The Android operating system was launched in February 2009 and runs on all Android smartphones and tablets. Since it is open source, some devices have custom versions of the operating system (OS), but most devices have a similar look and feel and share the same functionality. Each version of the operating system has a corresponding number, and each version has its own dessert codename until Android 10, such as Cupcake, KitKat, Lollipop, etc.
Not sure which version of Android you are using? Go to Settings > About phone > Android version . If you have an older version, learn how to update it.
Here's a history of the operating system from its inception to current Android versions, including the Android operating system names, when each operating system was released, and what was added.
Android 14 current version : 14; released on October 4, 2023.
Like Android 13, Android 14 is rolling out to Pixel phones first and then expanding to a wider range of devices. You will be notified when/if updates become available for your device. You can also manually check for Android OS updates to "force" an update.
The Android 14 update includes several new accessibility and privacy enhancements, such as added font scaling, improved hearing aid support, and the option to use a key instead of a password or disable animations when entering a PIN to deter eavesdroppers.
The update also introduces automatic confirmation unlocking (which quickly unlocks your device as long as you register the correct PIN of six digits or more), more personalized lock screen shortcuts, and Ultra HDR image files.
Android 13 current version : 13; released on August 15, 2022.
Google has launched Android 13, and the initial version is only available for Pixel series devices. Most Android devices that support Android 12 can be upgraded to Android 13. Includes Google Pixel (3 and above).
After the launch of Pixel, Android 13 will be available on devices such as Samsung Galaxy, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, Xiaomi, and more. When it rolls out to various devices, it will be available via over-the-air download, just like how it worked in older versions.
Android 13 updates and upgrades quite a few features and adds new features. It offers extensive customization features, along with improved privacy controls, split-screen notification options, faster pairing, better lock screen access, smarter touch controls, and bedtime dark mode.
Android 12 current version : 12.1; released on March 7, 2022.
Android 12L Current version : 12L; released on March 7, 2022.
Android 12L is available for tablets, foldables, Chromebooks, and other large-screen devices. The operating system is optimized for larger screens, and compatible hardware will be available later this year. The update was pushed to Pixel devices as Android 12.1 in March 2022, although most of the update is for the larger screen. Tweaks for smaller screens include improved wallpaper selection and the ability to disable the lock screen clock.
The Android 12 update includes some minor changes to the user interface. The menu screen is light blue, which is easier on the eyes than the old white background. Users have more text message font options and there is a built-in tool for editing screenshots.
The update also introduces a kill switch that you can use to prevent apps from accessing your camera and microphone. It also includes an option to share only your approximate location with the app for better privacy.
The Android Developer Preview is only supported on Google Pixel devices, but can be sideloaded on other devices.
Major new features
- Improved gesture navigation for immersive mode.
- Better optimization of foldable devices and TVs.
- Audio coupled haptic effects.
- Faster, more responsive notifications.
- Block untrusted touch events for enhanced security.
- New MAC address restrictions enhance privacy.
Current version : 11.0; released on September 11, 2020.
Android 11 is being released more broadly than past versions, with OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme joining the Google Pixel in getting the rights to release first. If you own a Pixel 2 or later, you'll likely get this operating system update.
Some features are exclusive to Pixel smartphones, including AR location sharing and more chat apps that can access Google's Smart Reply feature.
Features available to all users (with upgradable phones) include improved chat notifications and tighter location permissions.
Android 11 groups notifications from the Messages app into the Conversations section at the top of the notification shade. It recognizes different message threads and you can set one of them as a priority conversation to get enhanced notifications. Likewise, if a specific thread's notifications are crashing your phone, you can silence them.
Another messaging feature is bubbles. If you've used Facebook Messenger's chat head, it's much the same story. You can have a conversation and have it float above other apps; when you minimize it, the bubble moves to the side of the screen. Best of all, if you're chatting in different apps, you can have multiple bubbles appear at the same time.
Long-pressing the power button brings more options in Android 11, including Google Pay and smart home controls.
Finally, Android 11 comes with enhanced privacy features. When an app asks for access to your location, microphone, or camera, you can choose to allow it while you're using the app or only once.
Finally, Android 11 automatically resets an app's permissions if you haven't used it for a long time.
Major new features
- Improved message notifications.
- A "chat head" style feature for messaging apps.
- Access Google Pay more easily.
- Quickly access smart home controls.
- Tighter location permissions.
- Permissions for unused apps expire.
Current version : 10.0; released on September 3, 2019.
Android 10 (formerly Android Q) adds support for foldable phones. It also supports 5G wireless. Google has partnered with the deaf community to create Live Captioning, which automatically adds subtitles to audio played on smartphones. Once Live Subtitles detects speech, it adds subtitles and can be performed offline. New Focus Mode lets you close distracting apps when you need a break.
Smart Reply detects your next move, so if you click on an address, your phone opens Google Maps. Android 10 adds privacy and location sections to your settings. You can also choose to only share location data while using the app. Additionally, Android sends alerts to remind you when you share your location. Another new setting is Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls, which integrates Google Family Link with the smartphone usage dashboard introduced with Android Pie. Finally, security updates happen in the background so you don't have to reboot.
