LATEST PHONE FEATURES: Android Version

ANDROID VERSION HISTORY

Android 1.0 (API 1)

Android 1.0 (API 1)
Android 1.0, the first commercial version of the software, was released on September 23, 2008.The first commercially available Android device was the HTC Dream.Android 1.0 incorporated the following features:

Version Release date

1.0 September 23, 2008
Android Market allowed application downloads and updates through the Market application
Web browser to show, zoom and pan full HTML and XHTML web pages – multiple pages show as windows ("cards")

Camera support – however, this version lacked the option to change the camera's resolution, white balance, quality, etc.
Folders allowing the grouping of a number of application icons into a single folder icon on the Home screen
Access to web email servers, supporting POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP
Gmail synchronization with the Gmail application
Google Contacts synchronization with the People application
Google Calendar synchronization with the Calendar application
Google Maps with Street View to view maps and satellite imagery, as well as find local business and obtain driving directions using GPS
Google Sync, allowing management of over-the-air synchronization of Gmail, People, and Calendar
Google Search, allowing users to search the Internet and phone applications, contacts, calendar, etc.
Google Talk instant messaging
Instant messaging, text messaging, and MMS
Media Player, enabling management, importing, and playback of media files – however, this version lacked video and stereo Bluetooth support
Notifications appear in the Status bar, with options to set ringtone, LED or vibration alerts
Voice Dialer allows dialing and placing of phone calls without typing a name or number
Wallpaper allows the user to set the background image or photo behind the Home screen icons and widgets
YouTube video player
Other applications include: Alarm Clock, Calculator, Dialer (Phone), Home screen (Launcher), Pictures (Gallery), and Settings
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support

Android 1.1 (API 2)

On February 9, 2009, the Android 1.1 update was released, initially for the HTC Dream only. Android 1.1 was known as "Petit Four" internally, though this name was not used officially. The update resolved bugs, changed the Android API and added a number of features:

Version Release date Features

1.1 February 9, 2009

Details and reviews available when a user searches for businesses on Maps

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

Ability to save attachments in messages

Support added for marquee in system layouts

Android 1.5 Cupcake (API 3)

On April 27, 2009, the Android 1.5 update was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.27. This was the first release to officially use a codename based on a dessert item ("Cupcake"), a theme which would be used for all releases henceforth. The update included several new features and UI amendments:

Version Release date

1.5 April 27, 2009

Support for third-party virtual keyboards with text prediction and user dictionary for custom words
Support for Widgets – miniature application views that can be embedded in other applications (such as the Home screen) and receive periodic updates
Video recording and playback in MPEG-4 and 3GP formats
Auto-pairing and stereo support for Bluetooth (A2DP and AVRCP profiles)
Copy and paste features in web browser
User pictures shown for Favorites in Contacts
Specific date/time stamp shown for events in call log, and one-touch access to a contact card from call log event
Animated screen transitions
Auto-rotation option
New stock boot animation
Ability to upload videos to YouTube
Ability to upload photos to Picasa

Android 1.6 Donut (API 4)

On September 15, 2009, Android 1.6 – dubbed Donut – was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.29. Included in the update were numerous new features:

Version Release date

1.6 September 15, 2009

Voice and text entry search enhanced to include bookmark history, contacts, and the web
Ability for developers to include their content in search results
Multi-lingual speech synthesis engine to allow any Android application to "speak" a string of text
Easier searching and ability to view app screenshots in Android Market
Gallery, camera and camcorder more fully integrated, with faster camera access
Ability for users to select multiple photos for deletion
Updated technology support for CDMA/EVDO, 802.1x, VPNs, and a text-to-speech engine
Support for WVGA screen resolutions
Speed improvements in searching and camera applications
Expanded Gesture framework and new GestureBuilder development tool

Android 2.0 Eclair (API 5)

On October 26, 2009, the Android 2.0 SDK was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.29 and codenamed Eclair.Changes include the ones listed below.

