From its initial release, Android has changed conceptually, visually, and functionally over time to provide advanced features to its users. In this article, you will learn the Android version list from the beginning to the latest running mobile operating system with its history, functionality, and features.
Table of Contents
Android 1.0: Alpha (API 1)
The initial version of Android was released on September 23, 2008, known as Android 1.0. This alpha version had many loopholes, including the necessity of physical keyboards or hardware buttons. It has an Android API (application program interface) level 1. API level is the integer value that identifies the API framework revision provided by the version of the Android platform. API framework includes the core set of classes, packages, XML elements, intents, and permissions that the application can request.
Features
- Google Maps, browser, calendar
- Camera and scroll down the notification bar
- Gmail integration, Contacts, and Google Synchronization.
- Wireless supports – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Android 1.1: Petit Four Beta (API 2)
Android Beta version was released on February 9, 2009, with API changes and resolved issues encountered in 1.0. This Android version was released for T-Mobile G1 devices only.
Features
- Display details and reviews for locations
- Add a Save attachment in the message
- Provide detailed information by clicking on the business
Android 1.5: Cupcake (API 3)
It was released on April 30, 2009, with the first official public code name and amazing features as compared to the old versions. Moreover, it also brought the third-party app widgets that were the most distinguishing and valuable feature.
Features
- on-screen keyboard and search function
- Uploading videos and images
- Copy and paste facility and video recordings
- Support for MPEG4 and 3GP formats
Android 1.6: Donut (API 4)
The Android 1.6 version was released on September 15, 2009, was many valuable changes including the ability to operate on several different screen resolutions and sizes. Donut provides the voice and text entry search including bookmark history, and the ability to select multiple images for deletion.
Features
- Power Control widget for handling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, etc.
- Gallery and Camera quick toggling features
- WVGA screen resolution speed
- Technology support for CDMA/EVDO, 802.1x, VPNs, and a text-to-speech engine
- Speed improvements for camera and searching applications
- Quick Search Box
Android 2.0: Eclair (API 5)
Éclair 2.0 – 2.1 was released on December 3, 2009, with multiple account synchronizations of email and contacts. Moreover, there are many new features were added including flash support, scene mode, white balance, color effect, macro focus, and digital zoom. Android 2.1 version brought bug fixes and stability improvements to the Éclair. The most valuable feature was real-time traffic information and voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation.
Features
- Update UI
- Support Bluetooth 2.1
- Improve Google map
- Minor API Changes
- Support Live and animated Wallpapers
- Ability to add contact’s photo and select to call, message, or email
Android 2.2: Froyo (API 8)
Android version 2.2 was released on May 20, 2010, with speed, memory, and performance improvements. It was introduced with enhanced Bluetooth functionality and compatibility with docks, a portable WiFi hotspot for sharing the 3G connection. Google Nexus One was the first smartphone to have an Android 2.2 Android version. The Android version list provides you the complete historical knowledge of Android operating system updates and improvements.
Features
- Support for Animated GIFs and multiple keyboard languages
- Speed and performance improvements
- Upload file support in the browser
- Support numeric & alphanumeric passwords to enhance security
- Increased Compatibility with car kits and headsets
- Wi-Fi Support Hotspot functionality
Android 2.3: Gingerbread (API 9)
Gingerbread exists in the 7th position in the Android version list that was released on December 6, 2010. The main enhanced feature was the introduction of gaming API with improved graphical intense gaming, so it has boomed the mobile games.
Features
- Improve Copy and Paste Facility
- Updated UI design
- Support for VP8 and WebM video format
- Video calling and Social Networking Supports
- Easy to use a keyboard with faster and intuitive typing
Android 3.0: Honeycomb (API 11)
Honeycomb from the Android version list was released in 2011 which was a tablet-only release to launch the Motorola Xoom. It was also suitable for those mobiles having a larger view than current smartphones.
Features
- Gmail, contacts, camera, and gallery improvements
- Support for passwords with complex characters
- encrypted storage and updated 3D UI
- Supports multiprocessors and recent apps for easy visual multitasking
- Media Sync from SD Card
- Action bar for application control
- System bar for global status and notifications
- Google eBooks and Talk Video Chat
- Support Adobe Flash in Browser
- More sensor support
- High-performance Wi-Fi Connections and Lock
- Chinese handwriting and redesigned keyboard
Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich (API 14)
The ice cream sandwich was released on October 19, 2011, with many enhanced features to enter the era of modern design. The snapshot was introduced to take screenshots by holding the volume and power button. Android version list has a variety of Android operating systems but as compared to all older versions, ice cream sandwich widgets are more robust and resizable.
Features
- Spelling check feature
- Wi-Fi Direct
- Photo Decor facility and on-screen buttons
- Unlocking with face-fixing.
