Google has taken a welcome step for developers, immediately following the comprehensive update it rolled out for Pixel devices. The Android 16 open source code, eagerly awaited by independent developers and custom ROM communities, has been officially uploaded to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).

Development begins with Android 16 open source code

The tech giant launched code sharing simultaneously with the Android 16 QPR2 update released today. Developers can now access the files released under the “android-16.0.0_r4” tag. This development paves the way for custom ROM (custom ROM) development and system modifications within the Android ecosystem.

This rapid sharing symbolizes Google’s “return to normalcy.” As you may recall, with the QPR1 release in September, the company held back the source code for over two months, leaving developers in a difficult situation. This silence, which lasted until the Pixel Drop event in November 2025, was broken with the QPR2 release, and the company returned to its former glory.

While this new version, whose source code has been released, is technically an “interim update,” it’s quite comprehensive. It includes new customization options, security patches, and critical API updates for developers. With the code now available on AOSP, we may soon see Android 16 ported for devices other than the Pixel.

So, what are your thoughts on the released Android 16 open source code and Google’s move? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!