualization Support: Support for VirtIO has been introduced for virtualization environments such as QEMU, crosvm, and UTM.
- Codebase Migration: The majority of system build scripts have been migrated to the Soong (Android.bp) system, substantially reducing the number of legacy
Android.mkfiles to fewer than ten. - Charging Management: Both the charging control and fast charging control functionalities have been updated and refined.
Comprehensive Functional and Application Upgrades
Significant improvements have also been implemented across LineageOS’s core applications, elevating the overall user experience.
- Aperture Camera Application: The camera application has been completely rewritten. It now supports JPEG Ultra HDR, RAW, and simultaneous RAW+JPEG shooting. New additions include a dynamic notification indicator area and status displays for battery and temperature control.
- Twelve Music Player: This music player features a new “Shuffle Play” button, displays playback statistics, supports MIDI playback, and offers improved integration with Jellyfin media services and cover art display.
- Catapult Launcher: A new, custom launcher named Catapult has been specifically introduced for Android TV, emphasizing a clean and practical design centered on user-centric interaction.
Xiaomi 9T: The Pioneer Device for LineageOS 23
Crucially, the Xiaomi 9T (code name davinci) is among the first devices to receive the official LineageOS 23 update. This confirms continued community support for the device, providing users with the opportunity to experience the newest Android 16 features and security updates, which are essential for extending the functional life of the hardware. The LineageOS team is committed to ongoing optimization of these core applications and exploring alternatives to the limitations posed by the Google CameraX library.
