Google will now keep Android development a secret - until official release

Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

Google plans to move all development of Android OS behind closed doors so that the process will no longer be visible to the public. This change is a big shift for Android, which has long allowed developers -- and anyone, really -- to peek behind the curtain. 

Also: The best Android phones to buy

But don't worry -- the average person won't notice a difference. Here's what's going on, why it's happening, and how it will affect you.

What's changing with Android?

Until now, Google has been developing Android in two main branches: a private internal branch and a public one called AOSP (Android Open Source Project). AOSP allowed anyone to see and contribute to Android's development, but Google's internal team did most of the work behind the scenes. AOSP's public branch would often lag behind the private branch, meaning new features and updates were visible to developers much later than they were in the private version of Android.

Also: Your Android phone will run Debian Linux soon (like some Pixels already can)

Now, Google has confirmed to Android Authority it will move all Android development into its internal private branch. The public branch will still receive the final product, but no new updates will be shown until they're ready to be officially released. This will help Google streamline the development process and avoid issues that arise from trying to merge the separate branches.

Why is Google doing this?

The main reason behind this shift is to make Android development more efficient. Right now, Google has to spend a lot of time and effort merging the public AOSP code with the private one. By consolidating everything into a single branch, Google aims to speed up development and reduce potential mistakes. To be clear, this change is not about making Android closed-source; Google will still release the source code when new versions of Android are ready. It just won't show progress in real time like it once did.

Will you notice anything different?

Probably not. For most Android users, this change won't impact your day-to-day experience. How Android updates are rolled out to phones won't change, and apps will still be developed and updated as usual. The only real difference is that Android diehards and developers won't be able to see the development process as easily, at least not until new updates are ready for release.

Also: Android 16 release is way ahead of schedule - and here's why

Developers and tech reporters will likely be the most affected. Developers who build custom Android versions or work with AOSP may find it harder to stay on top of new changes, as they won't be able to track the development as closely as before. Tech reporters, too, will miss the behind-the-scenes leaks from AOSP that often hint at upcoming features or devices. For example, the appearance of "Pixel 10" in AOSP code was a recent leak that gave us a glimpse into Google's future plans.

When is this change happening?

This shift will reportedly happen starting next week, with an official announcement from Google expected later this week. From then on, all Android OS development will be private, and the public will only see the source code when it's released.

Also: 12 Android phone settings you should change to dramatically increase battery life

Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.