Android is a popular operating system used by millions of people around the world. Developed by Google, it has undergone various updates and iterations since its initial release in 2008.
Each new version brings exciting features, enhanced security, and improved performance to the platform.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the different versions of Android and their features. Whether you are an Android enthusiast, developer, or just curious about the evolution of the platform, this list of Android versions will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the operating system’s history.
List Of Android Versions – All Version Of Android Operating System
The Android operating system has undergone numerous updates and iterations since its initial release in 2008. Each new version introduces exciting new features, improved performance, and enhanced security measures. Here is a comprehensive list of all the Android versions released so far:
- Android 1.0: The first version of Android, released in 2008. It had basic features like Gmail integration, Google Maps, and YouTube.
- Android 1.1: An update to Android 1.0, released in 2009. It added support for voice commands and Bluetooth.
- Android 1.5 Cupcake: Released in 2009, this version introduced on-screen keyboards, support for widgets, and the ability to record and play videos.
- Android 1.6 Donut: Released later in 2009, this version added support for different screen sizes and resolutions, and an improved camera interface.
- Android 2.0 Eclair: Released in 2009, this version brought support for multiple accounts, a unified email inbox, and an improved browser.
- Android 2.2 Froyo: Released in 2010, this version added support for Adobe Flash, improved performance, and introduced the ability to turn the device into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread: Released in 2010, this version introduced a new user interface, improved keyboard, and support for Near Field Communication (NFC).
- Android 3.0 Honeycomb: Released in 2011, this version was designed specifically for tablets. It featured a new UI, support for multicore processors, and improved multimedia capabilities.
- Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich: Released in 2011, this version merged the phone and tablet versions of Android into a single platform. It introduced features like facial recognition, Android Beam, and an improved camera app.
- Android 4.1 Jelly Bean: Released in 2012, this version introduced Google Now, an intelligent personal assistant, and support for OpenGL ES 3.0.
- Android 4.4 KitKat: Released in 2013, this version introduced a new UI design, support for wireless printing, and improved performance.
- Android 5.0 Lollipop: Released in 2014, this version introduced a new material design language, support for 64-bit processors, and improved security features.
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow: Released in 2015, this version introduced a new permissions system, support for fingerprint sensors, and improved battery life.
- Android 7.0 Nougat: Released in 2016, this version introduced split-screen multitasking, improved notifications, and support for Daydream VR.
- Android 8.0 Oreo: Released in 2017, this version introduced picture-in-picture mode, notification dots, and improved battery life.
- Android 9.0 Pie: Released in 2018, this version introduced a new gesture-based navigation system, digital wellbeing features, and support for notch displays.
- Android 10: Released in 2019, this version introduced a system-wide dark mode, improved privacy controls, and support for foldable devices.
- Android 11: Released in 2020, this version introduced improved notifications, new media controls, and better support for 5G networks.
- Android 12: Released in 2021, this version introduced a new material design language, improved performance, and new privacy features.
Each new Android version brings exciting new features and improvements, making the platform more powerful and user-friendly. As the operating system continues to evolve, we can expect even more exciting changes and innovations in the future.
Android 1.0-1.1 (2008)
Android 1.0 was the first version of the Android operating system, released on September 23, 2008. This version of Android introduced several essential features, including the ability to access Gmail and Google Maps, a camera app, and a web browser.
Despite being the first version, Android 1.0 laid the foundation for the development of a powerful mobile operating system. It featured a notification system, a home screen with widgets, and support for third-party applications.
Android 1.1, released on February 9, 2009, was a minor update to Android 1.0. This version added support for third-party virtual keyboards, making it easier for users to type on their devices. It also introduced the ability to save attachments in the email app.
At the time of its release, Android 1.0-1.1 faced stiff competition from other mobile operating systems like iOS and BlackBerry. However, its open-source nature and support for third-party applications made it popular among developers and users alike.
Overall, Android 1.0-1.1 laid the groundwork for the future development of the Android operating system, paving the way for more advanced features and improvements in later versions.
Android 1.5-1.6 (2009)
Android 1.5 and 1.6, also known as Cupcake and Donut respectively, were released in 2009. These versions introduced several new features that made Android more user-friendly and improved its overall performance.
Android 1.5 Cupcake was the first version of Android to support widgets, which allowed users to add shortcuts to their favorite apps and services on the home screen. It also added an on-screen keyboard, making it easier for users to type on their devices. Additionally, Cupcake introduced support for video recording and playback, which was a significant improvement over earlier versions of Android.
Android 1.6 Donut built upon the features introduced in Cupcake and added several new ones. One of the most significant additions was support for different screen sizes and resolutions, making it possible for Android to be used on a wider range of devices. Donut also introduced an improved camera interface, making it easier to take and manage photos on Android devices.
