Android's success isn't just about its functionality; it's also about its charmingly quirky naming convention. Each version is named after a sweet treat, following alphabetical order – a delicious journey through the history of mobile technology. This comprehensive list details each Android version name, its release date, and some key features.
The Sweet Treats of Android: A Chronological List
Below, you'll find a chronological list of all Android versions, including their codename and notable features. This isn't just a simple list; it's a curated exploration of Android's evolution.
| Version Name | Codename | Release Date | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android 1.0 | Alpha | September 23, 2008 | Initial release; laid the foundation for the Android ecosystem. |
| Android 1.1 | Bender | February 9, 2009 | Minor updates and bug fixes. |
| Android 1.5 Cupcake | Cupcake | April 30, 2009 | Widgets, improved keyboard, YouTube integration. |
| Android 1.6 Donut | Donut | September 15, 2009 | CDMA support, better camera, improved search. |
| Android 2.0 Éclair | Éclair | October 26, 2009 | Enhanced UI, improved camera, Bluetooth 2.1 support, Live wallpapers. |
| Android 2.1 Éclair | Éclair | January 12, 2010 | Minor bug fixes and performance improvements. |
| Android 2.2 Froyo | Froyo | May 20, 2010 | Just-in-time (JIT) compiler for faster app performance, improved browser. |
| Android 2.3 Gingerbread | Gingerbread | December 6, 2010 | Improved keyboard, better copy/paste, NFC support, front-facing camera support. |
| Android 3.0 Honeycomb | Honeycomb | February 22, 2011 | First Android version optimized for tablets; revamped UI. |
| Android 3.1 Honeycomb | Honeycomb | May 10, 2011 | Minor improvements and bug fixes for tablets. |
| Android 3.2 Honeycomb | Honeycomb | July 15, 2011 | Minor improvements and bug fixes for tablets. |
| Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich | Ice Cream Sandwich | October 18, 2011 | Unified UI for phones and tablets, improved camera and face unlock. |
| Android 4.1 Jelly Bean | Jelly Bean | July 9, 2012 | Google Now, Project Butter (smoother performance), improved notifications. |
| Android 4.2 Jelly Bean | Jelly Bean | November 13, 2012 | Photo Sphere, Daydream, improved widgets, Quick Settings. |
| Android 4.3 Jelly Bean | Jelly Bean | July 24, 2013 | OpenGL ES 3.0 support, Bluetooth Smart Ready, restricted profiles. |
| Android 4.4 KitKat | KitKat | October 31, 2013 | Enhanced performance, improved printing support, support for translucent UI. |
| Android 5.0 Lollipop | Lollipop | November 12, 2014 | Material Design, improved notifications, ART runtime. |
| Android 6.0 Marshmallow | Marshmallow | October 5, 2015 | App permissions, Doze mode (battery saving), Android Pay. |
| Android 7.0 Nougat | Nougat | August 22, 2016 | Multi-window support, improved notifications, Vulkan API. |
| Android 8.0 Oreo | Oreo | August 21, 2017 | Picture-in-picture mode, notification channels, Autofill framework. |
| Android 9.0 Pie | Pie | August 6, 2018 | Gesture navigation, adaptive battery, AI-powered features. |
| Android 10 | Quince | September 3, 2019 | Dark theme, privacy improvements, gesture navigation refinements. |
| Android 11 | Red Velvet | September 8, 2020 | Chat bubbles, improved media controls, one-time permissions. |
| Android 12 | Snow Cone | October 4, 2021 | Material You, improved privacy controls, widgets revamp. |
| Android 13 | Tiramisu | August 15, 2022 | Per-app language preferences, improved media playback controls, Bluetooth LE Audio. |
| Android 14 | Upside Down Cake | October 24, 2023 | Improved privacy and security, better performance and efficiency |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the latest version of Android?
As of October 26, 2023, the latest version of Android is Android 14 (Upside Down Cake).
Which Android version has the best performance?
Performance depends heavily on the device's hardware and optimization. While newer versions generally incorporate performance improvements, older versions on powerful devices can still perform very well. Android 10, 11, 12, and 13 all boast significant performance enhancements.
How can I check my Android version?
To check your Android version, go to your device's Settings, then About Phone or About Device, and look for the "Android version" or similar.
What are the major differences between Android versions?
The key differences between Android versions lie in their UI design, performance improvements, added features (like camera enhancements, notification management changes, or security updates), and overall user experience. Each version builds upon the previous one, introducing refinements and new capabilities.
This list provides a comprehensive overview of Android versions. While this information is accurate to the best of our knowledge, it's crucial to note that updates and modifications continuously occur within the Android ecosystem. Remember to always consult official sources for the most up-to-date details.
