LineageOS 23 Arrives on Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 – Here’s Why Android Fans Are Excited

Official LineageOS Support for New Devices: Google’s Pixel 9a and OnePlus’ 13 flagship have been added to the official LineageOS 23.0 roster, extending the popular custom Android 16-based ROM to these phones ^[1] ^[2]. This expansion also includes other models like Samsung’s Galaxy A71 and Xiaomi’s Mi 10T Lite/Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G ^[3] ^[4].
LineageOS 23.0 = Android 16 (Minus Latest Pixel Updates): LineageOS 23.0 is built on Android 16’s initial June 2025 release, since Google delayed releasing the Android 16 QPR1 source code ^[5]. As a result, current LineageOS builds do not include newer features like Android’s Material You 3 Expressive theming introduced in QPR1 ^[6].
Pixel 9a’s Long Wait Explained: The Pixel 9a joined LineageOS nearly half a year after its launch, much later than usual for Pixel devices ^[7]. Developers blame Google’s “heel-dragging” in publishing kernel source code for the delay ^[8]. Typically, recent Pixel phones get support within weeks of launch, making this one of the longest waits for official LineageOS support on a Pixel handset.
OnePlus 13 Gains a Second Life: The OnePlus 13, a top 2025 flagship, can now run LineageOS 23, effectively freeing it from OnePlus’s OxygenOS software ^[9]. With OnePlus 13 still on Android 15 officially (Android 16/OxygenOS 16 in beta) ^[10], LineageOS lets users jump to Android 16 ahead of the official update. It offers a cleaner, stock-like Android experience that enthusiasts crave ^[11].
Extended Device Longevity & Customization: By installing LineageOS, users of these devices can extend software support and lifespan beyond the manufacturer’s update window. OnePlus owners frustrated by shorter update policies (around 5 years) ^[12] could get extra “runway” on the OnePlus 13 with LineageOS ^[13]. Pixel 9a users gain greater control, customization, and even privacy benefits – though for hardcore privacy, GrapheneOS remains an alternative on Pixels ^[14].
Caveats – Missing Features & DIY Effort: Because LineageOS 23.0 lacks the latest QPR1 code, Pixel 9a users who flash it will be on a slightly outdated build of Android 16 (pre-QPR1) ^[15], missing features like the Material You Expressive update. Future quarterly updates (QPR2, etc.) will also lag until Google releases source code ^[16]. Installing LineageOS is a power-user endeavor – it requires unlocking the bootloader and following device-specific instructions carefully ^[17] – but the LineageOS site provides guides to help new modders get started ^[18].

LineageOS 23: Android 16 for Over 100 Devices (Despite Google’s Delays)

LineageOS is the world’s most popular custom Android ROM, known for its close-to-stock feel and extended device support. In October 2025, the LineageOS team released LineageOS 23.0, bringing Android 16 to over 100 devices ^[19] ^[20]. Tech journalist Mishaal Rahman notes that “the golden era of custom Android ROMs may be long over, but plenty of people still install them in 2025” to get a stock-like experience, extend an old phone’s life, or escape the shackles of official OEM software ^[21]. LineageOS 23.0 caters to this enthusiast community by updating a huge roster of phones and adding useful new features.

However, the latest LineageOS release also highlights new challenges for custom ROMs. LineageOS 23.0 is pointedly based on Android 16’s initial release (June 2025) rather than the newer Quarterly Platform Release 1 (QPR1) that Google rolled out to Pixel phones in October ^[22]. The reason? Google still hasn’t publicly released the source code for Android 16 QPR1 – it’s only available to Google’s OEM partners, not open-source projects ^[23] ^[24]. The LineageOS team decided not to wait indefinitely and proceeded with what they had, dubbing the version 23.0 (instead of what would have been 23.1 had QPR1 code been included) ^[25]. This means current LineageOS 23 builds are a step behind Google’s latest patch level. For example, Material 3 Expressive theming and other Android 16 QPR1 features aren’t in LineageOS yet ^[26]. Despite this, LineageOS still incorporates all features from Android 16’s initial stable release (predictive back navigation, edge-to-edge gesture improvements, etc.) and the latest security patches that are publicly available ^[27] ^[28].

