Android

What Is the Android 16 Codename and Where Does It Come From

Android 16 is an official Android version. Google released it on June 10, 2025, and its internal codename was Baklava, continuing Google’s tradition of dessert-themed codenames even though public dessert names ended with Android 9 Pie. The phrase “Android 16” also refers to a well-known Dragon Ball character, which is a common source of confusion in searches. Here is what each means.

What is the Android 16 codename?

Inside Google and in the Android source code, Android 16 was called Baklava, often shortened to “B.” Its API level is 36. Google stopped using dessert names publicly with Android 10, but it still uses them internally in alphabetical order: Android 10 was Quince Tart, Android 11 Red Velvet Cake, Android 12 Snow Cone, Android 13 Tiramisu, Android 14 Upside Down Cake, Android 15 Vanilla Ice Cream, and Android 16 Baklava.

Why did Baklava break the alphabet?

After reaching V with Android 15, Google did not move on to W. It started over at the beginning of the alphabet with Baklava for Android 16. Android 17 continues the new cycle with a C-themed dessert codename, Cinnamon Bun.

Where does the Dragon Ball “Android 16” come from?

Separately, Android 16 is a character from Dragon Ball Z, a large, gentle android built by Dr. Gero who loves nature and sides with the heroes during the Cell saga. The character has no connection to Google’s Android software; the shared name is a coincidence of the word “android” and a number. Searches for “Android 16” therefore mix results for the operating system and the anime character.

An Android 16 Dragon Ball character figure next to a manga book

How does Google choose Android codenames?

Google’s internal codenames follow desserts in alphabetical order. Up to Android 9, the dessert name was also the public name, such as KitKat, Oreo, or Pie. Since Android 10, the public name is only the number, while the dessert codename appears in developer builds, source code branches, and some Google announcements.

Common confusions about “Android 16”

Some people think Android 16 is only a nickname or a fan term; it is a real Android release used on millions of phones. Others confuse it with Android 6.0 Marshmallow or with the API level, which is 36 rather than 16. And the Dragon Ball character is unrelated to the software.

Conclusion

Android 16 is Google’s Android release from June 2025, internally codenamed Baklava. The Dragon Ball character of the same name is a separate, unrelated topic. If you are checking your phone, look for “Android version 16” in Settings under About phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Android 16 an official Android version?

Yes. Google released Android 16 on June 10, 2025, starting with Pixel 6 and newer phones.

What is the codename of Android 16?

Baklava. It was the first codename of a new alphabetical cycle after Android 15’s Vanilla Ice Cream.

Is the Android 16 software named after the Dragon Ball character?

No. The software name is simply the version number. The Dragon Ball character shares the name by coincidence.

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