In case you didn’t know, Android has always been an open-source platform. This flexibility is why it looks different on Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola devices. It also lets us glimpse upcoming changes and features Google is working on. However, that’s about to change Google has decided to move all Android development behind closed doors.
Mishaal Rahman from Android Authority highlighted Google’s decision to overhaul Android development. He explained that the company is shifting all Android OS development to an internal pipeline, completely moving away from the public branch.
To put things into perspective, Google currently manages two branches of Android development. One is a public branch, where anyone can track ongoing progress, and the other is a private branch, accessible only to Google, smartphone manufacturers, and those with a Google Mobile Services (GMS) license.
According to Rahman, while anyone can view and contribute to the public branch, Google ultimately decides whether to accept or reject those changes. However, merging the public and private branches has proven challenging, often leading to conflicts and inefficiencies. To streamline the process, Google has decided to shift all development to its internal pipeline.
Despite this change, most things will remain the same. Google will continue to maintain the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) Gerrit, allowing developers and third parties to submit their commits. As a user, you won’t notice any major differences custom ROMs will still be available if you’re into them. However, the shift poses a challenge for analysts like Rahman, who rely on the public branch to uncover upcoming Android features.
Just like how we report on upcoming Android changes before they’re officially announced, this shift will make it harder for developers to track progress and adapt their projects accordingly. It could also discourage community contributions, which have played a role in shaping Android over the years.
While Google’s decision might streamline its internal processes, it’s still a disappointing move for those who have relied on the open-source nature of Android development. What are your thoughts on this change? Let us know in the comments below!
