Android Versions List A to Z (1 to 12) - [Updated 2024] (2024)

To compete with Apple’s iOS, Android introduced its Android 1.0 in 2008. The version then was nothing compared to what we use today. The interface was pretty basic, and there were not many features. However, the first Android version release has the essential Google Apps that we use. This includes Maps, Calendar, Gmail, YouTube, etc.

With the second public release of Android, they started naming the versions. The introduction of Android Cupcake brought some significant changes to the operating systems. There was an option to capture videos along with photos. The widgets were now open for third-party developers. Also, this version brought up the on-screen keyboard.

The Android 1.6 Donut was introduced to make the interface more user-friendly and better than before. Google wanted to make this OS available worldwide. This upgrade brought support for mobile networks such as Sprint and Verizon. The most remarkable feature was the search box in the latest versions.

Within one year, Android released three significant upgrades with the Android 2.0 Eclair release. The Maps feature a voice navigation system that was a big deal back then. Another fantastic upgrade was the internet browser. They introduced support for HTML5, which makes playing videos easier on browsers.

The Android 2.2 Froyo upgrade in 2010 was a turning point for Android. The first Nexus phone was introduced to the world, changing the game of smartphones. This version refined the Android experience. The home screen panel now has five panels instead of just three. The Gallery application’s design was revamped with new features. The significant change was the PIN lock system and Mobile Hotspot’s support.

The next generation of Android debuted with the Nexus S, named Gingerbread. The software had a better home screen design and widgets that were more user-friendly than before. The keyboard was integrated with the support for muti-touch. This upgrade changed the selfie game by introducing support for the front-facing camera.

The Android Honeycomb was structured to run on tablets, too. The classic green theme of the interface was replaced with hues of blue. The widgets can be customised a little according to the user’s needs. The most remarkable feature of 3.0 was the virtual buttons. The need to use physical buttons was pulled out.

In the same year, Android released the next upgrade. This was released by introducing the Samsung Galaxy Nexus with features integrated from Honeycomb. Along with that, a few more options were added to the interface. This included facial recognition, data usage analysis, and new Calendar and Mail app interfaces.

The following year, the Jelly Bean upgrade was about to change the smartphone market. This was where the ear of Google’s OS started. A swipe-to-see feature could now get you weather updates and email and calendar report notifications on a single screen. Expandable notifications, flexible fonts and customisable widgets changed how people used Android until 2012.

With the launch of Nexus 5, Google introduced Android 4.4 KitKat, which modernised the interface. The OS and applications also received a lighter colour theme. The ‘OK Google’ search command was revealed. A new phone dialer, full-screen support, and a Hangouts app were introduced for efficient messaging and calling.

With the Lollipop version, Android introduced the material design theme in the interface. The pull-down notification screen was improved with the widgets collection. The system now supports RAW image files. Android TV was also revealed to be used with televisions, which changed the game of our modern TV experience.

With a white apps menu screen and a handy search bar at the top, Android revealed the Marshmallow. The option for memory management was introduced to the users. The volume control panel was introduced, which is applicable even today. However, the notable upgrade in 2015 was the support for fingerprint scanners.

After ten years of its launch, Nougat was the most significant upgrade to Android. The notification panel was improved with grouped notifications, and the system’s multitasking capabilities were improved by offering a split-screen mode. Google Now has replaced Google Assistant, making our online search experience more accessible than ever.

The Oreo upgrade was pretty interesting, especially with the introduction of picture-in-picture mode. The PIP mode and split-screen mode changed the game of multitasking for the users. The notification panel now has the option to sleep notifications, which various categories can sort.

The virtual buttons used in Android devices were now replaced with a single virtual button. The ‘Digital Wellbeing’ feature was introduced to ensure you don’t spend unnecessary hours on your phone. Adaptive Battery and App Actions were also revealed to manage background app processes.

Android version 10 is just that, a minor version update in the form of a refresh, and we have to say that this update is a vast improvement from Android 9 Pie. In addition, the OS received a new navigation bar, new notifications, a revamped app drawer and a new Google Play Store. The Google Assistant will also be baked into the OS, as will new features like Night Light mode, Do Not Disturb mode, and more.