All versions of Android Operating systems: 19 Version history

Today, over 133.4 million people use Android devices, up from 87.4 million a few years ago (2014). The open source of the Android version platform is one of its growth factors.

Mobile phone manufacturers can use and customize the operating system for their products. Using a customized version of the Android operating system, Samsung has also adopted Android.

According to statistics, the market share of Android OS versions was only 23.21%, which is less than that of iOS, with a market share of 24.04%. Today, the market share is mainly held by Andoird with 71.47%, while iOS is 27.5% and other OSes are only 0.65%.

Android versions and alias with release date

Here is a list of Android versions released so far

1. Android 1.0
2. Cupcake Android 1.5
3. Android 1.6 Donut
4. Android 2.0 and 2.1 Eclair
5. Android 2.2 and 2.2.3 Froyo
6. Android 2.3 and 2.3.7 Gingerbread
7. Android 3.0 3.2.6 Honeycomb
8. Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 and 4.0.4
9. Android Jelly Bean 4.1 and 4.3.1
10. Android 4.4 and 4.4.4 KitKat
11. Android 5.0 and 5.1.1 lollipop
12. Android 6.0 Marshmallow
13. Android 7.0 and 7.1.0 Nougat
14. Android 8.0 and 8.1 Oreo
15. android 9.0 pie
16. Android 10
17. Android 11
18. Android 12
19. Android 13

1.Android 1.0

The original version of Android was released with Android 1.0 in September 2008. The HTC Dream is only available from T-Mobile in the US, where it is branded as T-Mobile G1. Instead of an on-screen keyboard, it has a slide-out keyboard and navigation is via a clickable trackball.

Functions

• Android Versions Market allows you to update and download apps through the Market app.
• Full HTML and XHTML web pages can be viewed in a web browser, and multiple pages are displayed in separate windows.
• Added support for cameras.
• Folders that allow you to group multiple applications.
• Access to email services compatible with POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP.
• Google contacts sync and Gmail sync with Google Calendar.
• To explore maps and satellite photos, use Google Maps with Street View.
• Gmail, People, and Calendar sync can be managed using Google Sync.
• Text messages, MMS and instant messages.
• Media Player allows you to organize, import and play media files.
• There are options to set a ringtone, LED, or vibration for notifications that appear on the status bar.
• Calls can be made and dialed using voice dialing.

2. Cupcake Android 1.5

The first iteration of the operating system to officially be called dessert is Android version 1.5 Cupcake, which also adds a touch keyboard and several UI improvements.

Cupcake also introduced a third-party app widget architecture that quickly became one of Android’s most distinctive features. It offered the world’s first video recording capability on the site.

Functions

• Support stereo Bluetooth and automatic pairing.
• Web browser functionality for copy and paste.
• User pictures are displayed in favorite contacts.
• One touch access to contact card from call log event and specific date/time stamps displayed for call log events.
• Support third party virtual keyboards that support text prediction and a custom dictionary for unique words.
• Support for widgets, tiny representations of applications that can be included in other programs.
• Video playback and recording in 3GP and MPEG-4 formats.
• Animated screen changes. Option for autorotation. New loading animation for stock.
• YouTube and the ability to upload Picasa photos are introduced.

3. Android 1.6 Donut

The OS has various usability improvements thanks to the Android version of Donut, including improved search and photo gallery. Donut filled in several important gaps in the Android core. It covers the ability of the OS to run on screens of various sizes and resolutions.

In addition, compatibility with CDMA networks such as Verizon has been introduced, which will be critical in the impending proliferation of Android devices.

Functions

• Search has become much easier, and the Android Market now allows you to view screenshots of applications.
• More complete gallery, camera and video camera integration with faster camera access.
• Ability for users to delete multiple images at the same time.
• Search by voice and text input has been improved to include contacts, internet, and bookmark history.
• The ability for developers to display their content in search results.
• Any version of Android can “speak”a line of text thanks to its multilingual speech synthesis engine.
• Support for text-to-speech, VPN, 802.1x, CDMA/EVDO and other modern technologies.
• Accelerations for the camera and search functions.
• New GestureBuilder programming tool and extended gesture framework.

4. Android 2.0 and Eclair 2.1

Android 2.0 Éclair supports more screen sizes and resolutions, as well as a few core features. Android 2.0 continued the rapid release schedule set in the early days of Android.

