Lineage OS 21: Anticipated Release Date and Anticipated Features
Why do you prefer Lineage OS?
Over the past few years, LineageOS has established itself as a stable and reliable custom firmware option that surpasses others in the market. While several third-party aftermarket firmware options are available for various device models, not all devices are compatible with the latest Android OS versions. This is where AOSP builds or custom firmware, like LineageOS, come in handy, enabling users to install the latest Android OS builds even on slightly older devices.
Typically, Android devices from most manufacturers receive limited software support for two to three years, with some specific models receiving support for up to four to five years, including the latest Android OS updates and security patch updates officially via OTA. However, there is a catch: most smartphone OEMs tend to push the latest Android OS updates slower than ever, which can feel outdated as Google releases new Android OS versions during that time.
Furthermore, most Android device models become outdated within two to three years, maximum, due to no official support for Android OS updates. This lack of official support means that there will be no latest software updates, security patch updates, bug fixes, or additional improvements, etc. Hence, custom firmware based on AOSP builds plays a vital role in upgrading flagship and slightly outdated devices. However, if your device is too outdated, installing custom firmware may not provide access to the latest Android OS.
age OS 21: What is it?
LineageOS is an open-source and free-to-use operating system based on the Android mobile platform for various Android devices. Although it requires users to unlock their device’s bootloader and root it, the effort is worth it as it allows for the full potential of a custom ROM running Android. Currently, LineageOS 20 is available based on Android 13 officially. However, Google has recently released the Android 14 Beta 1 build, which is limited to selected Google Pixel models.
As more public beta builds are released, Android 14 will become more stable, improving performance, privacy, security, user customization, and more. Google is expected to release the stable build around September 2023, after which other smartphone OEMs will start releasing beta programs for a few months before coming up with stable releases.
Meanwhile, LineageOS 21 will also be released for custom ROM enthusiasts who want the latest Android OS version with all the advanced customizations and features. This will give older Android smartphones or tablet devices a new and fresh life, which might not be possible with official stock firmware. Additionally, LineageOS offers weekly, fortnightly, and monthly software updates via OTA to fix bugs or make improvements, which is a big plus point for users.
Estimated Release Date for Lineage OS 21
Lineage OS 21 also provides periodic security patches to safeguard your device and data against potential conflicts or threats. As Android 14 offers a clean material UI-like experience that looks visually pleasing, LineageOS 21 will also have a clean Pixel-like experience with additional customization and functionality options. It’s important to note that the stock firmware doesn’t offer additional features or customizations, which may disappoint some users.
Regarding the expected release date of LineageOS 21 based on Android 14, it’s highly likely that we’ll see compatibility with popular device models by the end of Q2 2023. As the Android 14 stable version is set to release in September 2023, we might see a beta build around Nov-Dec 2023. However, it’s evident that Lineage OS developers will need some time to include a variety of device lists in the compatibility.
Features to Anticipate in Lineage OS 21
At present, the LineageOS team has not made any official announcement or statement regarding the release date or expected features of LineageOS 21. However, we can assume that the core features of Android 14 will be incorporated into LineageOS 21 by default. Furthermore, the essential features and customization options of LineageOS should also be present, albeit with some modifications.
Given that Google has already released the Android 14 Beta 1 build, we can make some assumptions about which features will be available to all. Below, we’ve listed all of the Android 14 features that LineageOS developers should include in LineageOS 21.
- Redesigned Back Arrow for Gesture Navigation
2. App Actions with System Share Sheet
3. Forced Transparent Navigation Bar
4. Improved Image Permissions
5. Improved PIN Animations
6. Regional Per-App Preference
7. Improved Permission Controls
8. Visualized Media Player on Notifications Panel
9. Very Low Battery Notice
10. Emoji Kitchen Wallpapers
11. Notification LED Flashing
12. Separate Live Wallpapers for Home and Lock Screen
13. Better Accessibility Features for Bigger Fonts and New Hearing Devices
14. Malware Protection
15. Better Secure PIN Entry
16. Improved High-Contrast Text
17. Call Streaming to Tablets
18. Improved Battery Life Due to Background Restrictions
19. Fast Pair and Guest Mode
20. Better Fitness Tracking Integration with Apps
21. Integrated App Cloning (Pixel Models)
22. DualSense Edge Support
And more…
