Google finally released the Android 11 stable version but only for the Pixel devices first which of course we knew about it way before. One of the things we like about Google is that they always like to keep an open mind. As soon as Google released the stable OS, they started uploading their Android 11 source code on the AOSP.
With the help of the code, the popular OEMs or some standalone OEMs can use the source code and modify it with their spice. If we have to mention some popular OEMs, we can take the names of like Samsung’s One UI, Xiaomi’s MIUI, OnePlus’s OxygenOS, and the list keep getting bigger. Some independent Custom ROM developers such as LineageOS team can also use the source code and re-launch it with their style.
Sigh, is it time to start doing something again? Let the righteous rebasing commence.
— LineageOS (@LineageAndroid) September 8, 2020
All of this is possible because Google uploads every source code of their major OS update under Apache License version 2.0. The license allows developers to modify and distribute AOSP freely. Without the source code, it is most probably not possible for the popular OEMs to create and customize their Android releases.
Bill Yi via Android Building group confirms that the Android 11 source code upload on AOSP is now completed. He further confirmed that the corresponding factory images, OTA images, and proprietary binaries are now also available.
If you want to look at the source code, just head over here. You can see the Android 11 branches and tag. You can also download Android 11 source code from AOSP website. Keep in mind to look at it every month since Google will continue to make changes, releasing new patches, etc. Moreover, most importantly, this is not the software download of Android 11.
The factory images are available for Pixel devices exclusively. If you know how to flash the software to your Pixel device go for it but remember it will wipe all your data.
However, it will take some time for the other OEMs to launch their stable Android 11 version and if they make it quick, they are most likely to make it available for the flagship devices first.
