List & History of Android Versions with names

What is Android Versions

Android versions represent the different iterations of the Android operating system, which is developed by Google and used in a wide array of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and more. Each version introduces new features, enhancements, and fixes to improve functionality and user experience.

For instance, Android 1.0, the first version, laid the foundation for the operating system, while subsequent releases have built on that base. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) introduced a modern user interface, while Android 5.0 (Lollipop) brought significant design changes with Material Design. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) improved battery efficiency with features like Doze mode, and Android 8.0 (Oreo) focused on notifications and background processes. More recent versions, such as Android 10 and Android 12, have continued to refine the system, adding features like system-wide dark mode and personalized themes with Material You.

Each new version of Android generally includes improvements in performance, security, and user interface design, contributing to a continually evolving ecosystem tailored to a wide range of devices and user needs.

List & History of Android Versions with names

1. Android 1.0 (No codename)

Released in September 2008, Android 1.0 was the first version of the operating system. It introduced essential features like a web browser, support for Google’s suite of apps, and basic email and calendar functions.

2. Android 1.1 (No codename)

Launched in February 2009, Android 1.1 was a minor update that included bug fixes and small improvements, such as the ability to search for and install apps directly from the Android Market.

3. Android 1.5 (Cupcake)

Debuting in April 2009, Android 1.5, known as Cupcake, introduced the on-screen keyboard, support for third-party apps, and video recording capabilities. This update marked the beginning of Android’s dessert-themed naming convention.

4. Android 1.6 (Donut)

Released in September 2009, Android 1.6 (Donut) brought enhancements such as support for different screen sizes, improved search functionality, and the introduction of the Android Market (now Google Play Store).

5. Android 2.0 (Eclair)

Launched in October 2009, Android 2.0 (Eclair) featured a revamped user interface, improved Google Maps, and support for Microsoft Exchange. It also introduced the ability to zoom in and out with multi-touch.

6. Android 2.2 (Froyo)

Released in May 2010, Android 2.2 (Froyo) introduced performance improvements, including the JIT compiler for faster app performance. It also added support for Adobe Flash and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.

7. Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)

Debuting in December 2010, Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) brought a refreshed user interface, improved performance, and features like support for front-facing cameras and enhanced gaming capabilities.

8. Android 3.0 (Honeycomb)

Released in February 2011, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) was designed specifically for tablets and introduced a new holographic user interface. It included features like improved multitasking and a redesigned system bar.

9. Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)

Launched in October 2011, Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) unified the tablet and phone experiences with a new user interface, improved multitasking, and enhanced facial recognition for unlocking devices.

10. Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean)

Released in July 2012, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) focused on improving performance with Project Butter for smoother animations and responsiveness. It also introduced Google Now and expanded notification features.

11. Android 4.4 (KitKat)

Debuting in October 2013, Android 4.4 (KitKat) optimized the system for lower-end devices, introduced a more streamlined and visually appealing design, and improved Google Now functionality with voice commands.

12. Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

Released in November 2014, Android 5.0 (Lollipop) introduced Material Design, a new design language aimed at creating a more consistent and visually appealing user experience. It also included improved notifications and battery-saving features.

13. Android 6.0 (Marshmallow)

Launched in October 2015, Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) introduced features such as Doze mode for better battery life, granular app permissions, and Google Now on Tap for contextual information.

14. Android 7.0 (Nougat)

Released in August 2016, Android 7.0 (Nougat) brought features like split-screen multitasking, direct reply notifications, and improved Doze mode. It also introduced support for Vulkan API for better gaming performance.

15. Android 8.0 (Oreo)

Debuting in August 2017, Android 8.0 (Oreo) focused on speed and efficiency with features like adaptive icons, picture-in-picture mode, and notification dots. It also included enhancements for background app limits to conserve battery life.

16. Android 9.0 (Pie)

Released in August 2018, Android 9.0 (Pie) introduced gesture navigation, a redesigned recent apps menu, and improved AI-based battery management. It also included features like Adaptive Battery and Adaptive Brightness.

17. Android 10 (No codename)

Launched in September 2019, Android 10 marked the end of dessert-themed names and focused on privacy and security improvements. It introduced features like system-wide dark mode, gesture navigation, and enhanced privacy controls.

18. Android 11 (No codename)

Released in September 2020, Android 11 built on its predecessor with improved notification management, enhanced privacy features, and better support for foldable devices. It also introduced new media controls and conversation bubbles.

19. Android 12 (Snow Cone)

Debuting in October 2021, Android 12 featured a major design overhaul known as Material You, which allowed users to personalize their device’s appearance. It also introduced improved privacy controls and a new notifications system.

20. Android 13 (Tiramisu)

Released in August 2022, Android 13 expanded on the personalization introduced in Android 12 with additional theming options and customization features. It also improved support for large-screen devices and enhanced security features.

21. Android 14 (Upside Down Cake)

Launched in August 2023, Android 14 continued to build on previous updates with further enhancements to customization, performance, and security. It included improvements for accessibility and better integration with new device types.

History of Android Versions with names

Android began its journey with Android 1.0, released in September 2008, which laid the foundation for the operating system with essential features such as a web browser and support for Google’s suite of apps. Following this, Android 1.1, released in February 2009, introduced minor improvements and bug fixes, enhancing the user experience with better app search and installation capabilities.

The release of Android 1.5, known as Cupcake, in April 2009 marked the beginning of the dessert-themed naming convention. Cupcake brought significant updates, including an on-screen keyboard and support for third-party apps and video recording. Android 1.6, named Donut, followed in September 2009 and added support for multiple screen sizes and a refined search functionality.

Android 2.0, or Eclair, launched in October 2009, introduced a redesigned user interface and support for Microsoft Exchange, enhancing the platform’s enterprise capabilities. In May 2010, Android 2.2 (Froyo) came with performance optimizations, including the JIT compiler, and added support for Adobe Flash and Wi-Fi hotspots.

The end of 2010 saw the release of Android 2.3 (Gingerbread), which refreshed the user interface and introduced support for front-facing cameras. The release of Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) in February 2011 was a milestone as it was designed specifically for tablets, offering a new holographic UI and improved multitasking.

Android 4.0, known as Ice Cream Sandwich, arrived in October 2011 and unified the tablet and phone interfaces with a new design and improved facial recognition. The following year, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) focused on performance improvements with Project Butter and introduced Google Now.

In October 2013, Android 4.4 (KitKat) optimized the OS for lower-end devices and introduced a more streamlined design. Android 5.0 (Lollipop), released in November 2014, was a major update featuring Material Design, which aimed to create a more consistent and visually appealing user experience.

Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), launched in October 2015, brought features like Doze mode for improved battery life and granular app permissions. Android 7.0 (Nougat), released in August 2016, introduced split-screen multitasking and support for Vulkan API.

Android 8.0 (Oreo), released in August 2017, focused on speed and efficiency with features like adaptive icons and notification dots. Android 9.0 (Pie), launched in August 2018, introduced gesture navigation and AI-based battery management.

In September 2019, Android 10 was released, marking the end of dessert-themed names and introducing features such as system-wide dark mode and enhanced privacy controls. Android 11, released in September 2020, built on these features with improved notification management and support for foldable devices.

Android 12, debuting in October 2021, featured a significant design overhaul called Material You, allowing users to personalize their device’s appearance. Android 13, released in August 2022, expanded on customization with additional theming options and better support for large-screen devices.

The latest version, Android 14, launched in August 2023, continued the trend of enhancing customization, performance, and security while offering improved accessibility and integration with new device types.