Android Versions List From A to Z | Explore Android Evolution

In this blog, we have compiled the Android versions list from A to Z. Android, by Google, is a popular operating system used in almost 88% of smartphones worldwide. Google introduces new versions of Android by improving the previous version and introducing new features.

Every year, millions of Android devices, whether they are phones or tablets, are sold to people all over the world. Android debuted in 2008, and since then, it has dominated the smartphone world. So this article contains the Android versions list from A to Z in the order of their release date.

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Android Versions List From A to Z

Every Android version comes with new features and user experience enhancement. We all remember how we used to be so excited whenever a new version of Android dropped.

Without further ado, let’s explore every Android version ever released, starting with Android 1.0 to the latest Android 11.

1. Android 1.0 – No Official Name

Launch date: September 23, 2008

Android’s journey began with Android 1.0 in 2008, the first version of the operating system.

It contained some of the most basic features at the time, such as web browser support, camera support, a Gmail account, Google Maps, and a YouTube application. Even though it didn’t have an official name, Android 1.0 was dubbed “Apple Pie” by the general public.

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2. Android 1.1 – No Official Name

Launch date: February 9, 2009

The second edition of Android, Android 1.1, introduced a few changes to the previous version, including saving MMS attachments, a longer on-call screen timeout, and a comprehensive Google Maps view. It did not have an official version tag, similar to Android 1.0, but is unofficially known as Banana Bread.

3. Android Cupcake (Android 1.5)

Launch date: April 27, 2009

While not the first version released by Google, it is widely regarded as the first significant version demonstrating the platform’s true strength. With this one, Google began naming its versions after delicious desserts.

Third-party keyboards and direct upload to YouTube are among the many novel features of the Cupcake edition. Unlike other cell phones, which have a physical keyboard, this version has an onscreen keyboard, and it was a big step forward in the tech world.

Besides allowing users to capture videos in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats, Google also opened the widgets SDK to third-party developers to launch this version.

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4. Android Donut (Android 1.6)

Launch date: September 15, 2009

The next one in our Android versions list is Android version 1.6. It was codenamed “Donut” after the delicious ring-shaped delicacy when it was released in 2009.

Its unique features, such as improved user interface, text-to-speech support, improved video aspects, and refined search integration, helped Google establish a foothold in the fiercely competitive smartphone industry.

Other sweet coatings on the donut version included more considerable screen support and turn-by-turn navigation. Android Donut was the first version to have a ‘Quick Search Box,’ enabling users to perform tasks such as web browsing, storing contacts, and accessing local files directly from the home screen. It aided CDMA-based carriers by allowing them to sell smartphones with the Android operating system.

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5. Android Eclair (Android 2.0)

Launch date: October 26, 2009

Android 2.0 was published in October 2009 and was named after those oblong baked pastries with chocolate filling. A few months later, in December 2009, a bug-fix version dubbed 2.0.1 was released.

Then, in January 2010, Android 2.1 was released, which included new animation features. The three versions, however, are often grouped as a single edition. Android 2.0 Eclair, which came with the Motorola Droid phone, was the first device to provide Google Maps navigation, including 3D view, voice directions, and traffic information.

Its other notable features include camera flash and digital zoom, live wallpapers, multi-touch support, and Bluetooth 2.1 support. It introduced HTML5 support to browsers as well as a swipe-to-unlock screen lock. It also allowed users to transcribe everything they said by substituting a microphone for the comma key on the soft keyboard.

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6. Android Froyo (Android 2.2)

Launch date: May 20, 2010

Android Froyo, the next in line, is all about speed. Another distinctive characteristic is the home screen, which has been redesigned. It improved the device’s functionality while streamlining the entire operation.

Google’s smartphone Nexus One was the first phone to receive the Android Froyo update. It included advanced voice capabilities that allowed users to scan, get directions, take notes, set alarms, and more. They offered five home screen panels instead of three in addition to the hotspot.

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7. Android Gingerbread (Android 2.3)

Launch date: December 6, 2010

The next release in the Android versions list is Android Gingerbread. This version, named after the famous ginger-flavored cookies, looked new and fresh in various ways.

Several cameras, SIP internet calling, a download manager, and a few sensors, such as a barometer and gravimeter, were among its standout features. Android Gingerbread was released with Nexus S and designed to support graphics-intensive 3D games.

In this version, a new feature called NFC (Near Field Communication) was added to help transfer information between devices simply by bringing them close together. It also included gyroscopes, barometers, and gravimeters, among other sensors.

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8. Android Honeycomb (Android 3.0)

Launch date: February 22, 2011

Honeycomb was the name assigned by Google to the Android 3.0 version. Models 3.1 and 3.2, which were optimized for tablets, were launched in fast succession. Gingerbread was Android’s first tablet-only update.

The Motorola Xoom was the first computer to run Android 3.0 Honeycomb, which was later upgraded to 3.1 and 3.2. It was developed with tablets in mind, improving the ability to read books, watch videos, and explore maps. In this edition, soft keys replaced the physical Home, Back, and Menu buttons.

9. Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0)

Launch date: October 18, 2011

This version resulted from Google’s attempt to combine Honeycomb’s tablet-only interface with a smartphone platform. Ice-cream Sandwich introduced not only improved functionality but also several other significant changes.

There were also significant improvements in terms of architecture. Another highlight of Ice-cream Sandwich was the introduction of the default font. Beginning with this version, Google combined all of its services under the umbrella of Google Play.

