LineageOS 24 brings Android 17 to old phones with a new way to install it

Unlike in the past, LineageOS is no longer just about running the latest Android release on your phone. The custom ROM comes with its own suite of applications, all of which have received a major Material Design 3 Expressive overhaul as part of this release. The Updater app and Setup Wizard now follow Material Design 3 Expressive, with refreshed layouts and smoother animations.

Functionality-wise, the Updater app now streams updates by default, which should significantly reduce installation times on devices with A/B partitions. This is exactly how Pixel phones install new OTA updates to reduce downtime. On devices without A/B support, it will update the recovery partition on the first boot after a successful update.

LineageOS 24 also comes with a new app called Canvas that handles basic image editing, such as cropping, white balance adjustments, and filters. It pairs well with LineageOS’s existing Glimpse gallery app and Aperture camera app.

Flash LineageOS from your browser

Perhaps the most notable part of LineageOS 24’s release is the new WebUSB Flash Tools. This browser-based tool can directly communicate with compatible devices from your browser to install the custom ROM, either through ADB, Fastboot, Amlogic Burn protocol, or Samsung Odin.

The LineageOS team believes these tools will make the installation process easier for beginners and save them the hassle of installing extra software on their PC. However, compatibility depends on your device, browser, operating system, and USB connection. The team also says that device-specific wiki instructions remain the default supported installation method. The new WebUSB Tools provide another option, instead of replacing those guides.

The initial LineageOS 24 release supports several devices, ranging from the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4a to the entire Pixel 10 family, alongside phones like the OnePlus 13 and Fairphone 5. The list of supported devices will continue to expand as maintainers prepare additional devices and meet the project’s support requirements.

Unfortunately, the team will only accept devices using Linux kernels 4.4 and 4.9 for official LineageOS 22.2 support, even if newer unofficial ports are available. This branch will continue receiving builds and monthly security patch merges until Google itself stops publishing Android 15 security bulletins.

If you already have LineageOS installed on your phone, you do not need to wipe it to upgrade to the latest release unless the wiki page specifically says so. However, if you are running an unofficial build, you must follow your device’s full installation guide.