Version Release date

2.0 October 26, 2009

Expanded Account sync, allowing users to add multiple accounts to a device for synchronization of email and contacts
Microsoft Exchange email support, with combined inbox to browse email from multiple accounts in one page
Bluetooth 2.1 support
Ability to tap a Contacts photo and select to call, SMS, or email the person
Ability to search all saved SMS and MMS messages, with delete oldest messages in a conversation automatically deleted when a defined limit is reached
Numerous new camera features, including flash support, digital zoom, scene mode, white balance, color effect and macro focus
Improved typing speed on virtual keyboard, with smarter dictionary that learns from word usage and includes contact names as suggestions
Refreshed browser UI with bookmark thumbnails, double-tap zoom and support for HTML5
Calendar agenda view enhanced, showing attending status for each invitee, and ability to invite new guests to events
Optimized hardware speed and revamped UI
Support for more screen sizes and resolutions, with better contrast ratio
Improved Google Maps 3.1.2
MotionEvent class enhanced to track multi-touch events
Addition of live wallpapers, allowing the animation of home-screen background images to show movement

Android 2.0.1 Eclair (API 6)

Version Release date Features

2.0.1 December 3, 2009

Minor API changes, bugfixes and framework behavioral changes

Android 2.1 Eclair (API 7)

Version Release date Features Image(s)

2.1 January 12, 2010

Minor amendments to the API and bugfixes

Android 2.2 Froyo (API 8)

On May 20, 2010, the SDK for Android 2.2 (Froyo, short for frozen yogurt) was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.32

Version Release date

2.2 May 20, 2010

Speed, memory, and performance optimizations
Additional application speed improvements, implemented through JIT compilation
Integration of Chrome's V8 JavaScript engine into the Browser application
Support for the Android Cloud to Device Messaging (C2DM) service, enabling push notifications
Improved Microsoft Exchange support, including security policies, auto-discovery, GAL look-up, calendar synchronization and remote wipe
Improved application launcher with shortcuts to Phone and Browser applications
USB tethering and Wi-Fi hotspot functionality
Option to disable data access over mobile network
Updated Market application with batch and automatic update features
Quick switching between multiple keyboard languages and their dictionaries
Support for Bluetooth-enabled car and desk docks
Support for numeric and alphanumeric passwords
Support for file upload fields in the Browser application
The browser now shows all frames of animated GIFs instead of just the first frame only
Support for installing applications to the expandable memory
Adobe Flash support
Support for high-PPI displays (up to 320 ppi), such as four-inch 720p screens
Gallery allows users to view picture stacks using a zoom gesture
Android 2.2 Froyo home.png
Android 2.2 home screen
2.2.1 January 18, 2011 Bugfixes, security updates and performance improvements
2.2.2 January 22, 2011 Minor bugfixes, including SMS routing issues that affected the Nexus One
2.2.3 November 21, 2011Two security updates

Android 2.3 Gingerbread (API 9)

On December 6, 2010, the Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) SDK was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.35.Changes included:

Version Release date

2.3 December 6, 2010

Updated user interface design with increased simplicity and speed
Support for extra-large screen sizes and resolutions (WXGA and higher)
Native support for SIP VoIP internet telephony
Faster, more intuitive text input in virtual keyboard, with improved accuracy, better suggested text and voice input mode
Enhanced copy/paste functionality, allowing users to select a word by press-hold, copy, and paste
Support for Near Field Communication (NFC), allowing 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
New Download Manager, giving users easy access to any file downloaded from the browser, email, or another application
Support for multiple cameras on the device, including a front-facing camera, if available
Support for WebM/VP8 video playback, and AAC audio encoding
Improved power management with a more active role in managing applications that are keeping the device awake for too long
Enhanced support for native code development
Switched from YAFFS to ext4 on newer devices
Audio, graphical, and input enhancements for game developers
Concurrent garbage collection for increased performance
Native support for more sensors (such as gyroscopes and barometers)
First Android version to feature an Easter egg. It was an image of the Bugdroid standing next to a zombie gingerbread man, with many more zombies in the background.
Android screenshot.png
Android 2.3 home screen
2.3.1 December 2010 Improvements and bugfixes for the Nexus S
2.3.2 January 2011 Improvements and bugfixes for the Nexus S

Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread (API 10)

