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Writer's pictureSubir Biswas

Evolution of Android: Versions from 1.0 to 12 | Tech-Knowledge

Updated: Sep 20, 2023

What is Android:

Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. It is open to everyone: developers, designers, and device makers. That means more people can experiment, imagine and create things that the world has never seen. However, the Android operating system is available for tab and TVs as well.

According to the official Android website, Android is "The platform that’s changing what mobile can do." And yes, it really is. Android operating system began with the release of the

Android 1.0 beta version in November 2007. Android has been the best-selling OS worldwide on smartphones since 2011. As of May 2021, it has over three billion monthly active users, the largest installed base of any operating system. What a long, strange trip it's been. From its initial release till today, Android has metamorphosed its systems from all directions either visually, functionally, or securely.

Since 2008, each Android version has been developed under a codename that is based on a dessert item. These versions have been released in alphabetical order: Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Froyo, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie. And later it was termed as 10, 11 and 12.


Here is a brief description of all Android versions released to date, February 2022.

Android Version

Code / Marketing Name

Release Date

1.0

Apple Pie

September 23, 2008

1.1

Banana Bread

February 9, 2009

1.5

Cupcake

April 27, 2009

1.6

Doughnut

​September 15, 2009

2.0

Eclair

October 26, 2009

2.1

Eclair

January 12, 2010

2.2

Froyo

May 20, 2010

2.2.3

Froyo

November 21, 2010

2.3

Gingerbread

December 6, 2010

2.3.7

Gingerbread

September 21, 2011

3.0 (Only for Tab)

​Honeycomb

February 22, 2011

4.0

Ice Cream Sandwich

October 19, 2011

4.1

Jelly Bean

July 9, 2012

4.2

Jelly Bean

November 13, 2012

4.3

Jelly Bean

July 24, 2013

4.4

KitKat

October 31, 2013

5.0

Lollipop

November 3, 2014

5.1

Lollipop

March 9, 2015

6.0

Marshmallow

October 5, 2015

7.0

Nougat

August 22, 2016

7.1

Nougat

October 4, 2016

8.0

Oreo

August 21, 2017

8.1

Oreo

December 5, 2017

9

Pie

August 6, 2018

10

Queen Cake

September 3, 2019

11

Red Velvet Cake

September 8, 2020

12

Snow Cone

October 4, 2021


Android 1.0: Apple Pie

The first official version of Android was released on 5th November 2007 which was named Android 1.0 Beta. November 5 is considered Androids birthday. However, the official version was released on 23 September 2008 for users. It was released only on the HTC Dream phone. This version has all the basic features of a phone along with a few Google applications.

Features of Android 1.0:

  • Google Maps with Latitude and Street View to view maps and satellite images.

  • YouTube video players.

  • For more details follow Android Wiki.


Android 1.1: Banana Bread

Android 1.1 is a version that was released on 9 February 2009. This version was also first released in the HTC Dream phone. The update resolved bugs, changed the API and added a number of other features.

Features of Android 1.1:

  • Longer in-call screen timeout default when using the speakerphone, plus ability to show/hide dial pad

  • Ability to save attachments in messages

  • For more details follow Android Wiki.


Android 1.5: CUPCAKE

With early 2009’s Android 1.5 Cupcake release, the tradition of Android version names was born. The update included several new features and UI amendments. Google supports this cupcake version till June 2017. Cupcake introduced numerous refinements to the Android interface, including the first on-screen keyboard – something that would be necessary as phones moved away from the once-ubiquitous physical keyboard model.

Features of Android 1.5:

  • Support for Widgets - miniature application views that can be embedded in other applications and receive periodic updates.

  • Video recording and playback in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats.

  • Auto-pairing and stereo support for Bluetooth added (A2DP and AVRCP profiles).

  • User pictures are shown for Favourites in Contacts.

  • Specific date/time stamp shown for events in the call log, and one-touch access to a contact card from call log event.

  • Animated screen transitions.


Android 1.6: DONUT 

Android 1.6 Donut is a version of Android that was released on 15 September 2009. This version included numerous new features.

Features of Android 1.6:

  • Voice and text entry search enhanced to include bookmark history, contacts, and the web.

  • Easier searching and ability to view app screenshots in Android Market.

  • Gallery, camera and camcorder more fully integrated, with faster camera access.

  • Support for WVGA screen resolutions.

  • Speed improvements in searching and camera applications.


ANDROID VERSIONS 2.0 TO 2.1: ECLAIR

Android 2.0, Eclair, emerged just six weeks after Donut, in October 2009. Eclair was the first Android release to enter mainstream consciousness. However, it was updated to Android 2.1 Eclair in January 2010. It was released with the Nexus One, the first Nexus phone.

Features of Android 2.0 and 2.1:

  • Numerous new camera features, including flash support, scene mode, white balance, colour effects, macro focus, picture size, and storage location.

  • Addition of Auto-brightness.

  • Improved typing speed on a virtual keyboard by using multitouch data.

  • Live Wallpapers, which allowed home screen backgrounds to be animated.

  • Addition of Pinch-to-Zoom.


ANDROID VERSION 2.2: FROYO

Just four months after Android 2.1 arrived, Google launched Android 2.2, Froyo which means Frozen Yogurt. This was released on May 20, 2010, and revolved largely the performance improvements.

Features of Android 2.2:

  • USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality.

  • Option to disable data access over the mobile network.

  • Support for high-PPI displays (up to 320 PPI), such as four-inch 720p screens.

  • Quick switching between multiple keyboard languages and their dictionaries


ANDROID VERSION 2.3: GINGERBREAD

Android 2.3 Gingerbread is a version of Android that was released on 6 December 2010. The latest version of Android 2.3 was released on September 21 2011 as Android 2.3.7. Many Samsung and Sony phones launched with this software version.

Features of Android 2.3:

  • Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher).

  • Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allows the user to read an NFC tag embedded in a poster, sticker, or advertisement.

  • New audio effects such as reverb, equalization, headphone virtualization, and bass boost.

  • Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available.