LineageOS 23 launches with Android 16, application updates, improved VM support, and more

LineageOS 23 has landed as the latest version of this open source Android-based operating system, running atop Android 16. While this new release brings several platform improvements, it is built on Android 16’s initial stable version from June instead of the latest QPR1, which means some devices face delayed security patch levels and the discontinuation of first-class support for Pixel devices. Google's decision not to publish QPR1 source code or continue Pixel source support directly affects this limitation.

Expanding its compatibility footprint, this release introduces extended support for devices running mainline Linux kernels. Alongside this, there is improved support for running LineageOS in virtualized environments, with enhanced VirtIO configuration and expanded QEMU integration. These changes facilitate easier deployment in virtual machines for debugging or exploration. Device maintainers benefit as preliminary work begins on new tools to streamline the process of bringing up unsupported devices from scratch.

Among app enhancements, the Aperture camera app has been rewritten from scratch, while SeedVault and Etar have been updated to their latest upstream builds. The WebView component now uses Chromium 140.0.7339.51, and the music player Twelve has received additional features and polish. There is also a new custom Android TV launcher, named Catapult, and a set of ringtones sourced from Plasma Mobile. Security patches span from September 2024 through August 2025 in this release.