Importantly, Google’s policy shifts have made it harder for projects like LineageOS to keep pace on security. Android’s new “risk-based” update approach means many vulnerability fixes are held for quarterly releases instead of monthly bulletins, and Google no longer shares source code for monthly patches outside of high-risk issues ^[29]. As a result, LineageOS (and other ROMs) must wait for the big quarterly drops to merge most security fixes ^[30]. Additionally, Google stopped publishing complete device trees and hardware abstraction layers (HALs) for Pixel devices, offering only stripped-down kernel source tarballs ^[31]. Pixels used to be guaranteed day-one support on LineageOS, but now they’re “treated the same as any other OEM’s devices” since maintainers have to reverse-engineer support without Google’s prior device tree releases ^[32]. This policy change largely explains why the Pixel 9a – despite being a Google phone – did not get immediate LineageOS support and took nearly six months post-launch to join the official builds ^[33].

On the upside, LineageOS 23.0 delivered several improvements and apps updates that users will appreciate. The team rolled out updated versions of Aperture (Lineage’s built-in camera app) with support for Ultra HDR and RAW image capture, plus a refreshed Twelve music player featuring a redesigned “Now Playing” screen and deeper Jellyfin media server integration ^[34]. A brand new “Catapult” launcher was introduced for Android TV builds, offering a snappy, bloat-free home screen free of ads and unwanted recommendations ^[35]. Under the hood, LineageOS added major foundational changes – it can even run in a virtual machine via QEMU now, and groundwork has been laid to support devices running mainline Linux kernels in the future ^[36]. All these enhancements show that the LineageOS project is not just keeping devices up-to-date, but also innovating in the Android ecosystem.

Pixel 9a Finally Gets LineageOS – More Control (But Mind the Updates)

Google Pixel 9a owners just got an alternative way to run their phones: as of early November 2025, the Pixel 9a is officially supported by LineageOS 23 ^[37]. This addition “comes full circle” on the Pixel 9 series ^[38] – meaning that all members of 2024’s Pixel 9 family (Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, and now the mid-range 9a) have LineageOS builds available. For context, the Pixel 9a launched around May 2025, but thanks to Google’s slow release of device source code, it lingered without LineageOS support far longer than usual ^[39]. 9to5Google notes that the Pixel 9a’s wait was “one of the longest periods” for a Pixel device in LineageOS history, due entirely to Google dragging its feet on publishing the kernel source ^[40]. In comparison, most new Pixel models are typically supported by LineageOS within weeks of their debut.

Now that it’s here, what does LineageOS offer Pixel 9a users? In a nutshell: more control, customization, and privacy. Pixels run clean Android software to begin with, but LineageOS can take it a step further by letting users customize every nook and cranny of the UI, enable extra features, and enjoy a bloat-free experience. Some Pixel 9a owners might want to “trial the latest LineageOS 23 builds on their phones for even more control [and] customization, or just peace of mind with regard to privacy” ^[41]. This is especially true for power users who like to root their devices or use apps that need system-level tweaks – things more easily done on a custom ROM. LineageOS also comes with its own open-source apps (like the above-mentioned Aperture camera and Twelve music player) and omits Google’s proprietary apps and services by default, which can appeal to those seeking a Google-free or debloated experience.

However, Pixel 9a users need to go in with eyes open about a key trade-off. By flashing LineageOS 23.0 right now, the Pixel 9a will actually be running a slightly older variant of Android 16 than the stock firmware it likely came with. Google rolled out the Android 16 QPR1 update (a major quarterly update with the new Material You expressive theming and other features) to Pixels just weeks ago, but LineageOS 23.0 doesn’t include those QPR1 changes ^[42]. In practice, this means if you replace the Pixel’s stock OS with LineageOS today, you’d lose the latest Material Design expressive color upgrades and a few other cutting-edge Pixel features ^[43]. And with Android 16 QPR2 only a few weeks away, LineageOS on Pixel 9a could fall further behind in terms of feature parity ^[44] until the Lineage team can merge those changes (which won’t happen until Google releases the source code). Essentially, Pixel 9a users must choose between having the absolute latest Pixel software vs. the flexibility of LineageOS. For some enthusiasts, the customization and extended support LineageOS provides will be worth the temporary step back in features; for others, it might be a deal-breaker.