Thanks in large part to the first Motorola Droid phone and Verizon’s extensive marketing promotion, the Eclair became the first Android release to be widely publicized.

Functions

• Advanced account sync, allowing users to add dozens of accounts and sync email and contacts.
• Support for Microsoft Exchange email with a unified mailbox that allows you to view emails from multiple accounts on a single page.
• Possibility to contact by phone, SMS or e-mail by clicking their photo in contacts.
• Saved SMS and MMS messages can be searched and the oldest texts can be deleted.
• A smarter dictionary offers contact names as suggestions and learns from word usage.
• Updated bookmark thumbnails in the browser interface.
• Improvements to the calendar agenda view include the ability to add new attendees to events and the ability to see the presence status of each invitee.
• Support for pressure-sensitive touch in the API.
• Added live wallpapers that allow the home screen background graphics to move and animate.

5. Android 2.2 and 2.2.3 Froyo

Android 2.2 (Froyo), based on the Linux 2.6.32 kernel, was released on May 20, 2010. Speed, memory and performance optimizations are just some of its features.

The popular push notification feature has been added to Android Froyo. Even when they are not open, some applications may issue a warning.

Functions

• Updated Market app with batch and automatic update features.
• Swift navigates between the dictionaries of multiple keyboard languages.
• An improved application launcher that includes shortcuts to phone and browser programs.
• Support for expanding memory for installing applications.
• Support for high PPI monitors (320 PPI and above), such as 4-inch 720p panels.
• Support for browser application file upload fields.
• Instead of displaying only the first frame of animated GIFs, the browser displays all frames.
• Performance, memory and speed improvements.
• JIT compilation has improved application performance.
• Including the V8 JavaScript engine from Chrome in the browser program.
• Extended support for Microsoft Exchange includes security rules, auto discovery, global address list search, calendar synchronization, and remote wipe.
• Gallery users can use the zoom gesture to view stacks of images.

6. Android 2.3 and 2.3.7 Gingerbread

Based on the Linux kernel 2.6.35, Android 2.3 Gingerbread was released on December 6, 2010. Android 2.3 Gingerbread includes several enhancements, including NFC and support for multiple cameras.

Also, this is the first OS update to include an easter egg showing a robot next to a zombie gingerbread man in the foreground and other zombies in the distance.

Functions

• Updated user interface with improved speed and simplicity.
• Ultra-large screen sizes and resolutions are supported.
• Better accuracy and more comfortable typing with the virtual keyboard.
• NFC support allows users to read an NFC tag embedded in a poster, sticker, or advertisement.
• New sound effects including bass boost, equalizer, reverb and headphone virtualization.
• With the new Download Manager, users now have easy access to any file downloaded from the web, email, or other application.
• Support for multiple cameras on the device, including, if available, the front camera.
• Improved power management with a more active role in regulating programs that keep the device awake for too long.
• Parallel garbage collection for speed.

7. Android 3.0 3.2.6 Honeycomb

Released the first Android tablet version 3.0 Honeycomb based on Linux kernel 2.6.36. Honeycomb, the tablet-only version of Android, adds elements to the Android user interface to make it work on larger displays.

The Motorola Xoom tablet, the first product with this version, was released on February 24, 2011. Many new features have been added to Honeycomb that were not available in earlier versions.

Functions

• New Easter Egg: Bumblebee with Throne motif.
• Added system bar; it’s located at the bottom of the screen and offers quick access to notifications, status, and soft navigation buttons.
• An action bar has been added, providing access at the top of the screen to context menus, navigation, widgets, and other types of content.
• Users can view screenshots of running tasks and quickly switch between apps by clicking Recent Apps in the system bar.
• In addition, for form autofill and a new “incognito”mode for partially anonymous browsing, multiple browser tabs have replaced browser windows.
• Quick access to the front camera, interval shooting, flash, zoom and other camera features.
• Full screen view of albums and other collections in the Gallery.

8. Android Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 and 4.0.4

Some features are now standard in Android version 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Android 4.0.1, based on the Linux 3.0.1 kernel, was released on October 19, 2011. Adobe System Flash Player was last officially supported by this version.

On March 6, 2012, Google announced the creation of the Google Play store, which combined the Google e-book store, Google Music and the Android Market. Smartphones running Android 2.2 and later will receive this update.