Overall, Android 1.5 and 1.6 were important updates that brought several new features and improvements to the platform. They helped to establish Android as a viable alternative to other mobile operating systems and laid the groundwork for future updates that would make Android even more powerful and user-friendly.
Android 2.0-2.3 (2009-2011)
Android 2.0-2.3, also known as Éclair, Froyo, and Gingerbread, was released between 2009 and 2011, and it marked a significant step forward in the development of the Android operating system. These versions of Android introduced many new features, such as improved support for social media integration, voice recognition, and multimedia capabilities.
Android 2.0 Éclair, released on October 26, 2009, brought new features like live wallpapers, a revamped camera app, and the ability to search all saved SMS and MMS messages. It also introduced Bluetooth 2.1 support, making it easier for users to connect their devices with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Android 2.2 Froyo, released on May 20, 2010, brought significant improvements in performance and stability. It introduced support for Adobe Flash, enabling users to access rich media content on the web. Froyo also brought the ability to use a device as a portable Wi-Fi hotspot and offered several enterprise features like Exchange support.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread, released on December 6, 2010, added several new features, including support for near-field communication (NFC) and new sensors like a gyroscope and barometer. It also introduced a redesigned UI with improved text input and better power management. Gingerbread remained a popular version of Android for a long time due to its excellent stability and performance.
Overall, Android 2.0-2.3 marked a significant step forward in the development of the Android operating system. These versions of Android introduced many new features that helped to enhance the user experience and improve the overall performance and stability of the platform. They also set the stage for the development of even more advanced features in future versions of the Android operating system.
Android 3.0-3.2 (2011)
Android 3.0 to 3.2, also known as Honeycomb, was released in 2011 and was designed specifically for tablet devices. These versions introduced several new features and improvements that optimized the Android experience for larger screens.
One of the most significant changes in Honeycomb was the new user interface, which featured a holographic design and made better use of the larger screen real estate. The interface also included a new system bar that allowed users to access notifications, system status, and navigation buttons more easily.
Honeycomb also introduced support for multicore processors, which allowed tablets to run more efficiently and handle more demanding tasks. Additionally, it included improved multimedia capabilities, such as support for hardware acceleration of 3D graphics and playback of high-definition video.
Other new features introduced in Honeycomb included a redesigned browser that offered better performance and support for tabbed browsing, as well as improved keyboard support and enhanced widgets.
Overall, Android 3.0 to 3.2 was a significant update that optimized Android for tablet devices and brought several new features and improvements to the platform. While Honeycomb was not widely adopted by manufacturers, the updates it introduced laid the foundation for future versions of Android and helped to establish Android as a serious player in the tablet market.
Android 4.0-4.4 (2011-2013)
Android 4.0, also known as Ice Cream Sandwich, was released on October 18, 2011. It brought a major redesign to the Android interface with a new system font, holographic themes, and a new Roboto font. The camera app was also updated with a new UI, and face recognition technology was introduced for unlocking the device. Ice Cream Sandwich also introduced Android Beam, a feature that allowed two devices to share data via NFC.
On October 31, 2013, Android 4.4, or KitKat, was released. KitKat was designed to run on devices with as little as 512MB of RAM, making it possible for lower-end devices to run the latest version of Android. KitKat also introduced several new features, such as a new phone app, full-screen mode for apps, and support for printing. Additionally, KitKat introduced “OK Google” hotword detection, which allowed users to launch a Google search with a voice command from the home screen or any screen that was active.
One of the most significant improvements in KitKat was its focus on optimizing the performance of Android on low-end devices. KitKat was designed to be leaner and more efficient than previous versions of Android, allowing it to run smoothly on lower-end hardware. This helped to expand the reach of Android and allowed it to be adopted on a wider range of devices.
Overall, Android 4.0-4.4 brought significant improvements to the Android platform, including a major UI redesign, improved performance, and new features that expanded the functionality of the operating system. These improvements helped to solidify Android’s position as one of the leading mobile operating systems in the world.
Android 5.0-5.1 (2014)
ndroid 5.0 to 5.1, also known as Lollipop, was released in 2014 and introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more intuitive and user-friendly.
One of the most noticeable changes in Lollipop was the new Material Design user interface, which introduced a new visual language for Android that prioritized simplicity, consistency, and depth. The new interface also included a new notification system that allowed users to access and manage their notifications from the lock screen.
Lollipop also introduced several new security features, including support for multiple user accounts and a new smart lock feature that allowed users to unlock their devices with trusted devices or locations.
