Don’t know which version of Android you have?
Go toSettings>About phone>Android version.
If you have an old version,learn how to update it.
Android
Android 15
Android 15 current version: 15; released on October 15, 2024.
Theft Detection Lock uses AI to determine if a unit has been stolen and automatically locks it.
Android 15 features the debut ofGemini, replacing Google Assistant.
Android
Android 14
Android 14 current version: 14; released on October 4, 2023.
Android 13
Android 13 current version: 13; released on August 15, 2022.
Google launched Android 13 with an initial release only for its Pixel line of devices.
Most Android devices that support Android 12 can upgrade to Android 13.
Including Google Pixel (3 and up).
Android 13 updates and upgrades quite a few features, and adds new features as well.
Android 12L is for tablets, foldable devices, Chromebooks, and other large-screen devices.
The OS is optimized for bigger screens, and compatible hardware will be available later this year.
Among the tweaks for smaller screens includes improved wallpaper selection and the ability to suspend the lock screen clock.
The Android 12 update includes several subtle changes to the user interface.
The menu screens have a light-blue tint, which is easier on the eyes than the old white background.
Users have more font options for texting, and there’s a built-in tool for editing screenshots.
The update also introduced akill switchyou can use to prevent apps from accessing your camera and mic.
It also includes an option to share only your approximate location with apps for better privacy.
Android developer previews are only supported on Google Pixel devices but can besideloadedonto other devices.
Key New Features
Android 11
Current version: 11.0; released on September 11, 2020.
If you have a Pixel 2 or later, you likely got this OS update.
Features available to all users (with an upgradeable phone) include improved chat notifications and tighter location permissions.
Android 11 groups notifications from messaging apps into a Conversations section at the top of the notification shade.
Similarly, you’re able to mute notifications for specific threads if they’re blowing up your phone.
Another messaging feature is Bubbles.
If you’ve usedFacebook Messenger’sChat Heads, this is much the same.
Finally, Android 11 enhances privacy features.
Android 10
Current version: 10.0; released on September 3, 2019.
Android 10 (formerly known as Android Q) adds support for foldable phones.
It also supports5G wireless.
Google worked with the Deaf community to create Live Caption, which automatically captions audio playing on a smartphone.
Once Live Caption detects speech, it adds captions, and it can do so offline.
A new Focus mode lets you silence distracting apps when you need a break.
Android 10 adds privacy and location sections to your configs.
Plus, Android sends alerts to remind you when you’re sharing your location.
Finally, security updates happen in the background, so you won’t need to reboot.
Android 9.0 Pie
Current version: 9.0; released on August 6, 2018.
Initial version: Released on August 6, 2018.
Android 9.0 Pie aims to help you use your smartphone less.
The OS also learns from your behavior.
Android 8.0 Oreo
Final version: 8.1; released on December 5, 2017.
Initial version: Released on August 21, 2017.
Google no longer supports Android 8.0 Oreo.
Android 8.0 Oreo’s release coincided with Go Edition, the company’s lighter OS for low-end devices.
Android Go brought stock Android to cheaper devices that didn’t have the space for the full-blown OS.
It also added a few usability enhancements and fixed a controversial emoji.
Android 7.0 Nougat
Final version: 7.1.2; released on April 4, 2017.
Initial version: Released on August 22, 2016.
Google no longer supports Android 7.0 Nougat.
Modified versions of the Android OS are often ahead of the curve.
Android 7.0 Nougat adds support for split-screen functionality, a feature that companies like Samsung already offered.
It also adds more inclusive emojis with more skin and hair options.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
Final version: 6.0.1; released on December 7, 2015.
Initial version: Released on October 5, 2015.
Google no longer supports Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow introduces Do Not Disturb, previously known as Priority Mode.
It enables users to mute all notifications during a specified time or only allow alarms or priority alerts.
The other significant advance is in-app permissions.
Users can choose which permissions to allow and which to block, rather than enabling all of them.
Android 5.0 Lollipop
Final version: 5.1.1; released onApril 21, 2015.
Initial version: Released onNovember 12, 2014.
Google no longer supports Android 5.0 Lollipop.
It adds a new way to transfer data between phones.
Initial version: Released on October 31, 2013.
Google no longer supports Android 4.4 KitKat.
Android 4.4’s code name was Key Lime Pie.
The Wear updates (4.4W) are exclusive to smartwatches and released on June 25, 2014.
Android 4.1 Jelly Bean
Final version: 4.3.1; released on October 3, 2013.
Initial version: Released on July 9, 2012.
Google no longer supports Android 4.1 Jelly Bean.
Android Jelly Bean continues the trend of enhancing notification options, including custom app notifications.
Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich
Final version: 4.0.4; released onMarch 29, 2012.
Initial version: Released onOctober 18, 2011.
Google no longer supports Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.
This update rolls out to devices running Android 2.2 or later.
Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Final version: 3.2.6; released in February 2012.
Initial version: Released onFebruary 22, 2011.
Google no longer supports Android 3.0 Honeycomb.
Android Honeycomb is a tablet-only OS that adds features to make the Android interface compatible with larger screens.
Some elements remain available, like Recent Applications.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread
Final version: 2.3.7; released on September 21, 2011.
Initial version: Released on December 6, 2010.
Google no longer supports Android 2.3 Gingerbread.
Android 2.3 Gingerbread brings a handful of enhancements, including NFC and multiple camera support.
It was replaced by Google Hangouts, but people still tend to call it Gchat.
Android 2.2 Froyo
Final version: 2.2.3; released onNovember 21, 2011.
Initial version: Released on May 20, 2010.
Google no longer supports Android 2.2 Froyo.
Android 2.0 Eclair
Final version: 2.1; released on January 12, 2012.
Initial version: Released on October 26, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 2.0 Eclair.
Android 1.6 Donut
Initial & final version: Released onSeptember 15, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 1.6 Donut.
Android Donut adds some usability-related enhancements to the OS, including better search and photo gallery improvements.
Android 1.5 Cupcake
Initial & final version: Released onApril 27, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 1.5 Cupcake.
Final version: 1.1, Released onFebruary 9, 2009.
Google no longer supports Android 1.0.
In the U.S., the HTC Dream is exclusive to T-Mobile and known as the T-Mobile G1.
It has a slide-out keyboard instead of an onscreen keyboard and a clickable trackball for navigation.
At the time, the Android Market is where you got apps.
You will then need toturn off automatic updates for the app.
Internally, Google gave Android 13 the codename Android Tiramisu.
Officially, however, it is simply Android 13.
Google gave Android 12 the codename Snow Cone.
The official name, however, is Android 12.
