Do you know the latest android version names? If not, you’re in for a treat! In this blog, we will be going through each android version name from A to Z and detailing all the important features and changes that came with it. So whether you’re looking for new tips and tricks for your android device, or just want to know the current version names, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for here. So don’t wait any longer and start reading!
Android Version Names From A to Z
With the introduction of smartphones in 2007 when Steve Jobs launched the iPhone, the world has been revolutionised. We have come a long way since then. With the introduction of Android in 2008, the game has changed a lot for smartphone users. Till date, Google has revealed 16 different versions of Android. Google has always been quirky about naming the Android versions. Jump in with us to find out the quirky Android version names from A to Z in this article.
1. Android 1.0 – 2008
To compete with Apple’s iOS, Android introduced its Android 1.0 in 2008. The version then was nothing as compared to what we use today. The interface was pretty basic and there were not many features. However, the first release of the Android version has the basic Google Apps that we use. This includes Maps, Calendar, Gmail and YouTube, etc.
2. Android 1.5, Cupcake – 2009
With the second public release of Android, they started naming the versions. The introduction of Android Cupcake brought some major changes to the operating systems. There was an option to capture videos along with photos. The widgets were now open for third-party developers. Also, this version brought up the on-screen keyboard.
3. Android 1.6, Donut – 2009
The Android 1.6 Donut was introduced to make the interface user-friendly and better than before. Google wanted to make the availability of this OS worldwide. This upgrade brought in the support for mobile networks such as Sprint and Verizon. The most remarkable feature was the search box that we see in the latest versions too.
4. Android 2.0, Eclair – 2009
Within one year, Android has released three major upgrades with the Android 2.0 Eclair release. The Maps featured a voice navigation system that was a big deal back then. Another amazing upgrade was with the internet browser. They have introduced the support for HTML5 that makes playing videos easier on the browsers.
5. Android 2.2, Froyo – 2010
The Android 2.2 Froyo upgrade in 2010 was a turning point for Android. The first Nexus phone was introduced to the world that changed the game of smartphones. This version refined the Android experience. The home screen panel now has a total of five panels instead of just three. The Gallery application’s design was revamped with new features. The major change was the PIN lock system along with the support for Mobile Hotspot.
6. Android 2.3, Gingerbread – 2010
The next generation of Android debuted with the Nexus S named as Gingerbread. The software had a better home screen design and widgets that were more user-friendly than before. The keyboard was integrated with the support for muti-touch. This upgrade changed the game of selfies with the introduction of support for the front-facing camera.
7. Android 3.0, Honeycomb – 2011
The Android Honeycomb was structured to run on tablets too. The classic green theme of the interface got replaced with hues of blue. The widgets can be customised a little according to the user’s need. The most remarkable feature of 3.0 was virtual buttons. The need to use physical buttons was pulled out.
8. Android 4.0, Ice-Cream Sandwich – 2011
In the same year, Android released the next upgrade. This was released with the introduction of Samsung Galaxy Nexus with features integrated from Honeycomb. Along with that, a few more options were added to the interface. This included facial recognition, data usage analysis and new interfaces for Calendar and Mail apps.
9. Android 4.1, Jelly Bean – 2012
In the following year, Jelly Bean upgrade was about to change the market of smartphones. This was where the ear of Google’s OS started. A swipe to see feature could now get you weather updates, notifications of email and calendar reports on a single screen. Expandable notifications, flexible fonts and customisable widgets changed the way people have used Android till 2012.
10. Android 4.4, KitKat – 2013
With the launch of Nexus 5, Google introduced Android 4.4 KitKat that modernised the interface. A lighter colour theme was introduced for the OS and applications too. The ‘OK Google’ search command was revealed. A new phone dialer, full-screen app support and Hangouts app was introduced for efficient messaging and calling.
11. Android 5.0, Lollipop – 2014
With the Lollipop version, Android introduced the material design theme in the interface. The pull-down notification screen was improved with widget collection. The support for RAW image files was added to the system. The Android TV was also revealed to be used with televisions that too changed the game of our modern TV experience.
12. Android 6.0, Marshmallow – 2015
With a white apps menu screen and a handy search bar at the top, Android revealed the Marshmallow. The option for memory management was introduced to the users. The volume control panel was introduced that comes in really handy to use even today. However, the notable upgrade in 2015 was the support for fingerprint scanners.
13. Android 7.0, Nougat – 2016
After 10 years of the launch, Nougat was the biggest upgrade to Android. The notification panel was improved with grouped notifications. The multitasking capabilities of the system was improved by offering the split-screen mode. Google Now got replaced with Google Assistant making our online searching experience easier than ever.
14. Android 8.0, Oreo – 2017
The Oreo upgrade was pretty interesting with the introduction of Picture-in-Picture mode. The PIP mode and split-screen mode changed the game of multitasking for the users. The notification panel now had the options to snooze notifications and can be sorted by various categories.
15. Android 9.0, Pie – 2018
The virtual buttons that we’ve been using in Android devices were now replaced with a single virtual button. The feature of ‘Digital Wellbeing’ was introduced to make sure you don’t spend unnecessary hours on your phone. Adaptive Battery and App Actions were also revealed to manage background app processes.
16. Android 10 – 2019
Android version 10 is just that, a minor version update in the form of a refresh, and we have to say that this update is a huge improvement from Android 9 Pie. In addition, the OS received a new navigation bar, new notifications, a revamped app drawer and a new Google Play Store. The Google Assistant will also be baked into the OS, as will new features like Night Light mode, Do Not Disturb mode and even more.
17. Android 11 – 2020
Android version 11 was considered a major release by Google and contains many new features. We expected this major version to be released during the first half of 2020. Android 11 is most user-friendly version of Android yet, with a clean interface, a new navigation bar, and improved features like split-screen multitasking.
18. Android 12 – 2021
Google has released Android 12, a major update for the operating system that is sure to improve the user experience. Highlights of the update include a redesigned Settings menu and improved performance. Other notable changes include updated emojis and augmented reality support. The update is a bit large, coming in at around 1GB. So, if you’re looking to get the most out of your Android device, make sure you download and install Android 12 as soon as possible!
Final Verdict – Android Versions List
Android versions list have always fantasised us with better features with the upgrade. However, this will no longer be the reason to get excited. Google has decided to go on with just numbers for the upcoming Android upgrades. However, I still love the way Android revealed their Android version names. Which of them was your favourite? Do let us know in the comments below.
