The experience of Android customization for Xiaomi, Redmi, Poco and other manufacturers is changing dramatically, as Google’s latest changes to Android 16 cover up the possibility of traditional custom firmware development.
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Google’s new policy and its impact
As an important step in this direction, Google has removed device directories and driver files from the Android 16 source code. For many years, these resources have allowed developers to create custom firmware for the entire range of hardware.
Now Google gives access to device catalogs and drivers on a special portal with additional requirements and potential fees — this is hardly an open invitation for custom projects.
This is not just a technical shift, it is a strategic realignment. By restricting access to the source code, Google is pushing the Android ecosystem towards official manufacturer-centric solutions.
The decline of custom firmware
This step by Google is a serious obstacle for such very popular projects as LineageOS or Pixel Experience, as well as for lesser-known communities.
Developers have already noticed missing device catalogs in the Android 16 source code, making it almost impossible to support new devices without extensive reverse engineering.
The various custom ROM communities, once a hotbed of innovation and user choice, are now facing a harsh reality – for new hardware, further progress will be slow, if not completely halted.
HyperOS as a strategic response
Xiaomi’s focus on the proprietary HyperOS software platform now looks like a long-term solution with long-term benefits, as users will increasingly rely on official software that promises stability, deep hardware integration, and consistent updates.
HyperOS is designed to deliver these benefits by offering features and optimizations that custom projects run by various communities simply cannot match without direct access to the device’s internals.
With HyperOS, Xiaomi can control quality, security, and the deployment of the latest features across its entire product line, strengthening its brand in a market where differentiation is key.
The Future of Android Customization
The era of widespread, community-driven Android fine-tuning is coming to an end. Google’s control over the source code ecosystem means that innovation and user experience will largely be in the hands of manufacturers.