Version Release date

2.3.3 February 9, 2011

Several improvements and API fixes

Android screenshot.png

Android 2.3 home screen

2.3.4 April 28, 2011

Support for voice or video chat using Google Talk
Open Accessory Library support. Open Accessory was introduced in 3.1 (Honeycomb) but the Open Accessory Library grants 2.3.4 added support when connecting to a USB peripheral with compatible software and a compatible application on the device
Switched the default encryption for SSL from AES256-SHA to RC4-MD5.
2.3.5 July 25, 2011 Improved network performance for the Nexus S 4G, among other fixes and improvementsFixed Bluetooth bug on Samsung Galaxy SImproved Gmail applicationShadow animations for list scrollingCamera software .enhancementsImproved battery efficiency
2.3.6 September 2, 2011 Fixed a voice search bug
2.3.7 September 21, 2011 Google Wallet support for the Nexus S 4G

Android 3.0 Honeycomb (API 11)

On February 22, 2011, the Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) SDK – the first tablet-only Android update – was released, based on Linux kernel 2.6.36. The first device featuring this version, the Motorola Xoom tablet, was released on February 24, 2011. The update's features included:

Version Release date

3.0 February 22, 2011

Optimized tablet support with a new “holographic” user interface (removed again the following year with version 4.2)
New easter egg, an image of a Tron-themed bumblebee
Added System Bar, featuring quick access to notifications, status, and soft navigation buttons, available at the bottom of the screen
Added Action Bar, giving access to contextual options, navigation, widgets, or other types of content at the top of the screen
Simplified multitasking – tapping Recent Applications in the System Bar allows users to see snapshots of the tasks underway and quickly jump from one application to another
Redesigned keyboard, making typing fast, efficient and accurate on larger screen sizes
Simplified, more intuitive copy/paste interface
Multiple browser tabs replacing browser windows, plus form auto-fill and a new “incognito” mode allowing anonymous browsing
Quick access to camera exposure, focus, flash, zoom, front-facing camera, time-lapse, and other camera features
Ability to view albums and other collections in full-screen mode in Gallery, with easy access to thumbnails for other photos
New two-pane Contacts UI and Fast Scroll to let users easily organize and locate contacts
New two-pane Email UI to make viewing and organizing messages more efficient, allowing users to select one or more messages
Hardware acceleration
Support for multi-core processors
Ability to encrypt all user data
HTTPS stack improved with Server Name Indication (SNI)
Filesystem in Userspace (FUSE; kernel module)
Disallows applications from having write access to secondary storage (memory cards on devices with internal primary storage) outside of designated, application-specific directories. Full access to primary internal storage is still allowed through a separate application-level permission.

Android 3.1 Honeycomb (API 12)

Version Release date Features Image(s)

3.1 May 10, 2011

UI refinements
Connectivity for USB accessories (USB On-The-Go).
Expanded Recent Applications list
Resizable Home screen widgets
Support for external keyboards and pointing devices
Support for joysticks and gamepads
Support for FLAC audio playback
High-performance Wi-Fi lock, maintaining high-performance Wi-Fi connections when device screen is off
Support for HTTP proxy for each connected Wi-Fi access point

Android 3.2 Honeycomb (API 13)

Version Release date

3.2 July 15, 2011

Improved hardware support, including optimizations for a wider range of tablets

Increased ability of applications to access files on the SD card, e.g. for synchronization

Compatibility display mode for applications that have not been optimized for tablet screen resolutions

New display support functions, giving developers more control over display appearance on different Android devices

Android3.0.png

Android 3.2 home screen

3.2.1 September 20, 2011

Bugfixes and minor security, stability and Wi-Fi improvements
Update to Android Market with automatic updates and easier-to-read Terms and Conditions text
Update to Google Books
Improved Adobe Flash support in browser
Improved Chinese handwriting prediction
3.2.2 August 30, 2011 Bugfixes and other minor improvements for the Motorola Xoom 4G
3.2.3 August 30, 2011 Bugfixes and other minor improvements for the Motorola Xoom and Motorola Xoom 4G
3.2.4 December 2011 Pay As You Go for 3G and 4G tablets
3.2.5 January 2012 Bugfixes and other minor improvements for the Motorola Xoom and Motorola Xoom 4G
3.2.6 February 2012 Fixed data connectivity issues when coming out of airplane mode on the US 4G Motorola Xoom

