Android Version Names And Features

TABLE OF CONTENT

As we already know, Android is most popular mobile operating system today. It did not become so popular in a single day. Many developers have spent day and night to fulfil the requirements of customers. In doing so, many versions of android have been released with new features in each release. In this article, you will learn about some of the popular features released with android version names.

Android is an open source, Linux based operating system and currently developed by Google. It was designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In addition to touchscreen mobile, Google has further developed android TV for televisions, android auto for cars and android wears for wrist watches. Each of them has a specialised user interface.

Now, It has the largest installed base of all Operating Systems. It has been best selling OS on tablets since 2013 and on smartphone it is dominant by any metric.

What are different android versions?

Now, we will go through different android version names and features introduced/modified with each version.

Pre commercial Android versions

Before release of first commercial android version, at-least 2 versions of android software were released. Alpha and Beta versions are among them. We are not going into details of these versions since we are interested in commercial versions of android.

Commercial Android versions

Android first commercial version was 1.0, released on 23 sep. 2008. After that, many versions were released with time. Following are the different android versions, API levels, it’s release date and various features.

Android Apple Pie

Android Apple Pie (Version – 1.0, API level – 1) was released in September 23, 2008.
Some Features included in Android version 1.0 are –
  • Allowed Application downloads and updates via android market
  • Web Browser
  • Camera Support
  • Google Contacts, Google Calendar and Gmail Synchronization
  • Google Maps to view maps and satellite imagery
  • Google Talk Instant Messaging
  • Media player
  • Youtube video player
  • Wifi And Bluetooth Support
    		•

    Android Banana Bread

    Android Banana Bread (Version – 1.1, API level – 2) was released in February 9, 2009.
    Some Features included in Android version 1.1 are –
  • Ability to save attachments in messages
  • Support added for marquee in system layouts
    		•

    Android Cupcake

    Android (Version – 1.5, API level – 3) was released in April 27, 2009.
    Some Features included in Android version 1.5 are –
  • Support for third party virtual keyboards
  • Video Recording and playback
  • Bluetooth support (A2DP and AVRCP)
  • Copy and paste features in web browser
  • Added Auto Rotation option
  • Upload videos to Youtube
  • Upload pictures to Picasa
    		•

    Android Donut

    Android Donut(Version – 1.6, API level – 4) was released in September 15, 2009.
    Some Features included in Android version 1.6 are –
  • Support for Text to speech for any application
  • Support for WVGA screen resolutions
    		•

    Android Eclair

    Android Eclair(Version – 2.0, API level – 5) was released in October 26, 2009.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.0 are –
  • Bluetooth 2.1 Support
  • New Camera Features such as flash support, digital zoom, scene mode, white balance, color effect and macro focus
  • Microsoft Exchange Email Support
  • Support for multiple accounts to a device for synchronization
  • Support for live wallpapers
    		•
    Android Eclair(Version – 2.0.1, API level – 6) was released in December 3, 2009.
    Some improvements done in Android version 2.0.1 are –
  • Minor bug fixes
    		•
    Android Eclair (Version – 2.1, API level – 7) was released in January 12, 2010.
    Some improvements done in Android version 2.1 are –
  • Minor bug fixes
  • Updated UI
    		•



    Android Froyo

    Android Froyo (Version – 2.2, API level – 8) was released in May 20, 2010.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.2 are –
  • Adobe Flash Support
  • Push Notifications
  • USB tethering and WIFI hotspot functionality
  • Support for high PPI displays
  • Support for bluetooth-enabled car and desk rocks
  • Support for numeric and alphanumeric passwords
  • JIT implementation
    		•
    Android Froyo (Version – 2.2.1, API level – 8) was released in January 18, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.2.1 are –
  • Bug Fixes
    		•
    Android Froyo (Version – 2.2.2, API level – 8) was released in January 22, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.2.2 are –
  • Minor Bug Fixes
    		•
    Android Froyo (Version – 2.2.3, API level – 8) was released in November 21, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.2.3 are –
  • Two Security Updates
    		•

