The LineageOS team has smashed expectations with a lightning-fast release of LineageOS 22.1, based on Android 15 QPR1. Thanks to a surge in passionate contributors and new project leaders, the team has not only adapted to Android 15’s complexities but also delivered this update way ahead of schedule.
“This is far-and-away the easiest bringup cycle from a device perspective we have seen in years,” the team announced. This means more devices are supported right from launch day!
What’s New in 22.1?
- Security Boost: Includes security patches from March 2024 to November 2024, keeping your device safe and sound.
- App Updates: Popular apps like SeedVault and Etar have been refreshed to their latest versions.
- WebView Upgrade: Enjoy smoother browsing with Chromium 131.0.6778.200.
- Extraction Overhaul: Thanks to contributor demon000, extracting files is now blazingly fast, with a “30x speed improvement!”
- Virtualization Support: For the tinkerers, contributor 0xCAFEBABE has added support for virtIO targets (QEMU/crosvm/UTM).
LineageOS 22.1 welcomes two brand new apps:
- Twelve: A modern music app replacing the aging Eleven. Twelve boasts a sleek Material You design, landscape and tablet support, and compatibility with various music library server protocols like Subsonic and Jellyfin. Get ready for improved search, Android Auto support, and more!
- Camelot: A simple and efficient PDF reader, perfect for viewing those important documents on the go.
The LineageOS team has been busy optimizing the core system:
- Common Kernels: SoC-specific common kernels have been developed to streamline updates and security patches for maintainers.
- Shared Shims: Legacy device support is easier than ever with commonized “shims” – interpolating libraries that ensure compatibility.
While LineageOS 22.1 marks a major milestone, the team isn’t slowing down. They’ve adopted a new versioning system to align with Google’s minor SDK releases, ensuring clarity and easier tracking of updates.
Head over to the LineageOS Wiki for detailed upgrade and installation instructions for your device. Remember, if you’re on an official build, you likely won’t need to wipe your device!