Under the hood, Lollipop introduced several performance improvements, such as a new ART runtime that improved app performance and reduced memory usage. Lollipop also introduced Project Volta, which aimed to improve battery life by optimizing system processes and providing better tools for developers to create power-efficient apps.
Other new features introduced in Lollipop included enhanced connectivity features, such as support for high-definition voice calling and improved support for Bluetooth devices.
Overall, Android 5.0 to 5.1 was a significant update that introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more intuitive, secure, and efficient. The updates introduced in Lollipop set the stage for future updates and helped to establish Android as one of the most popular and user-friendly mobile operating systems in the world.
Android 6.0-6.0.1 (2015)
Android 6.0 Marshmallow was released on October 5, 2015, as the successor to Android 5.0 Lollipop. This version brought several new features and improvements to the Android operating system.
One of the most significant changes was the introduction of the Doze mode, which helped improve battery life by automatically putting the device into a deep sleep state when it was idle. Additionally, Marshmallow introduced support for fingerprint sensors, allowing users to unlock their devices and authenticate purchases using their fingerprints.
Marshmallow also made significant changes to the app permissions system, providing users with greater control over the permissions that apps had access to. Users could now selectively grant or deny app permissions, allowing them to keep their personal information more secure.
Other improvements included the ability to format external SD cards as internal storage, allowing users to expand their device’s storage capacity, and improvements to the Google Now virtual assistant, which could now provide more personalized and relevant information to users.
Overall, Android 6.0 Marshmallow was a significant update that brought several important improvements to the Android operating system, making it more secure, efficient, and user-friendly.
Android 7.0-7.1 (2016)
Android 7.0 to 7.1, also known as Nougat, was released in 2016 and introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more efficient and customizable.
One of the most significant changes in Nougat was the new split-screen mode, which allowed users to run two apps side by side on their devices. This made it easier for users to multitask and made Android a more versatile platform.
Nougat also introduced a new notification system that grouped notifications by app and allowed users to reply to messages from the notification shade. This made it easier for users to stay on top of their messages and notifications without having to switch between apps.
Under the hood, Nougat introduced several performance improvements, including support for the Vulkan graphics API, which improved gaming performance and allowed developers to create more immersive gaming experiences. Nougat also introduced Doze mode, which optimized battery life by putting the device into a deep sleep state when it was not in use.
Nougat also introduced several new customization options, such as the ability to customize the Quick Settings menu and the ability to set different display sizes for individual apps.
Overall, Android 7.0 to 7.1 was a significant update that introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more efficient and customizable. The updates introduced in Nougat helped to establish Android as one of the most versatile and user-friendly mobile operating systems in the world.
Android 8.0-8.1 (2017)
Android 8.0 Oreo was released on August 21, 2017, as the successor to Android 7.0 Nougat. This version of the Android operating system introduced several new features and improvements.
One of the most significant changes in Android Oreo was the introduction of Picture-in-Picture mode, which allowed users to view videos in a small window while using other apps. This feature was particularly useful for multitasking, as users could continue watching videos while working on other tasks.
Another important feature introduced in Android Oreo was the support for adaptive icons, which allowed app icons to be displayed in various shapes depending on the device’s user interface settings. This feature provided a more consistent look and feel across different devices and screen sizes.
Android Oreo also introduced improvements to battery life and performance, with the introduction of background execution limits and other enhancements. This helped to ensure that devices running on Android Oreo were more efficient and responsive.
Overall, Android 8.0 Oreo was a significant update that introduced several important improvements to the Android operating system, making it more user-friendly, efficient, and secure. The subsequent release of Android 8.1 added even more features and improvements, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Android 9.0 (2018)
Android 9.0, also known as Pie, was released in 2018 and introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more intuitive and efficient.
One of the most noticeable changes in Pie was the new gesture-based navigation system, which replaced the traditional navigation buttons with a pill-shaped button that allowed users to swipe up to access the home screen or recent apps. This made it easier for users to navigate through their devices and made Android more intuitive.
Pie also introduced several new features aimed at improving users’ digital well-being, such as a new Dashboard that showed users how much time they spent on their devices and which apps they used the most. Pie also introduced a new Wind Down mode that gradually turned the screen grayscale and enabled Do Not Disturb mode to help users wind down before bedtime.
Under the hood, Pie introduced several performance improvements, such as support for the AI-powered Adaptive Battery feature, which prioritized battery life for apps and services that users used the most. Pie also introduced Adaptive Brightness, which used machine learning to automatically adjust the screen brightness based on users’ preferences and environment.
Other new features introduced in Pie included support for multiple cameras, such as dual-lens front-facing cameras, and support for notch displays. Pie also introduced several new privacy and security features, such as the ability to restrict access to the device’s microphone, camera, and sensors on a per-app basis.