Functions

• The “Holo”interface has been greatly improved with the new Roboto font family.
• Separation of widgets into separate tabs, which are listed similarly to programs.
• Voicemail messages can be speeded up or slowed down in Enhanced Visual Voicemail.
• Built-in screenshot capture
• It is possible to directly access the application from the lock screen.
• Improved real-time speech-to-text dictation and voice integration.
• Face Unlock is a feature that allows users to use facial recognition software to unlock mobile devices.
• Automatic synchronization of bookmarks of Chrome users with their browser.
• Ability to swipe to close apps from the recent apps list.
• Advanced camera app without shutter lag, time lapse modes and panorama mode.
• The People app adds social media integration, status updates, and high-resolution photos.

9. Android Jelly Bean 4.1 and 4.3.1

Google introduced Android version 4.1 Jelly Bean on June 27, 2012 at the Google I/O conference. Its basis is Linux kernel 3.0.31. Custom app notifications are among the improved notification options offered by Android Jelly Bean.

It also includes interactive messages for additional apps, allowing users to respond to notifications without having to open the corresponding app. The update also contains several accessibility improvements.

Functions

• The Android platform uses timing for all drawing and animation tasks, including application rendering, touch events, screen composition, and screen refresh.
• With the addition of AAC 5.1 channel encoding/decoding, the Fraunhofer FDK AAC codec becomes an Android standard.
• The ability to turn off notifications specifically for each application.
• Labels and widgets can automatically resize or rearrange to fit different elements on home screens.
• Improve CPU performance with triple buffering in the graphics pipeline.
• Touch and sync timing.
• Support for bilingual text and other languages.
• User-installed keyboard maps.
• Android Beam Bluetooth data transfer.
• UI layout and phones home screen are now larger for tablets with smaller screens.
• Other launchers can add widgets without root access from the app drawer.

10. Android 4.4 and 4.4.4 KitKat

Key Lime Pie was originally codenamed Android 4.4. The Android team chose KitKat, named after a Nestle candy bar.

The update offers broader device support and the launch of Google Wear than previous OS releases. On June 25, 2014, only smartwatches received the Wear update (4.4W).

Functions

• Time is no longer displayed in bold; all figures are thin.
• Ability for applications to make the status and navigation bar translucent.
• “immersive mode”to preserve user interaction by hiding navigation and status bars.
• Action menu overflow buttons are consistently visible even on devices with a Menu key.
• Apps installed by the user on external storage are not allowed write access.
• Performance improvements for devices with lower requirements, such as the “low RAM”device API and zRAM support.
• Smart cards can be replaced by the device thanks to NFC host card emulation.
• Extended capabilities of the notification listener service.
• The Storage Access Framework is an API that provides consistent file retrieval for applications.
• The default home app (launcher) and default text messaging can now be selected in the settings app.

11. Android 5.0 and 5.1.1 lollipop

Google’s Material Design Language debuts with Android 5.0 Lollipop. It permeates all Google mobile apps and governs the look and feel of the user interface.

In addition, Lollipop adds a security feature that locks the smartphone until the owner logs into their Google account. With Smart Lock, your phone will not be locked in a safe place.

Functions

• OpenGL ES 3.1 and Android Extension Pack (AEP) are supported under certain GPU settings.
• Up to the maximum number of tasks per app, the recent activity screen shows tasks instead of apps.
• The redesigned user interface and the “wave effect”for the buttons are material design features.
• The quick settings drop-down menu and the notification panel have been updated.
• The search can be launched in the system settings for quick access to certain options.
• On more devices, such as phones, guest logins and multiple user accounts are available.
• The ability to access and modify data stored anywhere on external storage, such as SD cards, is restored by third-party applications.
• Even after rebooting the device, the last used programs are saved.
• There is also an app that works like a flashlight and can use the camera flash on supported devices.
• Priorities for application alerts, which are user-configurable.

12. Android 6.0 Marshmallow

On May 28, 2015, Android 6.0 Marshmallow, also known as Android M, was introduced for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 smartphones and the Nexus 9 tablet. The priority mode replacement, Do Not Disturb, is a feature of Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

Instead of enabling all permissions, users can choose which ones to grant and which ones to deny. The first version of Android, Marshmallow, supports Google Pay, formerly known as Android Pay, for mobile payments.

