The LineageOS team has officially released LineageOS 23, introducing Android 16 to the custom ROM ecosystem. This release is another milestone for the open-source project, which continues to power older devices long after official OEM support ends.
Despite facing challenges from Google’s delayed release of Android 16 source code, the team has pushed ahead, proving once again the resilience of community-driven software development.
Unlike Google’s Pixel lineup, which is already running Android 16 QPR1, LineageOS 23 is built on Android 16 QPR0 (Quarterly Platform Release 0), the initial public build of the operating system.
Google has yet to release the QPR1 source code to the public, limiting what independent developers can access through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This means LineageOS 23 doesn’t yet include the latest features and security updates found in QPR1.
However, the team describes QPR0 as a “stable and complete enough” foundation to roll out Android 16 without further delay. Once Google releases the missing code, LineageOS is expected to merge it in a follow-up update, likely version 23.1.
New Features in LineageOS 23
Even without QPR1, LineageOS 23 delivers a feature-packed update that modernizes the user experience across phones and tablets. Some of the highlights include:
- Completely Rewritten Camera App: Offers better performance, a cleaner UI, and support for Ultra HDR and RAW + JPEG image capture.
- Revamped Music App (Twelve): A sleeker, faster music player with improved playlist handling.
- Catapult TV Launcher: A new, ad-free Android TV interface.
- Virtualization Support: Adds QEMU-based virtual machine capabilities for advanced users and developers.
- Improved Privacy and Backup: An enhanced SeedVault backup system and updated WebView with tighter privacy controls.
- Charging Controls: Refined options for better battery management and device health.
The update also includes numerous UI refinements, smoother animations, and deeper integration of Material You themes.
Rollout and Supported Devices
LineageOS 23 is now gradually rolling out to a growing number of devices, with official builds available through the LineageOS download portal.
The rollout is happening in phases, with maintainers focusing first on actively supported and popular phones before expanding to older models. So far, confirmed and early-supported devices include:
- Google Pixel 4a, Pixel 5, and Pixel 6 series
- OnePlus 7, 8, and 9 series
- Xiaomi Mi 10, Mi 11, Poco F3, and Redmi Note 10 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy S10, S20, and Tab S6 Lite
- Fairphone 4
- Asus Zenfone 8 and 9
- Motorola Edge 20
More devices will join the list in the coming weeks as maintainers finish testing and validation. Future updates, including the anticipated integration of QPR1 once Google releases its source, will arrive as incremental versions.