- Card-like appearance for app-switching
- Improved video recording with high-resolution
- Better Camera performance
- Ability to open up to 16 tabs in the web browser
Android 4.1: Jelly Bean (API 16)
The better version of Android known as Jelly Bean was released in June 2012 with Google Digital Assistant technology accessible from the home screen. The spectacular predictive intelligence utility provides expandable and interactive notifications. Moreover, users can enjoy multi-user support into play and many other valuable features.
Features
- Voice search and typing
- Panorama
- Project Butter
- Expandable notifications
- Daydream as a screensaver
- Power control
- Support USB audio
- Improved camera app
- Security improvements
- New gestures and accessibility features
- Multiple user accounts (Only for tablets)
- 4k resolution support
- Supporting Bluetooth with low-energy
- Bi-directional text and different language support
- Set or adjust the volume of incoming calls and show a message alert
- Google displays relevant content based on your search history
- Native emoji support
Android 4.4: KitKat (API 19)
Android version 4.4 was released on September 3, 2013, with more focus on better user experience. KitKat is optimized to run at a larger range of old versions from the Android version list. The smartphone must have a minimum of 512 MB of RAM.
Features
- Screen Recording
- Contact Prioritization
- GPS Support
- Smarter Caller ID
- Offline music support
- UI updates for alarm and Google map navigations
- Cartoonish ideograms and emojis to the Google keyboard
- KitKat has an ‘OK Google’ feature that allows access to Google to the users without touching their smartphones.
Android 5.0: Lollipop (API 21)
Lollipop or Android version 5.0 was released on November 12, 2014, with a redesigned user interface and built with “material design”. It gives a new and modern look extended across all Android, applications, and Google products. Lollipop from the Android version list comes with many amazing features including Support for better notification management.
Features
- Support ART
- Better device protection
- Notifications can be flicked away from the lock screen
- Better and improved UI
- Built-in battery saver feature
- New material design
- Revamped navigation bar
- Support for multiple SIM cards
- The high definition of voice call.
Android 6.0: Marshmallow (API 23)
In the year 2015, Google used “Macadamia Nut Cookie” to describe Android version 6.0 before the Marshmallow official announcement.
Features
- Support for Fingerprint readers
- Type C USB support
- Multi-window experience
- ’Sleep Mode’ for saving battery life
- Clear permission system
- Custom Google tabs and improved Copy-pasting
Android 7.0: Nougat (API 24)
Android 7.0 was released in 2016 with a native split-screen mode, data saver functionality, and a “bundled-by-app” system to organize notifications.
Features
- Provide multitasking and split-screen mode
- Storage manager enhancements
- Quick setting toggles
- Display touch enhancements
- Better setting application
- Inline reply to messages and notifications without opening applications
Android 8.0: Oreo (API 26)
Oreo was released in the year 2017 having native picture-in-picture mode, notification snoozing options, and better control over how applications can alert you by notifications.
Features
- Password autofill
- Auto-enable Wi-Fi
- Downloadable fonts
- Multi-display support
- Support Picture-in-Picture
- Notification channels and snooze notification
- Google Play support and new emoji styling
- Adaptive icons and smart text selection
Android 9: Pie (API 28)
The pie was publicly released on August 6, 2018, with plenty of amazing features according to the users’ interests and requirements. According to a report, Pie is the most widely used operating system in the Android version list.
Features
- Sound amplifier with select-to-speak options
- Artificial intelligence (AI) compatibility
- Adaptive Battery and Brightness with background restrictions
- Multi-camera support with external camera compatibility
- New Gesture Navigation and App Actions
- New Screenshot Shortcut key and accessibility menu
- Easier Screen Rotation and edge-to-edge screen support
- Volume and Sound enhancements
- Selectable Dark Mode
- HDR, HD audio, multiple Bluetooth connections
- Slices and long press to overview selection
- Improved Security features for extra protection
- Digital well-being with app timers, dashboard, and do-not-disturb options
- Android backups and privacy enhancements
- More Notification Information and easier text selection
Android 10: Android Q (API 29)
Android version 10 was officially released on September 3, 2019, with enhanced features and functionalities with higher API levels.
Features
- Support for foldable smartphones with flexible displays
- Dark mode for eye comfortability
- Navigation control over gestures is quicker and more intuitive than ever
- Sound amplifier with more clear sound
- Smart reply suggestions for all messaging apps
- Live caption for media playing on a smartphone
- Undo app removal
- Better notification control with many options
Android 11: Red Velvet Cake (API 30)
Android developers are continually working to provide more advanced applications as per the user requirements. Most of the developers are searching for Android Developer vs Web Developer to choose a trending field.
Features
The following are the new features that you will experience in the new Android 11 that is going to be released and will be the latest version in the Android version list.