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (API 14)

The SDK for Android 4.0.1 (Ice Cream Sandwich), based on Linux kernel 3.0.1, was publicly released on October 19, 2011.Google's Gabe Cohen stated that Android 4.0 was "theoretically compatible" with any Android 2.3.x device in production at that time.The source code for Android 4.0 became available on November 14, 2011Ice Cream Sandwich was the last version to officially support Adobe Systems' Flash player. The update introduced numerous new features:

Version Release date

4.0 October 18, 2011

Major refinements to the "Holo" interface with new Roboto font family
Soft buttons from Android 3.x are now available for use on phones
Separation of widgets in a new tab, listed in a similar manner to applications
Easier-to-create folders, with a drag-and-drop style
Improved visual voicemail with the ability to speed up or slow down voicemail messages
Pinch-to-zoom functionality in the calendar
Integrated screenshot capture (accomplished by holding down the Power and Volume-Down buttons)
Improved error correction on the keyboard
Ability to access applications directly from lock screen
Improved copy and paste functionality
Better voice integration and continuous, real-time speech to text dictation
Face Unlock, a feature that allows users to unlock handsets using facial recognition software
Automatic syncing of browser with users' Chrome bookmarks
Data Usage section in settings that lets users set warnings when they approach a certain usage limit, and disable data use when the limit is exceeded
Ability to shut down applications from the recent apps list with a swipe
Improved camera application with zero shutter lag, time lapse settings, panorama mode, and the ability to zoom while recording
Built-in photo editor
New gallery layout, organized by location and person
Refreshed "People" application with social network integration, status updates and hi-res images
Android Beam, a near-field communication feature allowing the rapid short-range exchange of web bookmarks, contact info, directions, YouTube videos and other data
Support for the WebP image format
Hardware acceleration of the UI
Wi-Fi Direct[101]
1080p video recording for stock Android devices
Android VPN Framework (AVF), and TUN (but not TAP) kernel module. Prior to 4.0, VPN software required rooted Android.
Android 4.0.png
Android 4.0 home screen
4.0.1 October 21, 2011 Fixed minor bugs for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
4.0.2 November 28, 2011 Fixed minor bugs on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, the US launch of which was later delayed until December 2011.

Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich (API 15)

Version Release date

4.0.3 December 16, 2011

Numerous bugfixes and optimizations
Improvements to graphics, databases, spell-checking and Bluetooth functionality
New APIs for developers, including a social stream API in the Contacts provider
Calendar provider enhancements
New camera applications enhancing video stabilization and QVGA resolution
Accessibility refinements such as improved content access for screen readers
Android 4.0.png
Android 4.0 home screen
4.0.4 March 29, 2012 Stability improvements.Better camera performance,Smoother screen rotation.Improved phone number recognition

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (API 16)

Google announced Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) at the Google I/O conference on June 27, 2012. Based on Linux kernel 3.0.31, Jelly Bean was an incremental update with the primary aim of improving the functionality and performance of the user interface. The performance improvement involved "Project Butter", which uses touch anticipation, triple buffering, extended vsync timing and a fixed frame rate of 60 fps to create a fluid and "buttery-smooth" UI. Android 4.1 Jelly Bean was released to the Android Open Source Project on July 9, 2012, and the Nexus 7 tablet, the first device to run Jelly Bean, was released on July 13, 2012.

