Android custom ROMs may not be in their prime, but in 2025 they're still going strong thanks to communities that aren't giving up. Among them all, there's one that continues to be synonymous with stability, performance, and support without Google: LineageOS. Its new major release, LineageOS 23, is here and promises to extend the life of dozens of mobile phones with modern features and up-to-date patches.
We talk about LineageOS 23.0, the first version based on Android 16 This update, dubbed Primetime Release, not only embraces the best of the cleanest Android; it also incorporates its own improvements, security tweaks, and revamped apps to continue demonstrating that free software still has a lot to offer.
What LineageOS 23 brings
The basis of this batch is clear: Android 16 serves as the foundation for LineageOS 23.0The team has chosen to start with the first stable version released in June (QPR0) rather than Android 16 QPR1. This isn't a coincidence: Google hasn't yet published the source code for that quarterly revision, so without OEM partner access, integration is impossible. The result: the numbering is 23.0, not 23.1, with all that this implies.
This context intersects with another reality: Android security patches have moved to a risk-based update schemeIn practice, bulletins prioritize high-impact vulnerabilities, and many fixes are released quarterly, not monthly. Therefore, LineageOS must fit its own pace into that schedule to ramp up patching when all the information is publicly available, maintaining its commitment to stability and transparency.
What's in and what's out: Changes from the baseline Android 16
Although the ROM is built on Android 16, There are QPR1 functions that do not appear in this first batch. You won't see Material 3 Expressive or the Desktop modeIn return, other useful system updates are arriving: predictive back navigation, edge-to-edge mode, better app adaptation to different formats, and support for Advanced Protection mode. A sensible balance while we wait for the code for the next QPR.
Beyond pure Android, LineageOS adds its touch with a massive Aperture update, its camera app. The tool has been rewritten, supports Ultra HDR JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG capture, and introduces new dynamic indicators, as well as status panels for battery and temperature. The mobile photography proposed by the project does not depend on Google services and yet benefits from top-of-the-line improvements.
What's new under the hood: compilation, virtualization, and codebase
On the technical side, this version is very well-designed. Optimizations have been applied to the build system and OpenZFS to speed up and fine-tune the build process. At the same time, the team has made progress on a key migration: most scripts are moving to the Soong system with Android.bp, leaving fewer than a dozen legacy Android.mk files. This modernizes the foundation and lays the groundwork for further scaling.
Another relevant leap is the Virtualization support via VirtIOLineageOS can now be run on virtual machines like QEMU, crosvm, or UTM, paving the way for testing, development, and, in the future, more devices. The project makes it clear: running the ROM on virtual machines lays the groundwork for eventually supporting any device running the mainline Linux kernel.
Renewed home applications: from Twelve to Catapult
Own apps also evolve. Twelve player adds a shuffle button, statistics, MIDI support, a more comprehensive On-Play screen and better Jellyfin integration, plus a more polished cover art display. It's the kind of attention-grabbing that makes you forget about third-party alternatives.
For the living room, Catapult, a launcher designed for Android TV, appears With a clean interface, free from clutter and intrusive recommendations, and focused on direct interaction. Critical tools like SeedVault (backups) and Etar (calendar) have been updated, the loading and fast loading control system has been strengthened, and the system's WebView has been upgraded to Chromium 140.0.7339.51 for more secure browsing and rendering of web content.
Security and Privacy: Trust, Patches, and a Long-Term Approach
Security remains a strategic axis. LineageOS integrates patches from September 2024 to August 2025, within the possibilities offered by the public publication of the code. The system's privacy suite improves points of interaction and makes data flows more visible, so that the user knows at all times what they are sharing and with whom.
This is where Trust stands out, a dashboard that helps you understand the security status of your device, alerting you to threats or problematic configurations. The project insists on not sacrificing stability for haste: the patch level is updated when all fixes have been officially released, which prevents jumping in blindly.
Pixel and the new framework with Google
During years, The Pixels had a technical advantage due to the abundance of references, device trees, and documentation. That's changing: Google now offers less specific information and distributes the kernel code in compressed files with no history. Thus, the Pixels no longer roll out on the red carpet and become just another part of the support ecosystem.
Even with that twist, are still supported within LineageOSCommunity efforts rely, when necessary, on related projects and collaborations to maintain support in models where official information is scarcer. This is a necessary adaptation to changing times, without losing focus on quality.
The notification island and other design changes
The aesthetic section also receives care. The Notification Island has been redesigned with dynamic colors and new indicators., aligning with the visual language of Android 16. Added to this are new ringtones and alarms, and a set of revamped apps that fine-tune the everyday experience, from calendar and backup to minor system tweaks.
LineageOS 23 on virtual machines and the mainline kernel dream
There is a significant development that should not be overlooked: LineageOS 23 can run on virtual machines with VirtIO support in QEMU, CROSVM, and UTM. This lowers the barriers for critics like developers, testers, and curious people who want to try things out without flashing a physical device. But, above all, it opens the door to an ambitious scenario: moving closer to supporting any device with a mainline Linux kernel.
This horizon is not achieved overnight, but the step is important because it standardizes key parts, adds mature tools and pushes the project to evolve at a pace that is less dependent on each manufacturer.
Xiaomi 9T leads the way and sets the pace of the community
Among the first models to debut the official update is a much-loved classic: the Xiaomi 9T, codenamed DaVinciThis milestone ensures that those who kept the device alive now have a way to enjoy Android 16, current patches, and updated apps, extending its lifespan once again. The team is also investigating alternatives to overcome some of CameraX's limitations.
In parallel, It is reported that the announcement and the news circulated on social networks. and that viewing certain X content may require JavaScript or compatible browsers. This is a 2025 scenario, where the web and platforms are increasingly demanding conditions for reading technical information without restrictions.
Download and install LineageOS 23: read the wiki before flashing
To start off on the right foot, Visit the LineageOS download section and check out the wiki of the device. There are specific guides, additional steps for certain models, and, as always, risks if you don't follow the process. Backing up, checking the bootloader status, and having the correct images on hand are basic steps to avoid disappointment.
The team insists that Each architecture has its nuances, and rushing things can be expensive. Spend a few minutes reading and you'll save yourself hours of headaches. This isn't a tutorial, but the recommendation is clear: patience and method.
Let this version stay at 23.0, that pieces of QPR1 are missing and that the patch schedule is quarterly in many cases This does not tarnish the leap forward: the project is solid, with a system that compiles better, more powerful apps, a design that progresses, and a huge range of devices with a second, third, or fourth life ahead of them.