Overall, Android 9.0 was a significant update that introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more intuitive, efficient, and secure. The updates introduced in Pie helped to establish Android as one of the most advanced and user-friendly mobile operating systems in the world.
Android 10 (2019)
Android 10 was released on September 3, 2019, and it brought a number of new features and improvements to the Android operating system. One of the most notable changes in Android 10 was the introduction of a system-wide dark mode, which allows users to darken the UI of their device’s interface and many of their apps. This not only looks cool, but it also helps to reduce eye strain and save battery life on devices with OLED screens.
Another major feature in Android 10 was the improved privacy controls. With Android 10, users gained more control over their app permissions, allowing them to choose which permissions to grant to each app on a case-by-case basis. Android 10 also introduced “scoped storage,” which gives apps access to only their own files and not the entire device’s storage. This helps to keep user data more secure.
Android 10 also included improved support for foldable phones, allowing apps to adapt more easily to devices with multiple screens or unconventional form factors. Other new features in Android 10 included a revamped share menu, a new gesture-based navigation system, and improved support for biometric authentication.
Overall, Android 10 represented a significant step forward for the Android operating system, with new features and improvements that made the user experience more intuitive and secure.
Android 11 (2020)
Android 11 was released in 2020 and introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more efficient and user-friendly.
One of the most significant changes in Android 11 was the new Conversations section in the notification shade, which grouped all of a user’s conversations, such as text messages and chat apps, in one place. This made it easier for users to stay on top of their conversations and respond to messages more quickly.
Android 11 also introduced a new media player widget in the Quick Settings menu, which made it easier for users to control their music playback without having to open a separate app. Additionally, Android 11 introduced a new built-in screen recorder, which made it easier for users to capture and share their screens.
Under the hood, Android 11 introduced several performance improvements, such as support for 5G networks, which provided faster download and upload speeds for users. Android 11 also introduced improvements to app permissions, such as the ability to grant one-time permissions to apps for things like location or microphone access.
Other new features introduced in Android 11 included support for wireless Android Auto, which allowed users to connect their devices to their car’s infotainment system wirelessly, and improvements to the power menu, which allowed users to access their smart home devices and other quick settings from the power menu.
Overall, Android 11 was a significant update that introduced several new features and improvements that made Android more efficient, user-friendly, and capable. The updates introduced in Android 11 helped to establish Android as one of the most advanced and versatile mobile operating systems in the world.
Android 12 (2021)
Android 12 is the latest version of the Android operating system, released on October 4, 2021. It comes with several new features and improvements that enhance the user experience.
One of the major changes in Android 12 is the redesigned user interface, which includes a new visual language called Material You. This new design language allows users to personalize their devices by customizing the colors, fonts, and shapes of their user interface elements.
Another significant change is the improved privacy controls, which give users more control over their data. Android 12 introduces a Privacy Dashboard that provides a detailed view of how apps are using their sensitive data such as camera, microphone, and location.
Android 12 also includes new features to improve the performance and efficiency of the system, such as the introduction of the Android Runtime (ART) module, which improves app launch times and reduces memory usage.
The new version of Android also includes features such as haptic-coupled audio, scrolling screenshots, and support for AV1 video encoding.
Overall, Android 12 is a major update that brings significant changes and improvements to the Android operating system. It provides a more customizable and personalized user experience, enhanced privacy controls, and improved performance and efficiency.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Android operating system has come a long way since its inception in 2008. With each new version, Google has introduced a host of new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. From the first version of Android 1.0 to the latest release of Android 11, the evolution of the operating system has been remarkable.
The earlier versions of Android may seem primitive in comparison to the latest releases, but they were groundbreaking at the time, providing access to essential features like email, web browsing, and a camera app on a mobile device. As time went on, Android became more sophisticated, and new versions brought significant improvements to the UI, battery life, and performance.
The introduction of new features like NFC, split-screen mode, gesture-based navigation, and Digital Wellbeing tools has made Android more versatile and user-friendly. Android has also kept up with the latest technological advancements by supporting foldable phones and introducing system-wide dark mode.
It is interesting to note that Google has adopted a naming convention for Android versions that is based on desserts, in alphabetical order. Starting with Android 1.5 Cupcake, each version has been named after a dessert, ranging from Donut to Oreo to Pie. The naming scheme has become a unique and fun aspect of the Android experience.
As we look to the future, it is exciting to think about what new features and enhancements Google will introduce with the next version of Android. The evolution of the operating system has been rapid, and there is no doubt that it will continue to evolve and improve in the years to come.
Overall, the list of all Android versions released till date is a testament to the innovation and creativity of the Android development team. With each new release, they have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, providing users with a powerful and intuitive operating system that has revolutionized the mobile device industry.