Security updates are another consideration. Google’s Pixel phones typically get monthly security patches. LineageOS will include monthly patches when possible, but as noted, some fixes won’t land until quarterly releases due to Google’s patch policy ^[45]. That said, the LineageOS team does integrate all available security fixes they can get access to, so your Pixel 9a running LineageOS 23 will still be receiving critical patches (just perhaps not every minor one that Google is privately addressing). For many, that level of security is acceptable, but very security-conscious users might prefer alternatives like GrapheneOS – an ultra-locked-down custom ROM (exclusive to Pixel devices) that prioritizes privacy and security above all. GrapheneOS isn’t as customizable or widely featured as LineageOS, but it offers enhanced privacy protections out of the box. In the Pixel 9a announcement, even LineageOS proponents acknowledge that privacy is “a smaller component here versus GrapheneOS” ^[46] – implying that if privacy is your sole focus, Graphene might be better, whereas LineageOS aims to balance privacy with broad functionality and device support.

Looking ahead, Pixel fans will be watching how quickly Pixel 10 gets the LineageOS treatment. Google launched the Pixel 10 series (the next generation) in late 2025, and given the Pixel 9a’s delay, there’s some uncertainty about timing. The LineageOS community is hopeful that the Pixel 10 lineup will be supported in the coming months – ideally before the mid-2026 debut of the eventual Pixel 10a mid-ranger ^[47]. If Google speeds up providing source code or if third-party developers find workarounds, the Pixel 10 could arrive on LineageOS much faster. For now, Pixel 9a users have the option to flash LineageOS 23 and enjoy a customizable Android 16 experience, as long as they’re comfortable with the slight lag in official features and the hands-on process of custom ROM installation.

OnePlus 13: A Flagship Gets a Fresh OS (Before Its Official Update)

Just a day before the Pixel 9a news, the OnePlus 13 also gained official LineageOS support – great timing for OnePlus enthusiasts. The OnePlus 13 is one of 2025’s “blockbuster Android phones” ^[48], boasting high-end hardware that reviewers praised. However, it was released with Android 15 and runs OnePlus’s custom OxygenOS skin. OnePlus promised an OxygenOS 16 update (based on Android 16), but as of November 2025 that update is still in beta testing in select regions ^[49]. This left OnePlus 13 owners in the odd position of having brand-new hardware on last year’s Android version. Enter LineageOS 23: the custom ROM allows OnePlus 13 users to jump straight to Android 16 (albeit the initial build) without waiting for OnePlus’s official update ^[50]. In fact, How-To Geek reports that with LineageOS 23, “the OnePlus 13 now officially supports [Android 16]… This gives OnePlus 13 users a great way to move beyond the standard OxygenOS software” for a cleaner, more stock Android feel ^[51].

For many OnePlus fans, this is huge news. OnePlus devices are famous for their robust hardware and “bells and whistles” features ^[52], but not everyone loves the direction of OxygenOS in recent years (which has become more ColorOS-like). With LineageOS, a OnePlus 13 can shed the manufacturer’s UI and adopt a Pixel-like interface while still leveraging the phone’s powerful internals ^[53]. It’s essentially a way to rejuvenate or de-Google-ify the phone’s software experience, depending on user preference. Moreover, installing LineageOS on the OnePlus 13 could extend its useful life: OnePlus’s official support window is slightly shorter than some competitors. The company typically offers about 4 years of major OS updates (and a 5th year of security patches) for its flagships, which is “marginally lower” than Samsung’s update promise ^[54]. Five years of updates isn’t bad, but smartphone enthusiasts often keep their devices even longer. 9to5Google’s Damien Wilde points out that “LineageOS might provide you with more runway for your OnePlus 13 – or be a reason to purchase the phone now” even though it’s been superseded by newer models ^[55]. In other words, knowing that community support via LineageOS exists could make the OnePlus 13 a more attractive long-term investment, despite the OnePlus 15 looming on the horizon as the next big thing.

