Android Version List with Key Features and Release Dates

Knowing the different Android versions helps you understand what features your device supports and what updates you might receive. Android has evolved through many versions since its first release, each adding new features, improvements, and security enhancements. This article lists all official Android versions in order, explains their key features and release dates, clarifies naming conventions, and covers how version numbers relate to device compatibility and common misconceptions about updates.

What are the official Android versions and their release order?

Android versions are numbered from 1.0 onward, with most major releases given dessert-themed codenames until Android 9. Here is the chronological list of main Android versions with their codenames where applicable:

1. Android 1.0 (no codename)
2. Android 1.1 (no codename)
3. Android 1.5 Cupcake
4. Android 1.6 Donut
5. Android 2.0/2.1 Eclair
6. Android 2.2 Froyo
7. Android 2.3 Gingerbread
8. Android 3.0/3.1/3.2 Honeycomb (tablet-focused)
9. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
10. Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 Jelly Bean
11. Android 4.4 KitKat
12. Android 5.0/5.1 Lollipop
13. Android 6.0 Marshmallow
14. Android 7.0/7.1 Nougat
15. Android 8.0/8.1 Oreo
16. Android 9 Pie
17. Android 10 (numeric only, no dessert name)
18. Android 11
19. Android 12
20. Android 13
21. Android 14 (latest as of mid-2024)

Each major version typically includes several minor updates and security patches to fix bugs and improve stability.

What new features came with each Android version?

Each Android version introduced features that improved user experience, performance, or security:

• Android 1.5 Cupcake: On-screen keyboards, widgets, basic video recording.
• Android 1.6 Donut: Support for varied screen sizes and resolutions, improved camera and gallery.
• Android 2.0/2.1 Eclair: Google Maps navigation, multiple account support.
• Android 2.2 Froyo: Wi-Fi hotspot, performance optimizations.
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread: Enhanced gaming and graphics, NFC support.
• Android 3.0 Honeycomb: New UI optimized for tablets.
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: Unified phone and tablet UI, face unlock.
• Android 4.1-4.3 Jelly Bean: Project Butter for smoother performance, Google Now introduction.
• Android 4.4 KitKat: Optimization for low-end devices, "OK Google" voice command.
• Android 5.0 Lollipop: Material Design UI, improved lock screen notifications.
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Runtime permissions, Doze mode for better battery.
• Android 7.0 Nougat: Multi-window support, direct reply notifications.
• Android 8.0 Oreo: Picture-in-picture mode, notification dots.
• Android 9 Pie: Adaptive battery, gesture navigation.
• Android 10: System-wide dark mode, enhanced privacy controls.
• Android 11: Chat bubbles, built-in screen recording.
• Android 12: Material You design, privacy dashboard.
• Android 13: Granular app permissions, improved media controls.
• Android 14: Security enhancements, app compatibility improvements.

These features reflect Android’s growth from basic smartphone functions to a versatile, secure platform.

When was each Android version released and how are they named?

Android versions were initially released roughly every few months to a year. Versions 1.5 through 9 were named after desserts or sweet treats in alphabetical order, starting with Cupcake (1.5) and ending with Pie (9).

Starting with Android 10, Google stopped using public dessert names and switched to a simple numeric naming system. This change made version names clearer internationally, avoiding confusion over dessert names.

Key release dates of major versions include:

• Android 1.0: September 2008
• Android 2.3 Gingerbread: December 2010
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: October 2011
• Android 5.0 Lollipop: November 2014
• Android 6.0 Marshmallow: October 2015
• Android 7.0 Nougat: August 2016
• Android 8.0 Oreo: August 2017
• Android 9 Pie: August 2018
• Android 10: September 2019
• Android 11: September 2020
• Android 12: October 2021
• Android 13: August 2022
• Android 14: August 2023

Release dates can vary by device manufacturer and carrier, so not all users receive updates immediately.

How do Android versions affect device compatibility and updates?

Android version numbers affect which apps you can run and what features your device supports. However, a new Android version’s release does not guarantee your device will receive it.

Compatibility depends on your device’s hardware and the manufacturer’s update policy. Older devices might lack the hardware to support new Android versions, or manufacturers may stop updates after a certain point. Carriers can also delay or limit updates.

Keep these points in mind:

• Newer Android versions usually require more processing power and memory, so older devices may struggle.
• Some apps require a minimum Android version to install or function properly.
• Google’s Pixel devices generally receive updates faster and for a longer time than many other brands.
• Security updates might still be provided separately even if your device doesn't get the latest full Android version.

Choosing a device with a recent Android version and good update support is important for access to current features and security.

What are common myths about Android versions and updates?

Here are some common misconceptions:

• Myth: All Android devices get the latest version. Reality: Updates depend on the device maker and carrier; many devices never receive every new version.
• Myth: You can upgrade any Android phone to the newest version. Reality: Hardware limits and manufacturer support prevent upgrading some devices beyond certain versions.
• Myth: Dessert names are still used officially. Reality: Google stopped publicly using dessert names starting with Android 10, though internal code names may still exist.
• Myth: A higher Android version number always means better performance. Reality: Newer versions add features but may also require more resources, which can slow older hardware.
• Myth: App compatibility depends only on Android version. Reality: It also depends on hardware, manufacturer customizations, and Google Play services versions.

Understanding these can help set realistic expectations for software updates and device capabilities.

Conclusion

Knowing which Android version your device runs and where it fits in the Android timeline helps you understand the features available to you and how updates affect your experience. When choosing a device or considering updates, look at the Android version, your device’s hardware, and the manufacturer’s update policy. This will help you get the most from your Android device and stay secure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why don't all Android devices get the latest version?

Many devices don’t get the latest Android version because updates depend on device manufacturers and carriers. Hardware limitations and costs also influence whether an update is provided.

What does the Android version number mean for app compatibility?

App compatibility usually requires a minimum Android version, but it also depends on your device’s hardware and manufacturer customizations. Some apps won’t run on very old versions.

Are dessert names still used for Android versions?

Google stopped using public dessert names starting with Android 10. Before that, each version had a dessert-themed codename, but versions are now named numerically.