Android, the ubiquitous mobile operating system, has gone through numerous iterations since its inception. Each version, identified by a unique dessert-themed name and number, has brought significant improvements and new features. This comprehensive list details every Android version name, its corresponding number, and its release date, offering a sweet trip down memory lane for Android enthusiasts.
We'll cover everything from the earliest versions to the latest releases, exploring the evolution of Android and the innovative features each iteration brought to the table.
Android 1.0 (No official dessert name) - September 2008
The very first version of Android lacked an official dessert name. This initial release laid the foundation for what would become the world's most popular mobile operating system. While basic by today's standards, it marked the beginning of a technological revolution.
Android 1.1 (No official dessert name) - February 2009
A minor update to 1.0, Android 1.1 brought small refinements and bug fixes, paving the way for the official adoption of the dessert naming scheme.
Android 1.5 Cupcake - April 2009
Cupcake introduced several significant enhancements, including widgets on the home screen, YouTube integration, and improved keyboard support. This version marked a step up in user experience and functionality.
Android 1.6 Donut - September 2009
Donut focused on performance improvements and optimizations for different screen sizes and resolutions. It also introduced CDMA support and improved search capabilities.
Android 2.0/2.1 Éclair - October 2009 / January 2010
Éclair brought a significant visual overhaul, including a new UI, improved camera support, and Bluetooth 2.1. It also introduced a faster browser and better copy/paste functionality.
Android 2.2 Froyo - May 2010
Froyo brought significant performance improvements, especially speed boosts, and introduced support for Adobe Flash Player in the browser – a very popular feature at the time. It also included enhanced support for app widgets.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread - December 2010
Gingerbread introduced a refined UI, improved text input, and better multitasking capabilities. It also enhanced support for near-field communication (NFC).
Android 3.0 Honeycomb - February 2011
Honeycomb was designed specifically for tablets, introducing a redesigned UI optimized for larger screens. It incorporated a new, more intuitive user interface, and focused on a better tablet experience.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich - October 2011
Ice Cream Sandwich merged the best features of Honeycomb and Gingerbread, offering a unified experience across phones and tablets. It introduced a revamped UI, improved camera features, and enhanced face unlock.
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean - July 2012
Jelly Bean focused on performance enhancements, a smoother user interface, Google Now integration (the precursor to Google Assistant), and a refined notification system.
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean - November 2012
A minor update to 4.1, Jelly Bean 4.2 included improvements to photo sphere, quick settings, and wireless display capabilities.
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean - July 2013
This iteration brought further performance refinements and introduced support for Bluetooth 4.0.
Android 4.4 KitKat - October 2013
KitKat focused on optimizing performance on lower-end devices. It introduced full screen immersive mode and improved the notification center.
Android 5.0 Lollipop - October 2014
Lollipop introduced Material Design, a significant visual and design language overhaul that has influenced Android's look and feel ever since. This version significantly improved performance and introduced more intuitive notifications.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow - October 2015
Marshmallow focused on app permissions and introduced Doze mode to conserve battery life. The new permissions system gave users more control over app access to their personal data.
Android 7.0 Nougat - August 2016
Nougat introduced multi-window support, improved notification management, and bundled notifications from the same app.
Android 8.0 Oreo - August 2017
Oreo emphasized speed and performance improvements. Picture-in-picture mode was introduced, along with enhanced notification controls and autofill functionality.
Android 9.0 Pie - August 2018
Pie introduced gesture navigation, improved battery management with adaptive battery, and a redesigned user interface.
Android 10 - September 2019
Android 10 marked a change in naming convention, dropping dessert names in favor of numerical designations. Key improvements included enhanced privacy controls, dark mode, and gesture navigation refinements.
Android 11 - September 2020
Android 11 introduced chat bubbles, improved notification controls, and enhanced media controls. It provided more granular control over app permissions.
Android 12 - October 2021
Android 12 brought a major visual overhaul with Material You, a dynamic theming system that adapts to the user's wallpaper. It also focused on privacy enhancements.
Android 13 - August 2022
Android 13 focused on further privacy improvements, such as granular media permissions, and introduced several quality-of-life enhancements.
What's Next?
The Android platform continually evolves. To stay updated on the newest releases and features, it's best to check Google's official Android developer website.
This list provides a comprehensive overview of the journey of Android versions, highlighting the significant improvements and features that have shaped this powerful and pervasive mobile operating system.
