Android Latest Version Name List with Release Dates and Key Features
Knowing the names and order of Android versions helps you keep up with updates and check if your device supports the latest features. Android versions were traditionally named after desserts in alphabetical order, which made it easier to recall their sequence. This article provides a complete chronological list of Android version names from the first release to the latest, including release dates and major features, so you can understand how Android has developed and what distinguishes the current version.
What are the Android version names and why do they matter?
Android version names identify each major release of the operating system. Google used dessert-themed names in alphabetical order, such as Cupcake, Donut, and Eclair, to make each version memorable and easy to distinguish. This naming tradition helped users and developers quickly recognize the progression of Android versions without relying only on numbers. Knowing these names helps you determine if your device supports specific features or apps and provides perspective on how the platform has improved over time.
What is the latest Android version and its name?
The latest Android version is Android 17, released on June 16, 2026. Google's internal codename for it is "Cinnamon Bun," continuing the alphabetical dessert codenames used behind the scenes: Android 15 was "Vanilla Ice Cream" and Android 16 was "Baklava." Publicly, though, Android 17 is just called Android 17. It brings a glassier, blur-heavy design, an optional split notification shade, app bubbles, an improved desktop mode and new privacy controls such as a contacts picker and a local network permission.
How have Android version names evolved over time?
Android version names began with Android 1.5 Cupcake in 2009, following an alphabetical dessert-themed pattern for many years:
- 1.5 Cupcake (April 2009)
- 1.6 Donut (September 2009)
- 2.0/2.1 Eclair (October 2009)
- 2.2 Froyo (May 2010)
- 2.3 Gingerbread (December 2010)
- 3.x Honeycomb (February 2011)
- 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (October 2011)
- 4.1–4.3 Jelly Bean (July 2012)
- 4.4 KitKat (October 2013)
- 5.0–5.1 Lollipop (November 2014)
- 6.0 Marshmallow (October 2015)
- 7.0–7.1 Nougat (August 2016)
- 8.0–8.1 Oreo (August 2017)
- 9.0 Pie (August 2018)
Starting with Android 10, released in September 2019, Google stopped using public dessert names and switched to numeric versioning for clarity and global appeal. Internal dessert code names still exist but are not publicly used. The versions since Android 10 are:
- 10 (September 2019)
- 11 (September 2020)
- 12 (October 2021)
- 13 (August 2022)
- 14 (October 2023), codename Upside Down Cake
- 15 (October 2024), codename Vanilla Ice Cream
- 16 (June 2025), codename Baklava
- 17 (June 2026), codename Cinnamon Bun
This change simplified version identification worldwide and avoided confusion caused by unfamiliar dessert names.
What are the key features introduced in each Android version?
Each Android version introduced features that shaped the user experience:
- Cupcake (1.5): On-screen keyboard, widgets, video recording.
- Donut (1.6): Support for various screen sizes and CDMA networks.
- Eclair (2.0/2.1): Multiple account support, improved Google Maps.
- Froyo (2.2): Speed improvements, USB tethering.
- Gingerbread (2.3): Refined user interface, NFC support.
- Honeycomb (3.x): Designed specifically for tablets, new UI elements.
- Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0): Unified phone and tablet UI, face unlock.
- Jelly Bean (4.1–4.3): Project Butter for smoother UI, Google Now.
- KitKat (4.4): Optimized for low-end devices, immersive mode.
- Lollipop (5.0): Material Design UI, enhanced notifications.
- Marshmallow (6.0): Runtime permissions, fingerprint support.
- Nougat (7.0): Split-screen multitasking, improved notifications.
- Oreo (8.0): Picture-in-picture mode, notification channels.
- Pie (9.0): Gesture navigation, adaptive battery.
- Android 10: Dark theme, enhanced privacy controls.
- Android 11: Chat bubbles, improved media controls.
- Android 12: Major UI redesign called Material You, privacy dashboard.
- Android 13: Enhanced privacy features, multi-language support.
- Android 14: Lock screen customization, selected-photo access, larger font scaling.
- Android 15: Private space, partial screen sharing, theft protection.
- Android 16: Live Updates, automatic notification grouping, Advanced Protection.
- Android 17: Expanded blur effects, split notification shade, app bubbles, contacts picker.
These updates highlight Android’s ongoing focus on user experience, security, and hardware innovation.
How can I check the Android version name on my device?
To find your device's Android version and its name:
- Open the "Settings" app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Scroll down and tap "About phone" or "About device."
- Look for "Android version", this shows a number like 12, 13, or 14.
- Compare this number to the list above to identify the corresponding version name (for example, Android 13 is internally called "Tiramisu").
Most devices show only the version number publicly. Dessert names are usually internal or found in developer documentation.
You can also check the exact build number or security patch level in the same "About phone" section.
Why do some Android versions have code names while others don’t?
Android versions have official numbers (like 10, 11, 12) and internal code names, mostly dessert-themed. Until Android 9 Pie, Google publicly used dessert names to identify versions. Starting with Android 10, Google switched to numeric names for simplicity and easier global recognition.
The code names still exist internally for development and reference but are no longer part of marketing or user-facing materials. This avoids confusion because dessert names may not be familiar or translate well across different cultures.
So when you hear names like "Cupcake" or "Oreo," those refer to older public code names. Newer versions are usually identified by their number, even though developers still use dessert names internally.
Criteria for the version list
The versions listed here include every major public Android release starting from Android 1.5 Cupcake up to Android 17. Each entry represents a significant update with distinct features or changes that impacted the Android platform and user experience. Minor updates and security patches are not included.
Conclusion
Understanding Android version names and their order helps you know what features your device supports and what to expect from updates. Although Google stopped using public dessert names after Android 9, the internal naming tradition continues. Checking your device’s Android version number is straightforward, and matching it to this list clarifies the features available on your device or in upcoming updates. Staying informed about Android versions can help you use your device more effectively and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Google stop using dessert names publicly after Android 9?
Google switched to numeric versioning with Android 10 to make version numbers clearer and easier to understand worldwide. Dessert names could confuse some users or be unfamiliar in different cultures, so numbers provide a straightforward way to identify versions.
Are dessert names completely gone from Android now?
No, dessert names still exist internally at Google as code names for Android versions, but they are no longer used in marketing or for users since Android 10.
Can I update my phone to the latest Android version easily?
Whether you can update depends on your device manufacturer and carrier. Newer or flagship devices usually receive updates faster, but some older models might not support the latest Android versions. You can check for updates in your phone’s settings.