Evolution Of Android Versions

Evolution Of Android Versions

Smartphones frequently run the Android mobile operating system (OS). It is an extremely useful user interface built on a modified Linux kernel. Android's evolution can be traced back to 2003, but it really came into its own in 2005, thanks to Google.Andy Rubin, Nick Sears, Rich Miner, and Chris White created Android Inc. in Palo Alto, California, and began working on the Android operating system in October 2003. First of all, Andy Rubin created the Android operating system for digital cameras, but he soon realised that there may not be a very large market for such operating systems. Google acquired Android in 2005, and Andy Rubin and the other co-founders continued to work for the new company. 

Apple Inc. released  the iPhone on June 29, 2007, along with iOS, the first mobile operating system. As a result, Android had to overcome new obstacles to defeat iOS, but Google continued to work on Android in secret. Version 1.0 of Android was released by Google in 2008, and further versions included 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 3.0, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0. In 2018, the 9.0 version was released. Future versions will continue to develop into more sophisticated ones. After Android 1.5, names began to appear, and Google officially said after Android 4.4 that "Since these devices make our lives so sweet, each Android version is named after a dessert."Because of this, all Android versions have dessert-related names.

Android holds an 86 percent market share for smartphone operating systems as of 2023. Android is undoubtedly the most popular smartphone operating system. Apple's IOS is currently its lone rival in the market for smartphone operating systems. Android, though, is not that old. When the first Android smartphone was released in September 2008, it didn't take long for Android to stifle all of its competitors—with the obvious exception of iOS. Many new Android versions with improved functionality were introduced during this time, cementing Android's position as the leading mobile operating system. This article will go over the development of Android throughout its history. The development of mobile apps was undoubtedly influenced by the Android versions.

1. Android 1.0: Alpha

On September 23, 2008, Android 1.0, the first version of the operating system, was made available. This early version had a lot of flaws, like the requirement for hardware buttons or keyboards. It has level 1 of the Android API (application programming interface). The numeric value known as API level designates the API framework revision made available by the Android platform's version. The basic collection of classes, packages, XML elements, intents, and permissions that an application can ask for are included in the API framework.  

Features

• Google Maps, the browse
• the calendar
• the camera, and a scrollable notification bar with contacts,
• Gmail integration, and Google Sync.
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are supported wirelessly.

2. Android 1.1: Beta

On February 9, 2009, Google released the Android Beta version, fixing bugs and altering the API. Only T-Mobile G1 devices received this Android update.

Features

• Display location information and ratings
• Include a message attachment and save it.
• Give specific details by selecting the company

3. Android 1.5: Cupcake

On April 30, 2009, it was published with the first acknowledged public code name and incredible upgrades over the previous iterations. Additionally, it introduced the third-party app widgets, which were the most distinctive and useful feature.

Features

• A search function and an on-screen keyboard.
• putting films and photographs online
• Videos and the ability to copy & paste
• assistance with MPEG4 and 3GP formats

4. Android 1.6: Donut

The ability to function on a variety of different screen sizes and resolutions was one of many useful additions in the Android 1.6 version, which was released on September 15, 2009. Donut offers voice and text entry search, bookmark history, the option to select multiple photos for deletion, and both.

Features

• Power Control widget for Bluetooth, GPS, and other wireless technologies.
• Quick-toggle features for the camera and gallery
• Technology support for CDMA/EVDO, 802.1x, VPNs, and a text-to-speech engine. WVGA screen resolution speed
• enhancements to camera and search performance
• Instant Search Box

5. Android 2.0: Eclair

On December 3, 2009, Éclair 2.0 - 2.1 with multiple account synchronisations of email and contacts was published. Additionally, a number of additional functions, such as flash support, scene mode, white balance, colour effect, macro focus, and digital zoom, have been included. The Éclair received bug fixes and stability enhancements in Android 2.1. Real-time traffic updates and voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation were the most useful features.

Features

• Improved UI with Bluetooth 2.1
• Improve Internet map
• Little-changed API
• Support Animated and live wallpapers
• Adding a contact's photo and choosing between calling, texting, and emailing

6. Android 2.2: Froyo

On May 20, 2010, Google announced Android version 2.2, which had performance, memory, and speed enhancements. It was released with improved Bluetooth capabilities, dock compatibility, and a portable WiFi hotspot for distributing the 3G connection. The first smartphone running Android 2.2 was the Google Nexus One. The list of Android versions gives you a comprehensive overview of all previous upgrades and enhancements to the Android operating system.

Features

• Animated GIF support and multiple keyboard languages
• increases in performance and speed
• Support for uploading files via the browser Support for alphanumeric and numeric passwords to increase security
• Increased compatibility with headphone and vehicle kit systems
• Wi-Fi support for the hotspot feature

7. Android 2.3: Gingerbread

Gingerbread, which was made available on December 6, 2010, is listed as the seventh Android version. The release of gaming API with improved graphics-intensive gameplay was the primary upgraded feature, which led to a surge in mobile games.

