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New LineageOS, based on Android 8.1, lands on Monday
- The custom Android ROM based on CyanogenMod will have Android 8.1 updates available tomorrow.
- However, only thirteen devices will see LineageOS 15.1 nightlies on Monday, with more to come soon.
- This is a nightly release, not a stable one, so users are advised to update with caution.
The death of CyanogenMod in 2016 was certainly a huge blow to the custom ROM community. But LineageOS, the Android ROM forked from the final CyanogenMod code, has taken the best things from CM while simultaneously fixing a lot of the issues users faced when using the custom operating system.
LineageOS users have been clamoring for an Android 8.1 Oreo update, and tomorrow they’ll officially have it…as long as they’re using a specific device.
LineageOS 15.1 nightlies begin tomorrow, February 26, for the following devices:
- Google Nexus 6P – angler
- Google Nexus 5X – bullhead
- LeEco Le Pro3 / Le Pro3 Elite – zl1
- OnePlus 3 / 3T – oneplus3
- OnePlus 5 – cheeseburger
- OnePlus 5T – dumpling
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 9.7 Wi-Fi (2016) – gts210vewifi
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0 Wi-Fi (2016) – gts28vewifi
- Xiaomi Mi 5 – gemini
- Xiaomi Mi 5S – capricorn
- Xiaomi Mi 5S Plus – natrium
Unfortunately, users of any of the other 170+ models of devices that support LineageOS will have to wait a bit longer to update to Android 8.1. However, keep in mind that even if you own one of the thirteen devices listed above, the LineageOS update is a nightly release, i.e. not stable. If you are not comfortable running software that may have bugs or other issues, you should wait until a stable version of LineageOS 15.1 drops in the future.
Notable updates included with 15.1 (aside from the baked-in updates with Android 8.1 itself) are:
- Styles – Users can select a custom accent color for their device as well as swap between a light and dark mode. This is similar to OnePlus’ OxygenOS feature.
- Trebuchet – The LineageOS launcher gets a complete overhaul to make it more up-to-date with Android standards. New features include custom icon packs support and adaptive icons support, the latter of which enables users to pick between circle, super ellipse, “squircle,” and teardrop-shaped icons.
- QR Camera – The stock camera app now supports reading QR codes.
- Project Treble – The entire code of the OS has been reformatted to be in line with the new platform. This will result in future ports of new Android versions coming faster.
To install LineageOS on your device for the first time, head to its Wiki page and find your device in the available list.