Android versions have already spelled their way through half the alphabet. Each has an impressive name, but also many innovations.
The latest Android version
Currently, Android 14 is the latest version of Google's mobile operating system. This has been available since February 2023. Android 15 will be available from October 2024.
- Android 1.0: The first Android appeared in 2008. The first Google apps such as YouTube and Gmail were already preinstalled back then.
- Android 2.0-5.0: Over the years, the operating system has continued to evolve. Nowadays, however, hardly anyone uses a smartphone with these old versions.
- Android 6.0: Android 6.0 is also getting a bit old, but is still used on many devices. With the release in 2015, fingerprint sensors and the now common USB-C port were supported for the first time.
- Android 7.0: In 2016, Android introduced split-screen mode for the first time. This allowed two apps to run and be displayed in parallel.
- Android 8.0: In 2017, split-screen mode evolved. Compatible apps could now also use picture-in-picture mode. Unlike split screen, the selected app only takes up a very small part of the display and can be positioned anywhere.
- Android 9.0: The year 2018 was the year of the so-called notch. In order to build displays that are as borderless as possible, many manufacturers have the front cameras protrude into the display. Android also had a software solution for this.
- Android 10.0: The current Android version 10.0 was released in 2019. In addition to the system-wide dark mode, Google has also worked hard on gesture controls. For the first time, there is no longer an additional name for a candy.
- Android 11.0: As with the previous version, Android 11 does not have an additional name. The OS was released on September 8, 2020. Among other things, Android now supports 5G mobile networks for the first time and has native screen recording
- Android 12.0: In 2021, Android 12 saw the light of day. The focus is primarily on security functions that prevent espionage, make app permissions easier to view and limit location queries in time.
- Android 13: Since this version, you can determine which apps are allowed to send you messages and which are not. You can also allow apps to access individual files. You can also set the QR code scanner as a quick setting and have an improved clipboard.
- Android 14: With this Android version you have the ability to adjust the clock settings on the smartphone's lock screen. You can make the navigation bar transparent and adjust the volume of ringtone and notifications separately.
- Android 15: The latest version of Android is supposed to ensure longer battery life in standby mode. There will also be new data protection functions. There should also be the option to archive apps to free up storage space. And of course there is another Easter egg on board.
Which Android version do I have installed?
The current Android version usually appears between August and September. However, it always takes several months for numerous manufacturers to provide an update for their devices. Most companies provide their models with updates for two to three years. Here we will show you how to find out which Android version you are using and whether an update is possible:
- First, open the “Settings” app on your Android smartphone.
- Scroll down to the bottom and, depending on your device, you will find the category “About the device” or “Telephone info“.
- Here you will now find the currently installed Android version.
- In the area “Softwareupdate” or “Systemupdate” you can check for the latest updates and install them if necessary.
General information about the current Android versions
Android is the mobile operating system from tech giant Google. It is the direct competitor to Apple's iOS and the most popular smartphone OS worldwide.
- Since Android 1.5 (mid-2009), the names of the major versions have been based on candy.
- The first letter of each main Android version is ascending in the alphabet and is also the first letter of a corresponding candy that is linked to the Android version.
- Since the Android 10 Q version, however, for the first time only the letter has been associated with the Android version; Google no longer wanted to attach a candy with Q to it.
- With each major release of Android, the user interface also undergoes a design overhaul.
Everything about Android versions 1.0 – 1.6
It all started with Android 1.0, which is hardly visually comparable to the versions of Android known today.
- Android Version 1.0: “Base”: On September 23, 2008, the first Android operating system, called “Base”, saw the light of day. Even back then there were apps such as “Google Maps”, “Gmail” and “Youtube”. These continue to enjoy enormous popularity.
- Android Version 1.1: “Base_1.1”: The first update of “Base” was released on February 10, 2009. It was called “Base_1.1” and came with a few new features. Among other things, saving MMS attachments was possible for the first time.
- Android Version 1.5: “Cupcake”: From now on, all future Android versions will be named after sweets. The first letter in the alphabet is ascending. Although the first two Android versions were not given letters, they were taken into account in the order. So the third Android version also gets the third letter “c”. On April 30, 2009, “Cupcake” was released as Android version 1.5. Well-known innovations at the time included the automatic switch between portrait and landscape format and a dedicated on-screen keyboard.
- Android Version 1.6: “Donut”: From September 15, 2009, Android version 1.6 alias “Donut” was available via update. A major change was, among other things, that from now on VPNs can be configured for more privacy when surfing.