- Native screen recording
- Muting notifications during video
- Increase touch sensitivity
- Notification History
- Auto-revoke app permissions
Following are the Revamped or updated features:
- Revamped menu and screenshot shortcuts
- New text selection mode from one app to another
- Undoing recently cleared applications
- Airplane mode doesn’t kill Bluetooth anymore
- Face Unlock will require you to open your eyes in pixel 4
- App pinning in the share menu
- Improved notification conversation shades
- Conversation bubbles and context-aware dark mode
- Improved one-time permissions
Android 12: Snow Cone (API 31)
Android 12 (API 31) provides even more personalized, secure, and seamless experiences on your smartphone. Featuring a completely rebuilt UI specifically for you, fresh privacy features meant to keep you safe and in control, and additional intuitive methods to go directly to your gaming or even move to a different device.
Even the widgets have been thoroughly updated, so your favorite people are always there on your mobile phone home screen. Android 12 is also supposed to be more user-friendly, with a more roomy layout, color contrast enhancements, and new capabilities to assist individuals with low vision.
Features
Android 12 has the following new features you must know because it will blow your mind:
- Scrolling Screenshots
- AppSearch
- Improved Auto-Rotate
- Easier WiFi Sharing
- One-Handed Mode
- Rich Content Insertion
- Overview Suggestions
- Game Mode APIs
Following are the updated features as compared to Android 11:
- Better Dashboard
- New Updated Design (Material You)
- Camera and Microphone Indicators
- Revamped Notifications
- App Hibernation
- Smooth Motion
Android 13: Tiramisu (API 33)
The most recent version for Android is Android 13. It is the most reliable and powerful operating system available today. It combines ambition and subtlety. Android 13 included a new user interface design for newer mobile devices.
The version also serves as the base for multifunctional items. It is preparing for larger displays and decisions, which will eventually debut on the forthcoming Google Pixel tablet. This OS generation has achieved significant improvements in terms of security, privacy, and speed.
Features
Android 13 has the following new features you must know because it will blow your mind:
- Improved Security Features
- New Reading Mode
- Digital Car Keys
- Native LE Bluetooth Support
- Additional Material You Theme Options
- QR Code Scanner Support
Following are the updated features as compared to Android 12:
- Improved Privacy Features
- New Gaming Features
- Better Battery Life
- New Camera Features
- Updated Accessibility Features
- Updated Communication Tools
Android 14: Upside Down Cake (API 34)
Google crammed numerous important enhancements into Android 14, enhancing the customizability, proximity, and privacy of compatible devices, as well as making minor interface tweaks that smoothed off several long-standing rough spots.
In the most recent “The Android Show” podcast, Google’s Vice President of Engineering for Android, Dave Burke, stated that the Android 14 system has altered both the memory and the processor burden balancing mechanism. He claims that this not only increases gadget performance but also the battery life.
Features
Android 14 has the following new features you must know because it will blow your mind:
- Smarter Scaling and Large Fonts
- Notification Flashes
- Restrictions for Photo and Video Access
- Protected PIN
- Data Protection
- Regional Preferences
- Predictive Back Gestures
- Health Connect
Following are the updated features as compared to Android 13:
- More Customization
- Improved Battery Life
- Improved Hearing Aid Supports
- Better Support for Larger Screens
- Improved Security
- Improved Share Options
Android 15: Vanilla Ice Cream (API 35)
The latest Android version 15 named “Vanilla Ice Cream” was launched in September 2024. It is packed with new and amazing features. In terms of Android 15, the update brings several notable new features, including a system-level Private Space option that allows you to keep critical apps hidden and only accessible with authentication.
The software also improves the multitasking mechanisms introduced in Android 13 by adding the option of maintaining the large-screen-exclusive Android taskbar visible at all times and the ability to launch specific pairings of apps into a simultaneously split-screen with a single tap.
Key Features
Below are the new Android 15 having the amazing following features:
- A private space from which you can hide sensitive apps.
- Boosted performance profiling to analyze the overall application performance.
- Improved Multitasking
- Updated focused service behavior
- Loudness controller which will reduce noise from the video.
Here are the upgraded features as compared to the Android 14:
- More camera features i.e. bokeh and low light (night) mode
- Edge-to-edge UI Support for Apps
- Updated the SQLite version to 3.44.3 (Previously 3.40.1 in Android 14)
- Refined background performance
Android 16: Baklava (Coming Soon)
Since the new Android 15 version was introduced in September 2024, since then there has been a heated debate about the next upcoming and amazing Android version 16. Google is mixing things up a bit with the release of Android 16. While we usually see a new version of Android in the second half of the year, 2025 will mark the start of a new annual release schedule. The software behemoth has pushed the release date of the next major OS update by a quarter, putting it squarely in Q2. As a result, the Android 15 release cycle will be cut short by a few months. Stay tuned to find the best features the Android 16 is introducing.