Functions

• A standby mode has been introduced that reduces CPU performance when the screen is off to conserve battery power.
• Targeted sharing between applications using the Direct Share feature.
• A memory card with a hexadecimal volume serial number installed in /storage/xxxx-xxxx instead of /storage/extSdCard.
• Priority Mode has been renamed to Do Not Disturb Mode.
• Application linking allows you to quickly and intuitively open links in related applications.
• Use the screenshot tool in demo mode.
• Applications with automatic full backup and data recovery.
• The app drawer is vertical and arranged in alphabetical order.
• Favorites, search bar for the app, and support for built-in fingerprint readers.
• External storage can act the same as internal storage.
• Support for musical instruments using MIDI.
• Support for third-party application actions in the text selection menu.
• Permissions for individual applications are now granted at runtime rather than all or nothing during installation.

13. Android 7.0 and 7.1.0 Nougat

The final preview version of Nougat was released on August 22, 2016. The split screen feature is now supported in Android 7.0 Nougat. Also added are more inclusive emojis with a wider range of skin and hair tones.

Android 7.0 A significant update to the Android operating system is called Nougat. “Android N”was the device’s first codename. With factory images for the Nexus device, it was initially available as a developer preview.

Functions

• Support for encryption using files. Support for skin tone and emoji modifiers in Unicode 9.0.
• Ability to double-tap the browse button to access the last running application.
• A Clear All button has been added to the Overview panel.
• Another system partition that is automatically updated when not in use ensures a smooth system upgrade.
• Improved Doze performance to improve battery life.
• File browser modifications have been included.
• Multi-window support, allowing applications to float on the desktop.
• The New Data Saver option can force programs to use less bandwidth.
• New JIT compiler that reduces compiled code size by 50% and speeds up application installation by 75%.
• Updated notification panel with quick access to some options.
• Notification sheets instead of notification cards.
• Application navigation bar for settings.

14 Android 8.0 and 8.1 Oreo

The eighth major update to the Android operating system is called “Oreo”(version 8.0). On July 24, 2017, the latest developer preview was available.

The release of Go Edition, the company’s thinner operating system for low-cost devices, coincided with the release of Android 8.0 Oreo. Cheaper smartphones that didn’t have enough memory for a full-featured OS could now run native Android thanks to Android Go.

Functions

• Announced Project Treble, the biggest update to the Android core.
• Support Unicode 10.0 (5.0) emoji and replace emoji in the shape of round, gradient and outline emoji.
• With a white background and black font color and Accent font, the quick settings and settings have been redone.
• Google tested its Pixel devices and found faster loading times than Nougat.
• Quick Settings provides access to the battery level of Bluetooth connected devices.
• Android Oreo Go Edition is a thinner version of the operating system that runs better than stock Android on gadgets with less than 1GB of RAM.
• “Shutdown”and “Restart”have undergone visual changes, including a new screen and a floating toolbar.
• A brand new Easter egg in the style of an Oreo cookie photo.

15.Android 9.0 Pie,

The ninth major release of the Android operating system is called Pie. On August 6, 2018, this Android version was officially released.

The goal of Android 9.0 Pie is to make you use your phone less. It also has plenty of options to turn off notifications when you’re busy or trying to sleep, as well as a toolbar that tracks your usage.

Functions

• Notifications and the status bar no longer have an orange overlay from power saving mode.
• Power settings now has a “Screenshot”button.
• A new “Lockdown”mode that, when activated, disables biometric authentication.
• New ways to switch between apps or between activities in apps.
• rich text notifications that show the entire conversation in the notification
• The battery level is now displayed on the always-on display.
• Lock screen security changes may include the return of improved NFC unlock.
• A new optional gesture-based user interface allows users to swipe through the OS more frequently than the standard user interface.
• Redesigned multifunctional app switcher with built-in app drawer and Google search bar.
• Doze is used by “Adaptive Battery”prediction to put user applications to sleep.

16. Android 10

The original version name of Android 10 is “Android Q”. Google first announced this on March 13, 2019. Live Caption, developed by Google in collaboration with the deaf community, automatically captions audio played on a smartphone.

Smart Reply can predict your next move and launch Google Maps when you tap the address. Android 10 adds privacy and location features to your settings.