Features like face unlock, swipe away recent apps, updates, and 1080p video recording was included in the Samsung Galaxy Nexus when launched with this version of Android. This version also had a feature called ‘Android beam,’ which allowed two devices to share content through NFC by bringing them together instantly.

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10. Android Jelly Bean (Android 4.1 to 4.3.1)

Launch date: July 9, 2012

Although primarily meant to improve the functionality and UI, “Google Now” was the most innovative aspect of this version of Android.

Jelly Bean’s version could correctly guess what you were looking for, even before you went looking for it. Besides the predictive feature, Jelly Bean was distinguished by its highly interactive alerts.

Version 4.1 was also notable for its in-built speech-to-text engine, called “voice typing” by users. As a result, overall performance improved, resulting in a buttery smooth user interface.

11. Android KitKat (Android 4.4 to 4.4.4)

Launch date: October 31, 2013

In 2013, Google officially launched Android version 4.4, called KitKat. Nestle lent its full support and launched a memorable ad campaign to coincide with the launch. “Key Lime Pie” was the code name Google initially assigned to Android 4.4.

The name was later changed to Kitkat because “key lime pie” was not a typical dessert then. Google wanted a well-known dessert name, so they partnered with Nestle to develop the code name KitKat.

With the release of KitKat, the ‘Google Now feature, which was first introduced in Jelly Bean, was taken even further. Previously, you had to click the device to activate the artificial intelligence (AI) assistant.

Now with Jelly Bean, all you have to do to start the search is speak the required phrase to the gadget. Another unique feature of KitKat was the inclusion of Emojis on Google’s keyboards.

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12. Lollipop (Android 5.0 to 5.1.1)

Launch date: November 12, 2014

Android Lollipop is the next one on the list of Android versions. With Version 5.0, also known as Lollipop, Android could spread across various devices, from televisions to smartphones and smartwatches.

Lollipop recently released a brand new runtime. On these devices, the power-saving feature ensures excellent battery life. Even if your phone’s battery is running low, it protects it from getting damaged.

Android 5.0 Lollipop was released along with Nexus 6. The introduction of Material Design entirely transformed the user experience on Android devices. This version supported screen size across all phones, mobile, TV, and Android Wear Watch.

The functionality of direct alerts was also introduced, enabling users to display notifications directly on the lock screen.

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13. Marshmallow (Android 6.0 to 6.0.1)

Launch date: October 5, 2015

Android 6.0, or Android Marshmallow, was released under the code name Android M. It has brought in many positive changes that will undoubtedly affect significantly.

Doze mode significantly reduces the device’s power consumption when idle, opt-in app permission, fully supported USB Type-C, and an inbuilt fingerprint sensor support system are just a few.

Android Marshmallow was released along with the introduction of the Nexus 5X and 6P smartphones. The permission function has received much praise for allowing users to select what they want to share with a specific app.

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14. Nougat (Android 7.0 to 7.1)

Launch date: August 22, 2016

The Google Nexus was the first smartphone to receive the Android Nougat update. This edition was groundbreaking. Split Screen and DOZE power-saving mechanisms and quicker device installation were added to this smartphone version.

DOZE is a power-saving feature that allows the device to last longer on a single charge. Through this version, people can now use several applications simultaneously. This in itself was a huge accomplishment.

Multitasking is now possible for mobile users. This version also allowed users to respond to notifications in real time.

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15. Android Oreo (Android 8.0 to 8.1)

Launch date: August 21, 2017

Next in line in our list of Android Versions is Android Oreo. This version has features like password autofill, picture-in-picture, notification dots, smart text collection, and snooze notifications.

With this version of Android, we get a native picture-in-picture feature. Press the Home button when viewing a video in an app like Netflix or VLC, and the video will shrink to a tiny floating display.

You can then use any other app to check your email or play games while watching the video. You can now have Google automatically fill in the application login information.

When you have an unread message, the notification dots feature will show a tiny dot in the bottom-right corner of the app. Gradient Outlines have replaced all blob-shaped emojis.

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16. Android Pie (Android 9.0)

Launch date: August 6, 2018

Google announced the final release of Android 9 under the codename “Pie” on August 6, 2018, with the update initially available for existing Google Pixel smartphones.

Regarding design and security, Google has made significant improvements in this edition. It also allows the user to format a MicroSD card and use it as internal storage while maintaining the same level of protection.

Android Pie comes with a feature called Shush. This feature automatically puts your device on a ‘DND’ mode whenever you put your device’s screen down on a smooth surface.

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17. Android 10.0

Launch date: September 3, 2019

This Android edition is currently available in all-new smartphones and is steadily being rolled out to existing phones worldwide.

It introduced a redesigned interface for Android gestures, doing away with the tapeable Back button and instead focusing on a swipe-based approach to device navigation.

This was when Google wanted to stop naming Android versions after sweets and desserts.

Android 10.0 has several advanced features, including a system-wide dark mode, gesture-based navigation, thoughtful replies for all messaging apps, and more.

18. Android 11.0

Launch date: February 19, 2020

Android 11.0 is the most recent update, which was released in 2020. This update has already made history by allowing developers to preview their platforms.

It comes with a slew of new features, including notification history, muting alerts during video playback, native screen recording, improved touch sensitivity, and an exposure Notification API designed to provide users with information about reported information COVID-19 events.

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Verdict

In this blog, we explored the Android versions list ever launched. Do you know which old Android version you miss the most and which one you currently use?

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