Major new features
- Support foldable phones.
- 5G support.
- Live subtitles.
- Focus mode.
- More transparent privacy and location settings.
- Parental controls on all future Android phones.
Current version : 9.0; released on August 6, 2018.
Initial version : Released on August 6, 2018.
Android 9.0 Pie is designed to help you use your smartphone less. It adds a dashboard to monitor your usage and multiple ways to mute notifications when you're busy or trying to sleep. The operating system also learns from your behavior. For example, it can disable notifications you often ignore and give battery priority to the apps you use most.
Major new features
- Digital health dashboard.
- Smart replies in messages.
- Place your phone face down to silence notifications (except in emergencies).
- Automatically enable Do Not Disturb at bedtime.
- The interface turns gray at bedtime to discourage use.
- Removed multitasking/overview button.
- A screenshot button has been added to the power options.
- Screenshot annotation.
Final version : 8.1; released December 5, 2017.
Initial version : Released on August 21, 2017.
Google no longer supports Android 8.0 Oreo.
Android 8.0 Oreo was released at the same time as Go Edition, the company's lightweight operating system aimed at low-end devices. Android Go brings stock Android to cheaper devices that don't have enough space to install a full-blown operating system. It also adds some usability enhancements and fixes controversial emojis.
Major new features
- Android Oreo Go version launched.
- Bluetooth battery level of the connected device in quick settings.
- Navigation buttons dim when not in use.
- Automatic light and dark themes.
- The cheese in the burger emoji has been moved from the bottom of the burger to the top.
Final version : 7.1.2; released on April 4, 2017.
Initial version : Released on August 22, 2016.
Google no longer supports Android 7.0 Nougat.
Modified versions of the Android operating system usually lead the way. Android 7.0 Nougat adds support for split-screen functionality, which is already available from companies like Samsung. It also adds more inclusive emojis and more skin and hair options.
Major new features
- Built-in split screen support.
- Emojis with additional skin tones and hairstyles.
- Ability to add emergency messages to the lock screen.
- Launched the Daydream virtual reality platform.
- Picture-in-picture support for Android TV.
- Fingerprint sensor gesture for opening/closing notification shade.
- The default keyboard supports GIFs.
- Battery usage alert.
Final version : 6.0.1; released on December 7, 2015.
Initial version : Released on October 5, 2015.
Google no longer supports Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow introduces Do Not Disturb, formerly known as Priority Mode. It enables users to silence all notifications or allow only alerts or priority alerts for a specified period of time. Do Not Disturb is a boon for those who are tired of being woken up by buzzing sounds on their nightstand or during work meetings. Another big advancement is in-app permissions. Users can choose which permissions are allowed and which are blocked, rather than enabling them all. Android Marshmallow is the first Android operating system to support mobile payments through Android Pay (now called Google Pay).
Major new features
- Do not disturb mode.
- Android Pay is used for mobile payments.
- Google Now on Tap, the predecessor of Google Assistant.
- Doze mode prevents apps from draining the battery when the phone is not in use.
- Built-in fingerprint reader support.
- Application permissions granted individually.
- Automatic backup and recovery of applications.
- Application search bar and favorites.
- USB-C support.
Final version : 5.1.1; released on April 21, 2015.
Initial version : Published on November 12, 2014.
Google no longer supports Android 5.0 Lollipop.
Android 5.0 Lollipop introduces Google's Material Design language, which controls the appearance of interfaces and extends throughout Google's mobile applications. It adds a new way to transfer data between phones. Lollipop has also introduced a security feature where even if a thief manages to reset the device to factory settings, the device will remain locked until the owner logs into their Google account. Finally, Smart Lock prevents your phone from being locked when it's in a trusted place like home or work, or when it's connected to a trusted device like a smartwatch or Bluetooth speaker.
Major new features
- Notification access on lock screen.
- App and notification settings can be accessed from the lock screen.
- Smart Lock prevents your phone from locking under certain circumstances.
- Search for it in the Settings app.
- Recently used apps will be remembered after restarting.
- Transfer data from one device to another with a click.
- Multiple SIM card support.
- Built-in support for Wi-Fi calling.
- Flashlight application.
Drop support for :
- Widgets on lock screen
Final version : 4.4.4; released on June 19, 2014.
Initial version : Released on October 31, 2013.
Google no longer supports Android 4.4 KitKat.
Android 4.4 is codenamed Key Lime Pie. However, the Android team felt that Key Lime was an unfamiliar flavor to the general public and chose KitKat, named after the Nestlé candy bar. The deal between Android and Nestle was so secretive that many Google employees didn't know about it until the KitKat statue was unveiled on the company's Silicon Valley campus.
The update includes expanded device support and the release of Wear by Google (formerly Android Wear) compared to previous versions of the operating system. The Wear update (4.4W) is exclusive to smartwatches and was released on June 25, 2014.
Major new features
- Suitable for smart watches (4.4W).
- Smartwatch GPS and Bluetooth music support (4.4W.2).
- Users can set defaults for SMS and launcher apps.