Functions

• New app open/close animation and updated full-screen gesture navigation.
• New permissions are required to access background images, photos, videos, and audio files.
• Applications can no longer jump to the front abruptly.
• Background (idle) access to the camera, microphone, and sensors is blocked for added privacy protection.
• Sharing shortcuts that allow you to send content directly to a contact
• A floating settings panel that allows you to change system settings directly from applications.
• Photo formats with dynamic depth allow you to change the blurring of the background after the shot.
• Support for HDR10+ video format, Opus audio codec and AV1 video codec.
• Help with notification bubbles.
• Project Mainline allows you to update the main parts of the OS through the Google Play Store without updating the system.

17. Android 11

The Android 11 operating system is the eleventh major update to the platform. The 18th version of the Android mobile operating system was made public on September 8, 2020.

As of Android 10, the desert-based alphabetic naming scheme for Android has been discontinued. That is why this operating system is known as “Android 11 “.

Functions

• Google Play now has 21 instead of 12 key OS components that can be updated.
• Company-owned devices now have corporate work profile privacy measures in place.
• Improved screen recording and chat pop-ups.
• Separation of standalone 5G NR and non-standalone 5G via API.
• One-time permits and permits with automatic reset have been introduced.
• You can now view the new permission controls and notification history.
• Android Auto wireless on 5GHz Wi-Fi enabled devices.
• To navigate with gestures, separate the sensitivity of the left and right edges.

18. Android 12

Android 12, the most customized OS to date, supports dynamic color. Depending on your wallpaper and touch-responsive movements, this can change how you feel.

Thanks to the update even widgets, your favorite friends are available on the home screen. And with a more spacious view, improved colors and contrast, and more tools to help people with low vision.

Functions

• The updated Android 12 operating system is our most expressive, dynamic and personal OS yet.
• The thumbnail shows an image of a man and a woman holding their phones while receiving emergency notifications.
• On your Pixel, changing the wallpaper also refreshes your Android 12 experience.
• The system performance of Android 12 has been increased, allowing your device and you to coexist in perfect harmony.
• The new visibility features in Android 12 are designed to make the operating system more user-friendly.
• With the new Window Magnifier, you can magnify a specific area of ​​the screen without losing context for other screen information.
• In cases where even the lowest brightness level is too bright, such as when scrolling at night, make the display exceptionally dim.

19. Android 13

The thirteenth major update to the Android Versions mobile operating system is Android 13. It was created by the Google-led Open Handset Alliance and made available to the general public on August 15, 2022.

Functions

• Apps now need to first get the user’s permission to send notifications.
• The bottom of the notification screen now displays the number of active apps.
• The user can stop each of them by clicking on it, which opens up an extensive panel.
• support for LC3 audio codec and Bluetooth LE audio.
• A new garbage collector (GC) has been added to ART using the Linux userfaultfd system function.
• This reduces memory overhead, compiled code size, hangs, and the possibility of applications being killed during garbage collection due to low memory.
• Other tweaks improve performance, reduce freezes, and improve application launch.
• Android 12 ART will also receive updates thanks to the Mainline project.

Conclusion

Android has changed aesthetically, conceptually, and functionally since its first release. While Google’s mobile OS may have had humble beginnings, it has evolved since then and is currently the most used OS.

All versions of Android and their features have been briefly discussed. I hope this has given you some insight into the development and features that have been included with Android and their evolution to date.

FAQ

Is it possible to change the android version?

You can update to Android 10 via an over-the-air (OTA) update as soon as your phone manufacturer makes it available for your model. It takes a few minutes to complete these OTA updates, which is very easy. Go to “Settings”on your phone after opening it.

Does Android version 4.4.2 support Whatsapp?

According to the information provided by the Whatsapp application, only mobile devices running Android 4.0 will be compatible with WhatsApp. iPhone with iOS 9 or later and operating system

Which versions of Android are no longer supported?

Google ended support for earlier versions of Android after the release of Android 13. This means that Google and phone manufacturers will no longer release OS updates or security patches.

What Android version is Lollipop?

The biggest and most ambitious Android release to date, Android 5.0 Lollipop, is here. This version includes both new custom features and thousands of new developer APIs. It further expands the capabilities of Android, allowing you to use it on TVs, cars, wearables, tablets, and phones.