Version Release date

4.1 July 9, 2012

Smoother user interface
Vsync timing across all drawing and animation done by the Android framework, including application rendering, touch events, screen composition and display refresh
Triple buffering in the graphics pipeline
CPU input boost
Synchronizing touch to vsync timing
Enhanced accessibility
Bi-directional text and other language support
User-installable keyboard maps
Expandable notifications
Ability to turn off notifications on an application-specific basis
Shortcuts and widgets can automatically be re-arranged or re-sized to allow new items to fit on home screens
Bluetooth data transfer for Android Beam
Tablets with smaller screens now use an expanded version of the interface layout and home screen used by phones.
Improved camera application
Multichannel audio
The Fraunhofer FDK AAC codec becomes standard in Android, adding AAC 5.1 channel encoding/decoding
USB audio (for external sound DACs)
Audio chaining (also known as gapless playback)
Ability for other launchers to add widgets from the application drawer without requiring root access
Android 4.1 on the Galaxy Nexus.jpeg
Android 4.1 home screen
4.1.1 July 11, 2012 Fixed a bug on the Nexus 7 regarding the inability to changescreen orientation in any application
4.1.2 October 9, 2012 Lock/home screen rotation support for the Nexus 7One-finger gestures to expand/collapse notifications.Bugfixes and performance enhancements

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean (API 17)

Google was expected to announce Jelly Bean 4.2 at an event in New York City on October 29, 2012, but the event was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.Instead of rescheduling the live event, Google announced the new version with a press release, under the slogan "A new flavor of Jelly Bean". Jelly Bean 4.2 was based on Linux kernel 3.4.0, and debuted on Google's Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, which were released on November 13, 2012.

Version Release date

4.2 November 13, 2012

Lock screen improvements, including widget support (removed again in 2014) and the ability to swipe directly to camera
Notification power controls ("Quick Settings")
"Daydream" screensavers, showing information when idle or docked (later renamed to "screen saver" following the launch of the unrelated Google Daydream VR platform in 2016)
Multiple user accounts (tablets only)
Rewritten Bluetooth stack, switching from Bluez to Broadcom open source BlueDroid,allowing improved support for multiple displays and wireless display (Miracast)
Native right-to-left, always-on VPN and application verification. A new NFC stack was added at the same time.
Accessibility improvements: triple-tap to magnify the entire screen, pan and zoom with two fingers. Speech output and Gesture Mode navigation for blind users
New clock application with built-in world clock, stop watch and timer
All devices now use the same interface layout, previously adapted from phones on 4.1 for smaller tablets (with centered software buttons, the system bar at the top of the screen, and a home screen with a dock and centered application menu), regardless of screen size
Increased number of extended notifications and Actionable Notifications for more applications, allowing users to respond to certain notifications within the notification bar and without launching the application directly
SELinux
Premium SMS confirmation
Group Messaging
4.2.1 November 27, 2012 Fixed a bug in the People application where December was not displayed on the date selector when adding an event to a contact.Added Bluetooth gamepads and joysticks as supported HID (Human interface device)
4.2.2 February 11, 2013 Fixed Bluetooth audio streaming bugsLong-pressing the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons in Quick Settings now toggles the on/off state.New download notifications, which now shows the percentage and estimated time remaining for active application downloadsNew sounds for wireless charging and low battery.New Gallery application animation allows faster loading.USB debug whitelistBugfixes and performance enhancements

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (API 18)

Google released Jelly Bean 4.3 under the slogan "An even sweeter Jelly Bean" on July 24, 2013, during an event in San Francisco called "Breakfast with Sundar Pichai". Most Nexus devices received the update within a week, although the second-generation Nexus 7 tablet was the first device to officially ship with it. A minor bugfix update was released on August 22, 2013

Version Release date Features

4.3 July 24, 2013

Bluetooth low energy support
Bluetooth Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) 1.3 support
OpenGL ES 3.0 support, allowing for improved game graphics
Restricted access mode for new user profiles
Filesystem write performance improvement by running fstrim command while device is idle
Dial pad auto-complete in the Phone application
Volume for incoming calls (ringtone) and notification alerts is no longer adjustable separately
Improvements to Photo Sphere
Reworked camera UI, previously introduced on Google Play edition phones
Addition of "App Ops", a fine-grained application permissions control system (hidden by default)
SELinux enabled by default
4K resolution support
Numerous security updates, performance enhancements, and bugfixes
System-level support for geofencing and Wi-Fi scanning APIs
Background Wi-Fi location still runs even when Wi-Fi is turned off
Developer logging and analyzing enhancements
Added support for five more languages
Changed digital rights management (DRM) APIs
Right-to-left (RTL) languages now supported
Clock in the status bar disappears if clock is selected as lockscreen widget
Native emoji support
4.3.1 October 3, 2013 Bugfixes and small tweaks for the Nexus 7 LTE

