Do you know the latest Android version names? If not, you’re in for a treat! In this blog, we will go through each Android version name from A to Z and detail all the essential features and changes that came with it. So whether you’re looking for new tips and tricks for your Android device or want to know the current version names, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. So don’t wait any longer and start reading!
Android Versions List A to Z
The world was revolutionised when Steve Jobs launched the iPhone in 2007. We have come a long way since then. With the introduction of Android in 2008, the game has changed a lot for smartphone users. To date, Google has revealed 16 different versions of Android. Google has always been quirky about naming the Android versions. In this article, jump in to find the quirky Android version names from A to Z.
1. Android 1.0 – 2008
To compete with Apple’s iOS, Android introduced its Android 1.0 in 2008. The version then was nothing compared to what we use today. The interface was pretty basic, and there were not many features. However, the first Android version release has the essential Google Apps that we use. This includes Maps, Calendar, Gmail, 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 significant 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 more user-friendly and better than before. Google wanted to make this OS available worldwide. This upgrade brought support for mobile networks such as Sprint and Verizon. The most remarkable feature was the search box in the latest versions.
4. Android 2.0, Eclair – 2009
Within one year, Android released three significant upgrades with the Android 2.0 Eclair release. The Maps feature a voice navigation system that was a big deal back then. Another fantastic upgrade was the internet browser. They introduced support for HTML5, which makes playing videos easier on 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, changing the game of smartphones. This version refined the Android experience. The home screen panel now has five panels instead of just three. The Gallery application’s design was revamped with new features. The significant change was the PIN lock system and Mobile Hotspot’s support.
6. Android 2.3, Gingerbread – 2010
The next generation of Android debuted with the Nexus S, named 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 selfie game by introducing 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 was replaced with hues of blue. The widgets can be customised a little according to the user’s needs. The most remarkable feature of 3.0 was the 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 by introducing the 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 Calendar and Mail app interfaces.
9. Android 4.1, Jelly Bean – 2012
The following year, the Jelly Bean upgrade was about to change the smartphone market. This was where the ear of Google’s OS started. A swipe-to-see feature could now get you weather updates and email and calendar report notifications on a single screen. Expandable notifications, flexible fonts and customisable widgets changed how people used Android until 2012.
10. Android 4.4, KitKat – 2013
With the launch of Nexus 5, Google introduced Android 4.4 KitKat, which modernised the interface. The OS and applications also received a lighter colour theme. The ‘OK Google’ search command was revealed. A new phone dialer, full-screen support, and a Hangouts app were 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 the widgets collection. The system now supports RAW image files. Android TV was also revealed to be used with televisions, which 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, which is applicable even today. However, the notable upgrade in 2015 was the support for fingerprint scanners.
13. Android 7.0, Nougat – 2016
After ten years of its launch, Nougat was the most significant upgrade to Android. The notification panel was improved with grouped notifications, and the system’s multitasking capabilities were improved by offering a split-screen mode. Google Now has replaced Google Assistant, making our online search experience more accessible than ever.
14. Android 8.0, Oreo – 2017
The Oreo upgrade was pretty interesting, especially 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 has the option to sleep notifications, which various categories can sort.
15. Android 9.0, Pie – 2018
The virtual buttons used in Android devices were now replaced with a single virtual button. The ‘Digital Wellbeing’ feature was introduced to ensure 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, Q – 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 vast 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 more.
17. Android 11 – 2020
Android version 11 was considered a significant 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 the 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 significant update for the operating system that will improve the user experience. Highlights of the update include a redesigned Settings menu and enhanced 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 want to get the most out of your Android device, download and install Android 12 as soon as possible!
Final Verdict – Android Version List A to Z
The Android version list has always guaranteed us better features with the upgrade. However, this will no longer be the reason to get excited. Google has decided to continue with just numbers for the upcoming Android upgrades. However, I still love the way Android revealed its Android version names. Which of them was your favourite? Please let us know in the comments below.
