Google says next version of Android 7.0 Nougat will arrive this fall as a developer preview
As Google takes “the final wrapper” off of Android 7.0 Nougat, their developer team is detailing some of the bigger behind-the-scenes changes making its way to into the latest Android release. Detailed on their blog, Google will be doing things a little different this year when it comes to the usual “dot” (.X) releases. You know, those smaller updates that roll out after a full version jump (e.g., Android 5.0, 5.0.1, 5.1, etc.).
The new approach will see Google moving to a regular maintenance schedule — outside of the monthly security updates — over the coming quarters. Although they haven’t committed to a specific timeline, it sounds like it could arrive quarterly. This new approach will get these new Android versions into the hands of developers sooner, with them arriving as part of the Developer Preview. Apparently Google has already begun work on the next version of Android 7.X Nougat update and says it will be available this fall for developers or willing testers.
They haven’t detailed what will be added, but you can expect the usual “refinements and polish,” with the likelihood of new smaller features to arrive as well. It’s actually a smart way to make sure everyone is up to speed on Android updates, and something that could help get Android updates out the door a little quicker.