LineageOS 24 Launches Based on Android 17 With Fresh Redesigns
LineageOS has announced a surprise early release of LineageOS 24, bringing Android 17 builds, a suite of app redesigns, and a new WebUSB-based flashing tool.
Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer
Surprise Early Release Based on Android 17
LineageOS 24 is now officially available, bringing builds based on Android 17 in a surprise early release. Detailed in a dedicated and detailed blog post, the custom ROM project launched the new version well ahead of schedule following Android 17’s initial June launch. The release lands as LineageOS 24.0 and incorporates security patches spanning from August 2025 through October 2026 across supported branches, arriving just ahead of the project's 10th anniversary on December 24, 2026.
App Design Refreshes and Material Design 3 Expressive
A major focal point of the LineageOS 24 release cycle is a comprehensive update to core application designs. Almost all core Lineage applications have been updated to adopt Material Design 3 Expressive. This includes the introduction of a brand-new built-in image editor called Canvas, designed to handle standard image editing tasks like basic cropping, white balance, and filters alongside existing apps like Glimpse and Aperture.
Additionally, the default updater has received a visual overhaul and now supports streamed updates by default, which drastically cuts down installation times on A/B devices. The Twelve music player benefits from faster load times for large media libraries, improved Jellyfin support, and a dedicated tab for most-played tracks. Meanwhile, the default browser Jelly now supports PWA-like applications via a new shortcut, offering an alternative for users avoiding third-party app stores.
Streamlined WebUSB Flashing Tools
Installing custom ROMs can often be intimidating, but LineageOS 24 aims to ease the process. The team is introducing new WebUSB-based flash tools that operate directly via the browser for standard installation processes, including ADB Fastboot, Amlogic Burn, and Samsung Odin protocols. While traditional device wiki guides remain the default and fully supported path, these optional web tools help streamline the installation experience for users looking to avoid installing extra desktop software.
Kernel Restrictions and Maintenance Updates
On the maintenance front, LineageOS is formally restricting future builds for older devices running legacy Linux Kernel versions 4.4 and 4.9. These legacy kernels can no longer be submitted for LineageOS 23.2 or 24.0 builds, though they will continue to receive support on LineageOS 22.2 with ongoing monthly security patches. At the same time, the project has expanded SoC-specific common kernels and commonized legacy device shims to simplify maintenance across popular Qualcomm and Amlogic chips.
Device Rollout and Availability
Rollouts are scheduled to hit a growing selection of supported devices over the coming weeks as maintainers bring hardware up to compliance. Users looking to verify if their hardware is ready or wanting to track the upgrade path can check the official LineageOS Wiki for the latest device-specific instructions and availability details.
Sources
- 9to5GoogleLineageOS 24 launches based on Android 17 with app redesigns and simple flash tool
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