    Android GingerBread

    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3, API level – 9) was released in December 6, 2010.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3 are –
  • Support for multiple camera on the device
  • SIP VoIP Internet telephony Native support
  • Near Field Communication Support (NFC)
  • Enhanced Copy / Paste Functionality
  • Extra large and higher screen resolutions support
  • Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance
  • WebM/VP8 video playback
  • New Download Manager
  • Video call support
  • Switched from YAFFS to ext4 on newer devices
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.1, API level – 9) was released in December 2010.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3.1 are –
  • Improvements and bug fixes for Nexus S
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.2, API level – 9) was released in January 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3.2 are –
  • Improvements and bug fixes for Nexus S
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.3, API level – 10) was released in February 9, 2011.
    Some improvements done in Android version 2.3.3 are –
  • Improvements and bug fixes
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.4, API level – 10) was released in April 28, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3.4 are –
  • Support For Video or Voice Chat Using Google Talk
  • Switched Default SSL encryption from AES256-SHA to RC4-MD5
  • Open Accessory Library Support
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.5 , API level – 10) was released in July 25, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3.5 are –
  • Improved Network Performance for the Nexus S 4G
  • Fixed Bluetooth bug in Samsung Galaxy S
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.6, API level – 10) was released in September 2, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3.6 are –
  • Fixed a voice search bug
    		•
    Android GingerBread (Version – 2.3.7, API level – 10) was released in September 21, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 2.3.7 are –
  • Support for Google Wallet in Nexus S 4G
    		•

    Android Honeycomb

    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.0, API level – 11) was released in February 22, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.0 are –
  • Multi-core processor support
  • File-System in Userspace
  • Added System Bar so that user can quickly access notifications, status, and soft navigation buttons, available at the bottom of the screen
  • Added Action Bar to provide access to contextual options, navigation, widgets, or other types of content at the top of the screen
  • Simplified multi-tasking – User can see the recent applications using System Bar and navigate from one application to other application
  • Browsing in Incognito mode
  • HTTP live streaming
  • Hardware Accelerated 2D-graphics
  • System-Wide Clipboard
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.1, API level – 12) was released in May 10, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.1 are –
  • UI refinements
  • FLAC Audio Playback Support
  • Resizable Home Screen Widgets
  • JoySticks and Gamepads Support
  • External Keyboards and pointing devices support
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2, API level – 13) was released in July 15, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.2 are –
  • Improved hardware support
  • Now, application can access files on the SD card
  • Optimization for a wider range of tablets
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2.1, API level – 13) was released in September 20, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.2.1 are –
  • Update to Google Books, Android Market etc.
  • Improved Adobe Flash Support in Browser
  • Improved Chinese Handwriting Prediction
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2.2, API level – 13) was released in August 30, 2011.
    Some Improvements done in Android version 3.2.2 are –
  • Bug fixes and other improvements for Motorola Xoom 4G
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2.3, API level – 13) was released in August 30, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.2.3 are –
  • Bug Fixes and other improvements for Motorola Xoom and Motorola Xoom 4G
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2.4, API level – 13) was released in December 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.2.4 are –
  • Added “Pay As You Go” for tablets
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2.5, API level – 13) was released in January 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.2.5 are –
  • Bug fixes and other improvements for Motorola Xoom and Motorola Xoom 4G
    		•
    Android Honeycomb (Version – 3.2.6, API level – 13) was released in February 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 3.2.6 are –
  • Fixed Data Connectivity Issues on Motorola Xoom
    		•

    Android Ice Cream Sandwich

    Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Version – 4.0, API level – 14) was released in October 18, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.0 are –
  • Added screenshot capture feature
  • Now, You can access applications directly from lock screen
  • Face Unlock – Unlock phone using face recognition software
  • Built-in Photo editor
  • Android Beam – Near field communication feature for short-range exchange of contact, web bookmarks, directions, Youtube videos etc.
  • Support For WebP image format
  • WiFi Direct
  • Implemented Pinch-in zoom functionality in the calendar
    		•
    Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Version – 4.0.1, API level – 14) was released in October 21, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.0.1 are –
  • Fixed minor bugs in Samsung Galaxy Nexus
    		•
    Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Version – 4.0.2, API level – 14) was released in November 28, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.0.2 are –
  • Fixed minor bugs in Verizon Galaxy Nexus
    		•
    Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Version – 4.0.3, API level – 15) was released in December 16, 2011.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.0.3 are –
  • Bug fixes
  • Calendar Provides Updates
  • Enhanced Video Stabilization and QVGA Resolution
    		•
    Android Ice Cream Sandwich (Version – 4.0.4, API level – 15) was released in March 29, 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.0.4 are –
  • Stability Improvements
  • Improved Camera performance and smoother screen rotation
  • Improved phone number recognition
    		•

