In the past, custom Android ROMs and app launchers were some of the most exciting aspects of the Android platform. Those days may seem to be gone, but LineageOS, built from the ashes of CyanogenMod, continues that legacy. With version 16.0, it not only proves that its development continues, but also that it is updated with the latest trends in the Android market.
Android 9.0 Pie was released in August last year, but it took quite a while for LineageOS to get a stable version. Aside from the potential lack of manpower, however, this may also be partly due to the “unique features” that the ROM places on top of Android.
Of course, some might consider these features essential. The Styles API, for example, has been updated to support the upcoming system-wide dark mode on Android itself. Lineage's Trust interface now allows new USB devices to be blocked when the phone is locked, and the Trebuchet app launcher can hide apps behind passwords.
Additionally, ROMs like LineageOS provide support for forgotten and “neglected” phones. Do you still have the ZUK Z1 or a Galaxy S5? Now you can put Android 9.0 Pie on them, along with February 2019 security patches!
So with LineageOS 16.0 now based on Pie and becoming a stable release, the community says goodbye to LineageOS 14.1, which is based on Nougat. There will only be some security updates. Similarly, LineageOS 15.1, which is based on Android 8.1 Oreo, will still be in development, but don't expect any new features.
