Looks like those using 2014-era devices are in for a treat! The recently-released LineageOS 16 is slated to bring the well-received Android 9 Pie to several devices that no longer receive official updates.
Back in April 2018, a slew of top-branded devices including Xiaomi Mi Note 2, NVIDIA Shield TV, and the Samsung Galaxy S9 became compatible with LineageOS 15.1. After about a year, the developer team is all set to roll out a feature-laden update to LineageOS 15.1, dubbed as LineageOS 16.
The developers’ primary focus for this version was Privacy Guard and Styles API. Thanks to the newfangled features, the latest version will now be compatible with Android’s Dark Mode as well.
Staying true to its reputation for completely renewing old Android devices, the updated LineageOS version will introduce Android Pie to a wide range of devices including those that no longer receive official updates.
The LineageOS 16 will support thirty models that feature hardware from as long ago as 2014. The supported models will include Samsung’s Galaxy S5 and OnePlus One.
Many newfangled devices such as the Huawei P20 Pro, Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S2 tablets and Xiaomi Pocophone F1 will be able to use LineageOS right off the bat. We are highly likely to witness wider support in the near future.
It is imperative for those interested in upgrading to LineageOS 16.0 to back up all important data. The version can be downloaded either from a download portal or the Updater app. You will then need to export the package to the SD card by long-pressing, then selecting the “Export” option.
Next off, avail suitable add-ons packages and ensure you have the latest recovery and firmware, format system partition before following the instructions on the “Installing LineageOS from recovery” segment.
Likewise, you’d need to install unofficial code. Note that this might affect your phone in terms of efficiency. In other words, this is for people who do not mind fiddling with their phones in order to postpone an imminent hardware upgrade for about a couple of years.
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