The goal is to help OEMs to improve the speed of the Android OS upgrade cycle and leave them enough time to work on software enhancements, unique for its platforms.

Some key Android P elements might get to consumers a bit earlier than before, including multi-camera support, display cutout support, indoor navigation, HDR, among others. 

Xiaomi, vivo, Sony, OPPO and OnePlus onboard

The big news is that some OEMs, including Xiaomi, vivo, Sony Mobile, OPPO and OnePlus have announced plans to make the developer preview of Android P available on their devices.

Xiaomi plans to support the latest software release on its recently announced Mi MIX 2S, and OnePlus is planning to support the release on its upcoming OnePlus 6, both based on Snapdragon 845.

The focus is on Snapdragon 845 devices but of course the Snapdragon 835 devices will get Android P too and the 700 and 600 generation won’t be left out either.

Mike Genewich, director, product management, Qualcomm Technologies, said: 

 “We are excited to work with Google to pre-integrate our software with Android P, making it production ready for OEMs. Through our strengthened relationship, Google and Qualcomm Technologies are set to expand the market for Android and make it easier for OEMs to launch devices based on Snapdragon mobile platforms.”

Dave Burke, vice president of engineering, Google, said:

“Project Treble is the new hardware interface architecture for Android that is designed to make platform updates easier for device manufacturers. We’re excited to work closely with Qualcomm Technologies on a streamlined implementation of Android P for Snapdragon silicon, so device manufacturers can bring the latest Android innovations to developers and consumers more quickly.”

Android P is expected to be available to consumers later this year, probably closer to the Pixel 3 launch.