    Android Jelly Bean

    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.1, API level – 16) was released in July 9, 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.1 are –
  • Google Now
  • Voice Search
  • Support for Large Payloads in NFC over bluetooth
  • Enhanced Accessibility – Gesture mode, enable braille external keyboards
  • WIFI/WIFI-Direct service discovery
  • Audio chaining
  • Added expandable notifications – Can perform multi actions
  • Bi-directional text and other language support
  • USB audio
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.1.1, API level – 16) was released in July 11, 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.1.1 are –
  • Fixed bug in Nexus 7
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.1.2, API level – 16) was released in October 9, 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.1.2 are –
  • Support for Lock/Home screen rotation
  • Expand/Collapse notifications using one finger gestures
  • Bug Fixes and performance enhancements
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.2, API level – 17) was released in November 13, 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.2 are –
  • Improvements in Lock Screen – Included Widget and ability to swipe directly to camera
  • Quick settings in notification
  • Included Daydream screensavers
  • Group Messaging
  • Premium SMS confirmation
  • Clock Application With Built-in world clock, stop watch and timer
  • SELinux
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.2.1, API level – 17) was released in November 27, 2012.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.2.1 are –
  • Bluetooth Gamepads and Joysticks as supported HID
  • Fixed bug
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.2.2, API level – 17) was released in February 11, 2013.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.2.2 are –
  • USB debug whitelist
  • Added new sounds for wireless charging and low battery
  • Allowed to toggle on/off state by long pressing the WiFi and Bluetooth icons in Quick Settings
  • Improved Gallery application loading
  • Shows percentage and estimated time remaining in the active download notifications
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.3, API level – 18) was released in July 24, 2013.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.3 are –
  • Support for bluetooth low energy
  • Support for OpenGL ES 3.0 Support
  • 4K resolution support
  • Added support for five more languages
  • Support for right-to-left languages
  • Native emoji support
  • SELinux enabled by default
  • Dialpad auto-complete in phone application
  • System level support for geofencing and Wi-Fi scanning APIs
  • Digital Rights Managements APIs changed
  • Addition of “App Ops”
  • Restricted access mode for new user profiles
  • Support for Bluetooth audio/video remote control profile 1.3
  • Improved Camera UI
    		•
    Android Jelly Bean (Version – 4.3.1, API level – 18) was released in October 3, 2013.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.3.1 are –
  • Bug fixes



    • Android KitKat

    Android KitKat (Version – 4.4, API level – 19) was released in October 31, 2013.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4 are –
  • Wireless printing capability
  • NFC host card emulation
  • WebViews are now based on Chromium engine
  • Improved interface with white elements instead of blue
  • Native infrared blaster API
  • Verified boot
  • Introduced Android Runtime (ART)
  • Support for Bluetooth Message Access Profile
  • Audio tunneling to DSP
  • Audio monitoring
  • Improved memory usage
    		•
    Android KitKat (Version – 4.4.1, API level – 19) was released in December 5, 2013.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4.1 are –
  • Improvements in Camera application
  • Bug fixes and other improvements
    		•
    Android KitKat(Version – 4.4.2, API level – 19) was released in December 9, 2013.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4.2 are –
  • Security enhancements and bufixes
  • Removal of “App ops” introduced in Android 4.3
    		•
    Android KitKat (Version – 4.4.3, API level – 19) was released in June 2, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4.3 are –
  • Improvement in Dialer app interface
  • Chromium based WebView update to version 33
    		•
    Android KitKat (Version – 4.4.4, API level – 19) was released in June 19, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4.4 are –
  • Fixed Open SSL man-in-the-middle vulnerability
    		•

    Android KitKat with wearable extensions

    Android KitKat with wearable extensions(Version – 4.4W, API level – 20) was released in June 25, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4W are –
  • Release of Android Wear platform for smart watches
    		•
    Android KitKat with wearable extensions (Version – 4.4W.1, API level – 20) was released in September 6, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4W.1 are –
  • Updated user interface for Google Maps and Alarms
    		•
    Android KitKat with wearable extensions(Version – 4.4W.2, API level – 20) was released in October 21, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 4.4W.2 are –
  • Offline music playback
  • GPS Support
    		•

    Android Lollipop

    Android Lollipop(Version – 5.0, API level – 21) was released in November 12, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 5.0 are –
  • Improved Android Runtime – Replaced Dalvik with JIT Compilation
  • 64-bit CPUs are supported now.
  • Vector drawables
  • Improvements on battery consumptions
  • Introduced Material Design
  • Improvement in speed
  • Smart lock feature
  • Updated emoji
  • Support for print previews
    		•
    Android (Version – 5.0.1, API level – 21) was released in December 2, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 5.0.1 are –
  • Bug fixes
    		•
    Android Lollipop (Version – 5.0.2, API level – 21) was released in December 19, 2014.
    Some Features included in Android version 5.0.2 are –
  • Fixed bus with TRIM support
    		•
    Android March 9, 2015 (Version – 5.1, API level – 22) was released in March 9, 2015.
    Some Features included in Android version 5.1 are –
  • Official support for multiple SIM cards
  • Device protection in case it is lost or stolen
  • High definition voice calls
    		•
    Android Lollipop (Version – 5.1.1, API level – 22) was released in April 21, 2015.
    Some Features included in Android version 5.1.1 are –
  • Bug fixes
  • Support for Native WiFi calling
    		•

