21世纪经济报道·2025-03-30 08:38Core Viewpoint - The ongoing debate in the tech industry revolves around whether Android will become open-source or closed-source, with recent reports suggesting a shift towards a more closed development process by Google, despite the continued public release of source code [2][4][9]. Group 1: Current State of Android - Google will continue to publish the source code for Android, with the upcoming Android 16 source code set to be released [5][6]. - The Android ecosystem is currently divided into two branches: the publicly accessible AOSP and the internally developed version that requires a GMS license for use [6][7]. - The shift towards internal development of AOSP means that developers will no longer have real-time access to code changes, which could increase barriers for smaller developers [8][9]. Group 2: Reasons Behind Google's Decision - Google aims to simplify its development process and reduce maintenance costs by consolidating the development of Android into its internal branch [11]. - The decision to close off parts of the development process is seen as a way to manage the complexity and conflicts that arise from maintaining two different branches of Android [11][12]. - This strategic move may also lead to increased revenue for Google, as developers may seek to sign GMS agreements to access the latest developments [11][12]. Group 3: Implications for the Industry - While the immediate impact of a more closed Android development process may be limited, it raises concerns about the future of open-source initiatives and the potential for increased monopolistic behavior by Google [12][13]. - The historical context shows that Google's dominance in the Android ecosystem has been built on a foundation of open-source principles, but the current trend suggests a tightening of control [13][14]. - The evolution of operating systems is ongoing, with emerging competitors like Huawei's HarmonyOS and other tech giants exploring new operating systems, indicating a potential shift in the competitive landscape [14].