It’s interesting to note that the OnePlus 13’s LineageOS support comes on the heels of the OnePlus 12 being added just about a month prior ^[56]. This rapid inclusion of back-to-back OnePlus flagships shows the LineageOS project’s commitment to keeping up with major devices. The maintainers (a group of volunteer developers) got the OnePlus 13 build ready even though the phone was technically “superseded in the same year it was released” (OnePlus jumped from 13 to 15, skipping number 14) ^[57] ^[58]. So OnePlus 13 owners shouldn’t feel left behind – they can now unlock their bootloaders and flash LineageOS 23 to enjoy the latest Android features right now.

That said, prospective flashers should heed a few cautions specific to the OnePlus 13 as well. Just like the Pixel case, LineageOS 23 on OnePlus 13 lacks the Android 16 QPR1 additions due to the missing source code, meaning it doesn’t yet have that Material You 3 Expressive redesign and other QPR1 perks ^[59]. For OnePlus 13 users, this might be less of a concern, since OxygenOS 16 (when it officially arrives) would presumably include those features – but by then, LineageOS will likely catch up too. One more consideration is camera performance: while LineageOS’s Aperture app is good, OnePlus’s stock camera app is highly tuned for their optics. Some users find that custom ROMs can slightly degrade certain camera features (like advanced HDR or night mode) if the proprietary camera algorithms aren’t available. Those who prioritize camera quality might want to research LineageOS’s camera results on OnePlus 13 or hold off to see if maintainers can integrate improvements. On the whole, though, the ability to run Android 16 ahead of the OEM update, with a clean Android experience, is a compelling proposition for many OnePlus 13 owners.

To actually install LineageOS on the OnePlus 13, users need to unlock the phone’s bootloader (which does void official warranty support in many cases) and follow the official installation guide. The LineageOS team provides build downloads and a wiki with device-specific instructions ^[60] ^[61]. As always with custom ROMs, there’s some technical know-how involved – backing up your data, flashing a custom recovery, etc. – but the result is full control over your device’s software. Now that OnePlus 13 has joined the supported list, and with builds already live for download ^[62], we can expect a segment of OnePlus power users to make the jump and possibly even share feedback that could further refine the LineageOS experience on this device.

More Devices Get LineageOS 23: From Older Pixels to Mid-Range Favorites

Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 may have grabbed the headlines, but they are not the only devices freshly supported by LineageOS in this update wave. According to Android Authority, the LineageOS team “continues to add more [devices] as time goes on” even after the initial 23.0 release ^[63]. A slew of phones have been added or updated to LineageOS 23 in recent weeks, highlighting the project’s broad reach across brands and device tiers:

Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, 8, 8 Pro, 8a: These earlier-generation Pixel phones were previously supported on LineageOS 22 (Android 15) and have now been migrated to LineageOS 23 builds ^[64] ^[65]. This means owners of a Pixel from the 6-series (2021) onward can upgrade their custom ROM from Android 15 to Android 16. It’s notable that the entire Pixel 8 and 9 series (including variants like the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Fold) are on the list for Android 16-based builds ^[66], which speaks to strong community support even for Google’s latest devices (despite Google no longer helping by publishing device trees). Pixels as old as the Pixel 4a 5G and Pixel 5 were part of the initial LineageOS 23 release too ^[67] ^[68], so Google’s 2020 lineup isn’t left behind – though anything older (Pixel 4 and earlier) may be stuck on older LineageOS versions due to hardware support limits.
Samsung Galaxy A71: A popular mid-ranger from 2020, the Galaxy A71 has now been added to the official LineageOS 23 roster ^[69] ^[70]. This device originally launched with Android 10 and received updates up to Android 13 under Samsung’s One UI. With LineageOS 23, Galaxy A71 users can leap to Android 16, extending the life of a five-year-old phone with the latest OS (minus a few Samsung-specific features). Community maintainers have effectively given the A71 a new OS long after Samsung’s support has ended – a perfect example of how custom ROMs can rescue older devices from obsolescence.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 9 Pro 5G / Mi 10T Lite / Mi 10i: These closely related 2020 Xiaomi models (regional variants of one platform) also gained LineageOS 23 support ^[71]. Xiaomi is known for a strong aftermarket ROM scene, and here we see devices that came with MIUI based on Android 10/11 now able to run a stock-like Android 16 interface. This can breathe new life into them, especially for users who prefer a Google-like software experience over Xiaomi’s MIUI.
Other Newly Supported Devices: The official list also shows OnePlus 13 (discussed above) and Google’s Pixel 9a as new entries with LineageOS 23 ^[72] ^[73]. Additionally, there’s the Google Pixel Tablet (2023) which has moved up to Android 16-based LineageOS ^[74], and even the Google Pixel Fold (Google’s first-gen foldable from 2023) updated to LOS 23 ^[75]. Tablets and foldables benefit from LineageOS’s broad support just like phones do. On the OnePlus front beyond the 13, the OnePlus 11 and 12 series were already supported on Android 15 builds and are in the process of moving to 23 as well ^[76] ^[77]. Community efforts ensure devices like the OnePlus 12R and various OnePlus Nord models are supported too ^[78] ^[79]. It’s truly a wide-ranging endeavor – from high-end flagships to budget phones, LineageOS’s goal is to keep as many devices as possible updated.