Features 

• Improve Support for the VP8 and WebM video formats Updated UI design Copy & Paste functionality
• Social networking and video calling are supported
• Quicker and more intuitive typing on a simple keyboard

8.Android 3.0: Honeycomb

The Honeycomb  was introduced in 2011 with the release of Honeycomb, a tablet-only version of the Android operating system. It was also appropriate for older mobiles with wider screens than modern smartphones.

Features

• Improvements to Gmail, contacts, camera, and gallery
• Support for complicated character passwords
• Improved 3D UI and encrypted storage
• Supports recent programmes and multiple processors for simple visual multitasking
• From an SD Card, Media Sync
• Application control action bar
• Global status and notification system bar
• Support for Google Talk video chat and eBooks A browser with more sensor support and Adobe Flash
• Wi-Fi connections and locks with high performance
• A new keyboard, and writing in Chinese

9. Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich

On October 19, 2011, the ice cream sandwich was released with a number of upgraded features to usher in the modern design period. Holding the volume and power buttons together allows you to take screenshots with the snapshot feature. There are many different Android operating systems listed in the Android version list, however ice cream sandwich widgets are more capable and resizable than those in any previous version.

Features

• The ability to spell check
• On-screen buttons and Wi-Fi direct Photo Decor functionality
• Fixing the face during unlocking.
• Card-like design for toggling between apps
• Enhanced high-resolution video recording
• Improved camera functionality
• Web browser's ability to open up to 16 tabs

10. Android 4.1: Jelly Bean

Jelly Bean, a more advanced version of Android, had Google Digital Assistant functionality and was made available from the home screen in June 2012. The amazing predictive intelligence tool offers interactive and expandable notifications. The multi-user support for play as well as many other beneficial features are also available to users.

Features

• Searching by voice and typing Panorama
• Project Butter Expandable alerts
• As a screensaver, daydream
• Power management
• Support USB sound
• An enhanced camera app
• Security upgrades
• New gestures and features for accessibility
• Several user accounts (available only on tablets)
• 4K resolution assistance
• A Bluetooth low energy support
• Support for bilingual text and several languages
• Set or modify the incoming call volume, and display a message alert.
• Based on your search history, Google presents relevant information.
• Native support for emoji

11 Android 4.4: KitKat

On September 3, 2013, Android version 4.4 was released, with a greater emphasis on improving user experience. KitKat is designed to function at a wider range of older Android versions from the list. The smartphone needs to have 512 MB of RAM at the very least.

Features

• Screen capture
• Contact Order Priority
• GPS Support Smarter Caller ID Support for Offline Music Updates to the Alarm and Google Maps User Interface
• The 'OK Google' feature in KitKat's Google keyboard lets users contact Google without having to touch their smartphones and adds cartoonish ideograms and emojis.

12. Android 5.0: Lollipop

With a new user interface and "material design" construction, Lollipop, or Android 5.0, was released on November 12, 2014. It gives all Android, applications, and Google goods a fresh, contemporary look. The Android version list includes Lollipop, which has a tonne of wonderful improvements, including support for improved notification management.

Features

• Encourage ART
• Improved device security
• From the lock screen, notifications can be dismissed with a flick.
• Improved and upgraded user interface Built-in battery saver feature
• A fresh material design
• New navigation bar
• Multiple SIM card support
• Call with high definition voice.

 13. Android 6.0: Marshmallow

Google referred to Android version 6.0 in 2015 as "Macadamia Nut Cookie" before the official release of Marshmallow.

Features

• assistance with fingerprint readers
• USB Type C support
• Sleep Mode for several windows to conserve battery life
• Clearly defined permissions
• enhanced copy-pasting and customised Google tabs

14. Android 7.0: Nougat

With a native split-screen mode, data-saving features, and a "bundled-by-app" mechanism to group notifications, Android 7.0 was introduced in 2016.

Features

• Allow for split-screen and multitasking
• upgrades to the storage manager
• toggles for quick settings
• Touch screen improvements
• more effective setting application
• without opening programmes, reply to messages and notifications inline.

15. Android 8.0: Oreo

Oreo was released in the year 2017 having native picture-in-picture mode, notification snoozing options and better control over how applications can alert you by notifications.

Features

• Password autofill
• Auto-enable Wi-Fi
• Downloadable fonts
• Multi-display support
• Support Picture-in-Picture
• Notification channels and snooze notification
• Google Play support and new emoji styling
• Adaptive icons and smart text selection

16. Android 9: Pie

On August 6, 2018, the pie was made available to the general public with a tonne of wonderful features tailored to the needs and interests of the users. Pie is the operating system that Android users utilise the most, according to a report.

