Google Restructures Strategy, Will Develop Android OS Privately

Google is revamping its approach to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and shifting all Android (OS) development to its internal branch, marking a big change in the platform's 16-year history, says a report by Android Authority.

The change aims to streamline the development process while maintaining the OS' open-source foundation.

Android's core software remains a universal constant across device manufacturers, with each company free to customise the user interface (UI) while using the same fundamental OS. The Apache 2.0 License has been instrumental in Android's adoption, allowing OEMs to modify and distribute the software without licensing fees.

Google continues to maintain primary control over the project, treating AOSP as a comprehensive product development operation. 

The tech giant strategically balances transparency with controlled development by maintaining two distinct Android branches: a public AOSP branch accessible to all developers and an internal development branch reserved for companies with Google Mobile Services licensing agreements.

While AOSP accepts third-party code contributions, Google retains ultimate decision-making power regarding code mergers and version releases. This approach ensures platform stability and allows developers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to work with a consistent, reliable version of the OS.

The ongoing modifications reflect Google's commitment to maintaining Android's competitive edge while preserving its open-source ecosystem, potentially signaling a new era of platform development.