Each device added to LineageOS comes with a dedicated wiki page and download portal entry, where users can find instructions specific to that model ^[80] ^[81]. The project emphasizes reading those device-specific docs thoroughly before installation ^[82]. This is because installation steps can vary (some phones need extra steps like flashing firmware packages or specific bootloader versions). Thankfully, the LineageOS community provides a generalized install guide and maintains forums where users can seek help if they encounter issues.

Why Enthusiasts Choose LineageOS (and Should You Try It?)

The resurgence of interest in LineageOS support for devices like the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 underscores a broader trend: Android enthusiasts value the freedom and longevity that custom ROMs offer. While phones today come with longer update commitments from manufacturers than in the past, there’s still a gap that projects like LineageOS fill – especially once official support dries up or when users want a different software experience now rather than later. As Rahman observed, there are many reasons people still install custom ROMs in 2025: to get a stock Android feel on a heavily skinned device, to prolong the useful life of hardware, or to repurpose older devices for new tasks ^[83]. LineageOS stands out as the most popular choice, with over 1.5 million active installs worldwide as of late 2024 ^[84] – a testament to its reliability and community trust.

For an average tech-savvy user considering LineageOS, here are some of the key benefits to weigh:

Latest Android Versions on Older Devices: If your phone has been left behind on an older Android by the manufacturer, LineageOS can often bring you up to a more recent version (as seen with Galaxy A71 jumping from Android 13 to 16). This means new features and apps compatibility beyond the official support period.
Near-Stock Android Experience: LineageOS is close to Google’s AOSP (Android Open Source Project) look and feel. It doesn’t come with the bloatware or heavy UI customizations that some OEMs include. For instance, OnePlus 13 on LineageOS looks more like a Pixel interface than OxygenOS. Many users appreciate the clean, uncluttered design.
Customization and Features: Despite being stock-like, LineageOS adds plenty of custom features. You’ll find expanded settings for interface tweaking, privacy guards, customization of status bar, buttons, gestures, and more. It’s like having a “pro version” of Android where you can fine-tune things not exposed in the standard OS.
Extended Longevity: With LineageOS, community developers often keep updating devices long after vendors stop. That Pixel 9 series support article noted that such community attention could eventually extend those Pixels’ updates beyond Google’s own 5-7 year window ^[85]. Devices from 4-5 years ago can get a second wind instead of being discarded or stuck on insecure old software.
Community and Transparency: Everything in LineageOS is open-source. Privacy-conscious users like that they can examine the source code and know there’s no hidden spyware. Plus, you can choose whether to install Google apps at all – LineageOS lets you run a de-Googled phone if you install an alternative app store, or you can sideload the Google apps package of your choice. The level of control is up to you.