Features

• Sound booster with choices to shout out loud
• compatibility with artificial intelligence (AI)
• With background limits, adaptive battery and brightness
• Support for several cameras and interoperability with external cameras
• New App Actions and Gesture Navigation
• a fresh screenshot Menu for accessibility and shortcuts
• Support for edge-to-edge screens and simpler screen rotation
• improvements to the sound and volume
• a programmable dark mode
• Multiple Bluetooth connections, HDR, and HD audio
• Slices and long presses for selection overview
• New security measures for increased safety
• Digital Wellbeing includes do not disturb, dashboard, and timers for apps

17. Android 10: Android Q

On September 3, 2019, Google officially unveiled Android version 10, which has improved features and higher API levels.

Features

• support for flexible-screen, foldable smartphones
• Dark mode for comfort of the eyes
• ever-faster and intuitive gesture navigation control
• a sound booster that produces a clearer sound
• Intelligent reply suggestions for all messaging programmes
• Live captions for mobile media playback
• Reverse app removal
• improved notification management with lots of choices.

18. Android 11 (Red Velvet Cake)

According to user needs, Android developers are constantly attempting to provide more sophisticated applications. The majority of developers are comparing Android Developer vs Web Developer to see which field is hot right now.

The new Android 11, which will be the most recent version in the list of Android versions, will come with the new features listed below.

• a native screen capture
• increasing touch sensitivity while notifications are muted in the video
• Historical Notifications
• Automatic app permission revocation

The upgraded or revised features are as follows:

• updated shortcuts for the menu and screenshots
• Undoing recently cleared programmes using a new text selection mode  
• No longer does Aeroplane mode disable Bluetooth.
• In the Pixel 4, Face Unlock requires you to open your eyes.
• Pinnable apps in the sharing menu
• Enhancements to notification conversations shades
• Context-aware dark mode and conversation bubbles
• Enhancements to one-time permissions

19. Android 12 Snow Cone

On October 4th, Android 12 was formally announced, and on October 19th, it began rolling out to Pixel smartphones that were compatible. After that, a number of manufacturers followed suit and began sending out the stable Android 12 upgrade to their premium handsets, including the OnePlus 9 series and the Samsung Galaxy S21 series. The update rollout roadmaps for each OEM's device have also been made public.

Android 12 is more exciting than the previous iterations of the operating system because most advancements are mostly surface-level. 'Material you' is the name of a new standard that is included in the upgrade. The information you provide gives the Android experience an entirely new appearance and feel that is not just restricted to system-level components. 

Features

• Redesigned quick settings and notifications
• markers for the camera and microphone
• game console
• alterations to widgets
• privacy display
• screenshots that scroll

20. Android 13 Tiramisu

Android 13 has been officially released by Google to the AOSP (Android Open Source Project), and Google Pixel smartphones have begun receiving the Android 13 stable update as of August 15. Android 13 is the follow-up to Android 12, which featured the new Material You design language and one of the biggest design updates the OS has seen since Android 5.0. According to the business, Android 13 will be made available "later this year" for devices made by Samsung, Asus, HMD (Nokia phones), iQOO, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and more. 

Features

• New icon themes for the photo picker app
• Enhancing individual app language preferences
• New modules for Project Mainline
• Audio using Bluetooth LE
• Enhanced command over app notifications
• Downgradable rights for developers
• An enhanced text support

21. Android 14 (Upside Down Cake)

Android 14 was released on October 4, 2023, and launched alongside the Pixel 8 series. It continued refining Android’s customisation and performance focus while also tightening security by restricting apps targeting old APIs.

Features

• Customisable lock screen and wallpapers
• Improved battery life and performance optimization
• Blocked app installs targeting Android 6.0 or below
• Regional preferences (e.g., units, calendar)
• Enhanced accessibility (font scaling to 200%)
• Satellite communication support (early stages)
• Improved large screen and foldable support
   

22. Android 15 (Vanilla Ice Cream)

Android 15 was released on September 3, 2024, with stable rollout starting October for Pixel devices. It expanded Android’s multitasking abilities and introduced privacy-forward features like Private Space to hide sensitive apps.

Features

• Private Space for secure app storage
• Enhanced split-screen multitasking for tablets
• Theft Detection Lock for lost/stolen device protection
• Satellite messaging API support
• Predictive back gesture with animation preview
• New volume panel UI
• Improved vibration controls and haptics
• Additional security & background task restrictions

23. Android 16 (Baklava)

As of June 2025, Android 16 is in beta, with a stable release expected soon. Codenamed "Baklava," it continues Google’s push for privacy, security, and large-screen usability, while further expanding AI integration and system intelligence.

Features

• Expanded Private Space capabilities
• Deeper AI integration across UI elements
• Smarter battery optimization for background apps
• More refined gesture navigation
• Enhanced widget interactivity
• Improved satellite messaging UI
• Stricter background task management