Google is making a significant change to how Android is developed, shifting all work to internal branches and away from public view. This move marks the end of an era of transparency that Android developers and enthusiasts have enjoyed for over 15 years.
The End of Live AOSP Commits
The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) has long been a window into Google’s development process, allowing developers to track changes in real-time. However, starting next week, this level of transparency will come to an end. Google has confirmed that all Android development will transition to its internal branches, effectively closing off public access to the live development process.
This change doesn’t mean Android is becoming closed-source. Google has emphasized that Android will remain an open-source platform, with source code releases continuing alongside new Android versions. The key difference is in the timing and visibility of the development process.
Why the Change?
Google cites several reasons for this shift:
Streamlining Development
By consolidating work in internal branches, Google aims to simplify the development process. This could potentially lead to faster iterations and more efficient bug fixing.
Reducing Merge Conflicts
Working solely on internal branches eliminates the need to merge changes between public and private codebases, which can often lead to conflicts and delays.
Aligning AOSP with Internal Builds
Historically, the public AOSP branch has lagged behind Google’s internal builds. This change should help keep AOSP more closely aligned with the latest Android developments.
Impact on Different Stakeholders
For End Users
The average Android user likely won’t notice any difference. The change primarily affects the development process, not the end product.
For App Developers
Most app developers won’t see significant impacts. The Android SDK, APIs, and documentation will continue to be updated as usual with each new Android release.
For Custom ROM Developers
This group may face the biggest challenges. Custom ROM developers often rely on AOSP commits to stay ahead of Android changes. They’ll now have to wait for official releases to see new code, potentially slowing down their development cycles.
For Tech Journalists and Enthusiasts
The loss of live AOSP commits means fewer early glimpses into upcoming Android features. This could reduce the number of leaks and speculative reports about future Android versions.
What Remains Public?
While live development is moving behind closed doors, Google has confirmed that certain aspects of Android will remain public:
- The Android source code will still be released with each new version
- The Linux kernel used in Android will continue to be developed openly
- Some core Android components like Bluetooth stacks will likely maintain public development
Looking Ahead
This change represents a significant shift in Google’s approach to Android development. While it may streamline internal processes, it also raises questions about the future of Android’s open-source nature.
As the transition occurs, the Android community will be watching closely to see how this affects the ecosystem. Will the reduced transparency lead to better, more stable Android releases? Or will it stifle innovation and community contributions? Only time will tell.
The move to private development marks a new chapter for Android. While some transparency is lost, Google’s commitment to keeping Android open-source remains. As the dust settles, developers and users alike will need to adapt to this new reality in the world of Android.