On the flip side, there are also important considerations (or drawbacks) one should note:

Technical Skill Required: Flashing a custom ROM isn’t as simple as installing an app. It involves unlocking the bootloader (which can be tricky and will wipe your device), using tools like Fastboot or custom recovery, and potentially troubleshooting if things go wrong. There’s a learning curve, and mistakes (though rare if you follow instructions) can risk bricking a device. It’s not recommended for people uncomfortable with tech tinkering.
Warranty and SafetyNet: Unlocking the bootloader usually voids your phone’s warranty. Also, some secure apps (banking, Widevine L1 for HD streaming, etc.) might not work or need extra effort to pass Google’s SafetyNet/Play Integrity checks once you’re on a custom ROM. LineageOS itself doesn’t include Google apps or certifications by default, so you’d need to flash an add-on package (MindTheGapps or others) to use Google services, and even then certain apps might detect an unlocked bootloader.
Feature Gaps: As we discussed, LineageOS might lag on certain OEM-specific features. For example, advanced camera capabilities tailored by manufacturers, special hardware features (like Pixel’s astrophotography or Samsung’s Knox secure folder) might not carry over. If those are crucial to you, that’s a trade-off to consider. LineageOS provides a great general experience but may lose a few proprietary perks.
Support Variability: Official LineageOS support relies on volunteer maintainers. If a maintainer drops support for a device, it might not receive timely updates. The good news is LineageOS has a pretty robust roster of maintainers and a process to hand off devices, but it’s not the same as having a company obligated to update your phone. Users should stay active in the community forums for their device to keep abreast of any changes.

In the case of the Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13, these considerations mean that installing LineageOS is best suited for users who prioritize having the latest Android version and a customizable experience over a few missing proprietary features. For a Pixel 9a user who doesn’t mind losing Google’s official flavor of Material You in exchange for custom ROM freedom, it’s an exciting option. For a OnePlus 13 user eager to escape the ColorOS-ified OxygenOS and get Android 16 right now, LineageOS is a breath of fresh air – as long as they’re comfortable with the install process.

Conclusion: Custom ROMs Keep Android Fun (and Phones Alive)

The official LineageOS support for Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 demonstrates that even in 2025, the Android modding scene is thriving and relevant. Expert commentators agree that while we may be past the peak era of CyanogenMod-style mass adoption, there is still a dedicated community and real demand for what LineageOS offers. “Plenty of people still install [custom ROMs] in 2025,” Rahman reminds us, precisely because they deliver value – from extending device longevity to delivering a preferred user experience ^[86].

With this latest expansion, LineageOS 23.0 now supports an even more impressive array of devices – spanning Google’s own Pixels, big-name flagships like OnePlus, and older budget handsets that manufacturers have long forgotten. It’s a reminder that user communities can take control of device updates when companies slow down or stop. Projects like LineageOS effectively breathe new life into hardware, as seen with Pixel 9a getting a second OS option or OnePlus 13 getting to jump ahead in software updates. And they do so while upholding principles of openness and user choice.

Of course, running a custom ROM isn’t for everyone. Many average users will stick with the stock experience and be perfectly happy. But for those who crave that extra level of customization, or who don’t want to buy a new phone every few years just to stay updated, LineageOS is a godsend. It’s also an equalizer of sorts – whether you have a high-end phone that you want to optimize to its fullest, or a hand-me-down phone you want to repurpose, the custom ROM scene welcomes you. The Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 owners who choose to flash LineageOS now join a global community of tinkerers and optimizers pushing the boundaries of what their devices can do.

In the end, the excitement around these new LineageOS additions is not just about these two models, but about what they represent: the continuation of Android’s DIY spirit. As long as projects like LineageOS persist, users will have alternatives beyond the official update cycle. The Pixel 9a and OnePlus 13 getting LineageOS support in late 2025 is a win for consumer choice, and it bodes well for future devices like the Pixel 10 or OnePlus 15 potentially seeing timely community-driven support. For Android fans, that’s definitely something to celebrate – it keeps the ecosystem open, adaptable, and alive well beyond the limits set by manufacturers ^[87]. As the saying goes in the modding community: “My device, my rules.” With LineageOS, that ethos is very much alive and kicking in 2025.

Sources: The information and expert commentary in this report are based on the latest coverage from 9to5Google ^[88] ^[89], Android Authority ^[90] ^[91], How-To Geek ^[92], and official LineageOS announcements. These sources confirm the new device support and provide context on Android 16’s rollout and the challenges faced by custom ROM developers. Each linked source offers further details for readers interested in the technical specifics and community discussions surrounding LineageOS 23’s release.

Install Lineage OS Android 14 on Google Pixel 1 - 6

Watch this video on YouTube.

References