- Print wirelessly.
Final version : 4.3.1; released on October 3, 2013.
Initial version : Released on July 9, 2012.
Google no longer supports Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Android Jelly Bean continues the trend of enhanced notification options, including custom app notifications. It also adds actionable notifications for more apps, allowing users to respond to notifications without launching the corresponding app. The update also includes several accessibility improvements, such as triple-tap to enlarge the screen, two-finger gestures, text-to-speech output, and gesture mode navigation for blind users.
Major new features
- Extensible notifications.
- Ability to turn off notifications on an app-by-app basis.
- Third-party launchers do not require root access to add widgets.
- Launch the camera with a swipe from the lock screen.
- Multiple user accounts for tablets.
- Group messaging.
- Built-in emoji support.
- New clock app with world clock, stopwatch and timer.
Drop support for :
- Adobe Flash
Final version : 4.0.4; released on March 29, 2012.
Initial version : Published on October 18, 2011.
Google no longer supports Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich adds some now-ubiquitous features like screenshots, face unlock, and a built-in photo editor. It also launched Android Beam, which lets users share photos, videos, contact information and other data using NFC by tapping the back of their phone.
Google Play Store was launched on March 6, 2012, merging Android Market, Google Music and Google eBookstore. This update is available for devices running Android 2.2 or higher.
Major new features
- Pinch and zoom functionality in calendar.
- Screen capture.
- Apps can be accessed from the lock screen.
- Face unlock.
- Users can set data limits in settings to avoid overage.
- Built-in photo editor.
- Android Beam.
Final version : 3.2.6; released February 2012.
Initial version : Published on February 22, 2011.
Google no longer supports Android 3.0 Honeycomb.
Android Honeycomb is a tablet-only operating system that adds features to make the Android interface compatible with larger screens. Some elements are still available, such as recent apps.
Major new features
- First tablet-only OS update.
- System bar: Quickly access notifications and other information at the bottom of the screen.
- Action Bar: Navigation, widgets, and other content at the top of the screen.
- The Recent Apps button in the system bar helps with multitasking.
- Redesigned keyboard to fit larger screen sizes.
- Browser tabs and incognito mode.
- Resizable home screen widget.
Final version : 2.3.7; released on September 21, 2011.
Initial version : Released December 6, 2010.
Google no longer supports Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread brings several enhancements, including NFC and multi-camera support. It's also the first operating system update to feature an Easter egg, a robot standing next to a zombie gingerbread man with dozens of zombies in the background.
The update also brings us Google Talk, commonly known as Google Chat, Gchat, and a few other names. It was replaced by Google Hangouts, but people still tend to call it Gchat.
Major new features
- Faster and more accurate virtual keyboard.
- NFC support.
- Multi-camera support, including front-facing (selfie) camera.
- Google Talk voice and video chat support.
- More efficient batteries.
Final version : 2.2.3; released on November 21, 2011.
Initial version : released on May 20, 2010.
Google no longer supports Android 2.2 Froyo.
Android Froyo adds a feature many of us now take for granted - push notifications - where apps can send alerts even when they're not open.
Major new features
- Push notifications.
- USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities.
- Adobe Flash support.
- Ability to disable data services.
Final version : 2.1; released on January 12, 2012.
Initial version : Released on October 26, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 2.0 Éclair.
Android 2.0 Éclair adds support for more screen sizes and resolutions as well as basic features like tapping a contact to call or text them.
Major new features
- Click on a contact to make a call or send a text message.
- A range of camera features, including flash support and scene modes.
- dynamic wallpaper.
- Searchable SMS and MMS history.
- Microsoft Exchange email support.
- Bluetooth 2.1 supported.
Initial and final versions : Published on September 15, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 1.6 Donut.
Android Donut adds a number of usability-related enhancements to the operating system, including better search and photo gallery improvements.
Major new features
- Improved search capabilities across the operating system.
- Photo gallery and camera are more closely integrated.
- Text-to-speech functionality.
Initial and final versions : Published on April 27, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 1.5 Cupcake.
Android 1.5 Cupcake is the first version of the operating system to have an official dessert name, and introduces a touch keyboard and some interface enhancements.
Major new features
- On-screen keyboard and support for third-party keyboard applications.
- Widget support.
- Copying and pasting is possible in a web browser.
Initial version : 1.0; released on On September 23, 2008, an internal call was made to Xiaosi.
Final version : 1.1, released on February 9, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 1.0.
In September 2008, the first Android smartphone was released, Android 1.0, and it didn't have a candy nickname. In the US, the HTC Dream is available exclusively for T-Mobile as the T-Mobile G1. It has a slide-out keyboard instead of an on-screen keyboard and a clickable trackball for navigation. Back then, the Android Market was where you went to get apps.
Main new features :
- Open source operating system.
- Notification panel.
If you can find older versions of Android apps online, you can sideload them. Then, you need to turn off automatic updates for the app.
Internally, Google has codenamed Android 13 "Android Tiramisu." But it’s officially called Android 13.
Google has codenamed Android 12 “Snow Cone.” However, the official name is Android 12.