    Android Marshmallow

    Android Marshmallow (Version – 6.0, API level – 23) was released in October 5, 2015.
    Some Features included in Android version 6.0 are –
  • App standby feature
  • Application searchBar
  • Support for native fingerprint reader
  • Renamed “Priority mode” to “Do not Disturb” mode
  • USB-C Support
  • MIDI support for musical instruments
  • Experimental Multi-window feature support
  • Dropped Miracast support
  • Android Pay
  • Permissions Dashboard
    		•
    Android Marshmallow (Version – 6.0.1, API level – 23) was released in December 7, 2015.
    Some Features included in Android version are –
  • Unicode 7.0 and 8.0 emoji support
  • Camera can be opened by double tapping power button
    		•




    Android Nougat

    Android Nougat (Version – 7.0, API level – 24) was released in August 22, 2016.
    Some Features included in Android version 7.0 are –
  • Unicode 9.0 emoji support
  • Screen zoom ability
  • Added “Clear All” button in OverView screen
  • DayDream Virtual reality platform
  • Support for Picture-in-picture in Android TV
  • Multi-Window Support
  • New Data Saver mode
  • New JIT Compiler
  • Replaced notifications card with notification sheets
  • Better multitasking
    		•
    Android Nougat (Version – 7.1, API level – 25) was released in October 4, 2016.
    Some Features included in Android version 7.1 are –
  • Improvements in touch/display
  • Daydream with Virtual Reality mode
  • Seamless system updates
  • Option to enable fingerprint swipe down gesture
  • Keyboard image insertion
  • Support for multi-endpoint call
  • Circular app icons support
    		•
    Android Nougat (Version – 7.1.1, API level – 25) was released in December 5, 2016.
    Some Features included in Android version 7.1.1 are –
  • New sets of emoji
  • Default keyboard is now able to send GIFs directly
    		•
    Android Nougat (Version – 7.1.2, API level – 25) was released in April 4, 2017.
    Some Features included in Android version 7.1.2 are –
  • Alert for battery usage
    		•

    Android Oreo

    Android Oreo (Version – 8.0, API level – 26) was released in August 21, 2017.
    Some Features included in Android version 8.0 are –
  • Project Treble
  • Picture-in-Picture support
  • Support for Unicode 10.0 emoji
  • Adaptive icons
  • Improvements in Notifications – channel, dots, snoozing etc.
  • Support for Sony LDAC codec
  • Support for Multi Display
  • Google Play Protect
  • Support for Integrated Printing
  • Wi-Fi Assistant
  • Color Management
  • System-wide Autofill frameworkFaster boot time
    		•
    Android Oreo (Version – 8.1, API level – 27) was released in December 5, 2017.
    Some Features included in Android version 8.1 are –
  • Introduced several APIs – Neural network, Shared Memory, WallpaperColors etc.
  • Android Oreo Go Edition for low end devices
  • Automatic light and dark themes
  • Programmatic safe browsing actions
  • Navigation buttons dim when not in use
  • Emoji Updates
  • UI updates to Power Off and Restart
    		•

    Android P

    Android P(Version – 9.0, API level – 28) was released in August 6, 2018.
    Some Features included in Android version 9.0 are –
  • Indoor positioning with Wi-Fi RTT
  • Support for Display Cutout
  • Improved Notifications – messaging experience
  • Introduced Notification channels that allows to create user-customizable channel for each type of notifications you want to display
  • Support for multi-camera
  • Security enhancements
  • Added a new mode that pins current orientation even if device position changes to eliminate unintentional rotations
    		•

    Android 10

    Android Q(Version – 10.0, API level – 29) was released in September 3, 2019.
    Some Features included in Android version 10.0 are –
  • New permissions to access location in background
  • Support for foldable phones
  • Support for Notification bubbles
  • New System wide dark theme
  • WPA3 Wi-Fi security protocol support
    		•

    Android 11

    Android Q(Version – 11.0, API level – 30) was released in February 19, 2020.
    Some Features included in Android version 11.0 are –
  • New permission control
  • API distinction between standalone
    		•



    Conclusion

    Now-a-days, Android is one of the major mobile OS. Many android versions have already been released. We have covered every release – android version names with it’s major features. Some of the android version names – Apple pie, Banana Bread, Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, GingerBread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, Kitkat, Kitkat Watch, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, Android 10 and Android 11. It attracts billions of customers with it’s amazing features. You can develop apps easily using android and start earning unlimited money. We have a complete series of tutorials on Android application development. You can start by installing android studio and creating first android application. Stay tuned with us to learn new concepts about android. Hope you liked this post.

    There was convention of using letters and desert nickname for android version names. After Android 9 (pie), google dropped this convention.

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