Custom Android ROMs may not be at their peak, but even in 2025 they're still going strong thanks to communities that refuse to give up. Among them all, one remains synonymous with stability, performance, and support without Google: LineageOS. Its latest major release, LineageOS 23 , is here and promises to extend the life of dozens of phones with modern features and up-to-date patches.
We're talking about LineageOS 23.0, the first version based on Android 16 , arriving like a breath of fresh air for over a hundred devices, both old and new. This update, dubbed the Primetime Release, not only adopts the best of the cleanest Android; it also incorporates its own improvements, security tweaks, and revamped apps to continue demonstrating that open-source software still has much to offer.
What LineageOS 23 brings
The basis for this batch is clear: Android 16 serves as the foundation for LineageOS 23.0 . The team chose to start with the first stable version released in June (QPR0) and not Android 16 QPR1. This isn't arbitrary: Google hasn't yet released the source code for that quarterly update, so without OEM partner access, integration is impossible. The result: the version number is 23.0 and not 23.1, with all that this implies.
This context intersects with another reality: Android security patches have shifted to a risk-based update model . In practice, bulletins prioritize high-impact vulnerabilities, and many fixes are released quarterly, not monthly. Therefore, LineageOS must align its own pace with this schedule to release patches when all the information is publicly available, while 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, some QPR1 features are missing from this first batch. You won't see Material 3 Expressive or Desktop mode . However, other useful system improvements are included: predictive backward navigation, edge-to-edge mode, better app adaptation to different screen sizes, and support for Advanced Protection mode. A sensible balance while we wait for the next QPR code.
Beyond pure Android, LineageOS adds its own touch with a massive update to Aperture , its camera app. The tool has been rewritten, supports Ultra HDR JPEG, captures RAW and RAW+JPEG, and introduces dynamic indicators, as well as status panels for battery and temperature. The mobile photography offered by this project doesn't rely on Google services , yet it still benefits from top-tier improvements.
What's new under the hood: compilation, virtualization, and codebase
On a technical level, this version is very polished. Optimizations have been applied to the build system and OpenZFS to accelerate and refine the build process. At the same time, the team has made significant progress on a key migration: most scripts are now using the Soong system with Android.bp, leaving fewer than ten legacy Android.mk files. This modernizes the foundation and lays the groundwork for further scalability.
Another significant leap forward is virtualization support via VirtIO . LineageOS can now be run in virtual machines like QEMU, CrosVM, or UTM, paving the way for testing, development, and, in the future, support for more devices. The project makes its intentions clear: running the ROM in virtual machines lays the foundation for eventually supporting any device running the main Linux kernel.
Renewed home applications: from Twelve to Catapult
The proprietary apps are also evolving. The Twelve player adds a shuffle button , statistics, MIDI support, a more comprehensive Now Playing screen, and better integration with Jellyfin, along with more polished album art. It's the kind of attention to detail that makes you forget about third-party alternatives.
For the living room, Catapult appears, a launcher designed for Android TV with a clean interface, free of clutter and intrusive recommendations, and focused on direct interaction. Alongside it, critical tools like SeedVault (backups) and Etar (calendar) are updated, the loading control and fast loading system is strengthened, and the system's WebView jumps 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 priority. LineageOS integrates patches from September 2024 to August 2025 , within the limits of publicly available code. The system's privacy suite improves interaction points and makes data flows more transparent, so users always know what they are sharing and with whom.
Trust stands out in this regard, a dashboard that helps you understand the device's security status , alerting you to threats or problematic configurations. The project emphasizes not sacrificing stability for haste: the patch level is updated only when all fixes have been officially released, preventing you from jumping in blindly.
Pixel and the new framework with Google
For years, Pixel phones enjoyed a technical advantage thanks to abundant references, device trees, and documentation. That's changing: Google now offers less specific information and distributes kernel code in compressed files without a history. Thus, Pixel phones no longer receive preferential treatment and become just another device within the support ecosystem.
Even with this shift, they remain compatible within LineageOS . The community effort relies, when necessary, on related projects and collaborations to maintain support for models where official information is scarcer. It's a necessary adaptation to the changing times, without losing sight of quality.
The notification island and other design changes
The aesthetics have also been revamped. The notification panel has been redesigned with dynamic colors and new indicators , aligning with the visual language of Android 16. This is complemented by new ringtones and alarms, and a suite of updated apps that refine the everyday experience, from calendar and backup to minor system tweaks.
LineageOS 23 on virtual machines and the mainline kernel dream
There's a significant new feature that shouldn't be overlooked: LineageOS 23 can now run in virtual machines with VirtIO support on QEMU, CrosVM, and UTM. This lowers barriers for critical users like developers, testers, and anyone curious to try it 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.
That goal isn't achieved overnight, but the step is important because it standardizes key components , adds mature tools, and pushes the project to evolve at a pace that doesn't depend so much on each manufacturer.
Xiaomi 9T leads the way and sets the pace of the community
Among the first models to receive the official update is a beloved classic: the Xiaomi 9T, codenamed davinci . This milestone ensures that those who kept the device alive now have a way to enjoy Android 16, current patches, and updated apps, further extending its lifespan. The team is also investigating alternatives to overcome some of CameraX's limitations.
Meanwhile, it's mentioned that the announcement and new features circulated on social media , and that to view certain content on X, it may be necessary to enable JavaScript or use compatible browsers. Such are the realities of 2025, where the web and platforms increasingly demand stricter conditions for accessing technical information without restrictions.
Download and install LineageOS 23: read the wiki before flashing
To get off to a good start, visit the LineageOS downloads section and consult the device wiki. There are specific guides, additional steps for certain models, and, as always, risks if you don't follow the process. Backing up your data, checking the bootloader status, and having the correct images on hand are essential steps to avoid problems.
The team emphasizes that every architecture has its nuances , and that rushing things often proves costly. Take a few minutes to read this and you'll save yourself hours of headaches. This isn't a tutorial, but the recommendation is clear: patience and a methodical approach.
The fact that this version remains at 23.0, that some QPR1 components are missing, and that the patch schedule is quarterly in many cases does not diminish the leap forward: the project arrives solid, with a system that compiles better, more powerful apps, a design that is progressing, and a vast array of devices with a second, third, or fourth life ahead.