LineageOS, a community-developed alternative to the Android software supplied by smartphone manufacturers and one of the most popular free and open-source Android-based operating systems, has announced version 24.0, bringing Android 17.
One of the most visible additions is Canvas, a new image editor for everyday tasks like cropping, white balance adjustments, and filters. It complements the existing Glimpse gallery and Aperture camera apps, providing users a more complete set of built-in photography tools.
The release also introduces a refreshed look across many of its applications, which now incorporate Google’s Material Design 3 Expressive design language.
Among them, the Twelve music player has several improvements, including faster loading of large music libraries, a new activity view showing the most-played albums and genres, and better integration with Jellyfin.
Moreover, the Jelly web browser now supports PWA-like applications through its shortcut mechanism, while the Etar calendar and Seedvault backup applications have been updated to their latest upstream versions.
For Android TV users , the Catapult launcher features revamped animations and icons, along with a new battery indicator for mobile devices and handheld gaming consoles. The initial setup experience has also been refreshed, with SetupWizard receiving updated animations, redesigned screens, and improvements to the onboarding process.
Another significant change concerns system updates. LineageOS 24.0 introduces a redesigned Updater application with a more modern interface, improved animations, and clearer information throughout the installation process.
Streaming updates are now enabled by default, significantly reducing installation times on devices using Android’s A/B partition scheme. For devices without A/B partitions, the recovery partition updates automatically on the next boot after a successful system update. Tablet and TV layouts have also improved.
Perhaps one of the most interesting additions is a new collection of browser-based flashing tools available at flash.lineageos.org.
Using WebUSB, these tools let users communicate with compatible devices directly from a supported web browser without installing separate desktop flashing utilities. Supported methods include ADB, Fastboot, the Amlogic Burn protocol, and Samsung’s Odin protocol.
On the security side, LineageOS has incorporated patches covering August 2025 through October 2026 into branches 18.1 through 24.0.
Regarding hardware compatibility, LineageOS 24.0 launches with support for a broad selection of devices, including numerous Google Pixel models, from older generations through the Pixel 10 family, as well as devices from OnePlus, Motorola, Fairphone, Nothing, ASUS, and other manufacturers.
There is an important change for older hardware. The project will no longer accept new LineageOS 24.0 submissions for devices using Linux kernels 4.4 and 4.9, limiting those devices to LineageOS 22.2 for new official submissions.
Interestingly, developers are also experimenting with running LineageOS on other hardware. Early work has successfully booted the system on conventional x86-64 PCs, Apple Silicon Macs, Qualcomm Snapdragon X laptops, and NVIDIA DGX Spark systems.
Lastly, existing users upgrading from an official LineageOS build generally won’t need to wipe their devices, although exceptions may apply when significant device-specific changes are required. Users should consult the official upgrade instructions for their particular model before proceeding.
For downloads, supported devices, installation instructions, and the complete list of changes, visit the official announcement.
Image credits: LineageOS
Hopefully, i can articulate this properly.
The problem is that we as consumers. Purchased these and think that it is ours to own but its not. I have z fold 7 with the 1tb unlock option and purchased from Samsung direct. What gives them the right to block everything that i want to do with my phone that i did not use their lease and paid out right.
This is where we have lost out minds and need to fight back. The phone we purchased is ours not yours. We need to stop buying every company equipment if they lock us out, ie apple, Samsung. Afterward, they will change the way they do business or go broke. They use security, but you know that is not it, its control.
I once tried to install this system in a Huawei smart phone and failed. Installing OS on a phone is a completely different story than installing Linux on a laptop. Such a system certainly provides a sense of greater privacy. But the problem is banking applications or Andorid Auto. Someone will say, Ok you can install GApps for these applications. But it’s nothing more than Google Play Service. Are you uploading Google spy to a slow system. Plus, phones are changing. Today, you can buy very good equipment for little money, so all this fun with a new OS on old equipment no longer makes sense.
Good points, it’s not for everyone, but buying “very good equipment” doesn’t address the google spyware situation, and for those who aren’t using phone for gaming i guess, older devices can have more than enough horsepower than needed. For sure LOS can require some technical effort to install, and requires research *before* picking up a used device, unless lucky enough the one you have supports LOS. There is also microG for those who need use play store apps. Banking worked for me, but you are correct, for each person YMMV, and can change at any time based upon a banks whims. Some banking may also be accessible via browser, but as I understand it, in some countries/banks that is not possible, they require an app.
Presently I run a GSI (generic image) with no gapps or microG, and am very selective/minimalist about apps installed (FOSS only). Add on something like RethinkDNS, BlockAds, etc, perhaps even layer with ControlD and/or NextDNS and you can get some pretty decent privacy/tracker blocking. And great insight into what your phone is communicating to.
Also consider other benefits of extending lives of older devices like saving money, saving natural resources, not feeding the corrupt corporate greed machine of buying new phones all the time, etc.
Not for everyone, but LOS and its variants (e/OS, iODEos) are fantastic options for some, and should be cherished.
Yeah, no one is going to do that.
Anyway you can send me a copy of the software that I can download it and try it on my phone