Android 4.4 KitKat (API 19)

Google announced Android 4.4 KitKat on September 3, 2013. Although initially under the "Key Lime Pie" ("KLP") codename, the name was changed because "very few people actually know the taste of a key lime pie." Some technology bloggers also expected the "Key Lime Pie" release to be Android 5.[143] KitKat debuted on Google's Nexus 5 on October 31, 2013, and was optimized to run on a greater range of devices than earlier Android versions, having 512 MB of RAM as a recommended minimum; those improvements were known as "Project Svelte" internally at Google. The required minimum amount of RAM available to Android is 340 MB, and all devices with less than 512 MB of RAM must report themselves as "low RAM" devices.

Version Release date

4.4 October 31, 2013

Refreshed interface with white elements instead of blue
Clock no longer shows bold hours; all digits are thin. The H, M, and S markings for the stopwatch and timer have been removed, leaving just the numbers.
Ability for applications to trigger translucency in the navigation and status bars
Ability for applications to use "immersive mode" to keep the navigation and status bars hidden while maintaining user interaction
Action overflow menu buttons are always visible, even on devices with a "Menu" key, which was officially deprecated by Android 4.0.
Restriction for applications when accessing external storage, except for their own directories
Optimizations for performance on devices with lower specifications, including zRAM support and "low RAM" device API
Wireless printing capability
NFC host card emulation, enabling a device to replace smart cards
WebViews now based on Chromium engine (feature parity with Chrome for Android 30)
Expanded functionality for notification listener services
Public API for developing and managing text messaging clients
Storage Access Framework, an API allowing apps to retrieve files in a consistent manner. As part of the framework, a new system file picker allows users to access files from various sources (including those exposed by apps, such as online storage services).
New framework for UI transitions
Sensor batching, step detector and counter APIs
Settings application now makes it possible to select default text messaging and home (launcher) application
Audio tunneling, audio monitoring and loudness enhancer
Built-in screen recording feature (primarily for developers, as usage of ADB is required)
Native infrared blaster API
Verified boot
Enforcing SELinux
Expanded accessibility APIs and system-level closed captioning settings
Android Runtime (ART) introduced as a new experimental application runtime environment, not enabled by default, as a replacement for the Dalvik virtual machine
Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP) support
Disabled access to battery statistics by third-party applications
Settings application no longer uses a multi-pane layout on devices with larger screens
Wi-Fi and mobile data activity (TX/RX) indicators are moved to quick settings
Disables text wrapping in the WebView browser component
Nexus 5 (Android 4.4.2) Screenshot.jpg
Android 4.4 home screen
4.4.1 December 5, 2013
Improvements to auto focus, white balance and HDR+ for the Nexus 5 camera
Better application compatibility for the experimental Android Runtime (ART)
Camera application now loads Google+ Photos instead of Gallery when swiping away from the camera view
Miscellaneous improvements and bugfixes
4.4.2 December 9, 2013
Further security enhancements and bugfixes
Removal of the "App Ops" application permissions control system, introduced in Android 4.3
4.4.3 June 2, 2014
Refreshed Dialer app interface
Updated the Chromium-based WebView to version 33 (screencasting to DevTools, HTML5 Canvas hardware acceleration performance improvements, vibration API, HTML5 form validation, HTML5 datalist)
Miscellaneous improvements and bugfixes
4.4.4 June 19, 2014
CVE-2014-0224 fixed, eliminating an OpenSSL man-in-the-middle vulnerability

Android 4.4W KitKat, with wearable extensions (API 20)
Android 4.4W KitKat, with wearable extensions (API 20)
On June 24, 2014, a version of Android KitKat exclusive to Android Wear devices was released.
Version Release date Features
4.4W[169] June 25, 2014
Initial release of Android Wear platform for smartwatches: the same as Android 4.4 "KitKat", but with wearable extensions added
4.4W.1 September 6, 2014
UI updates for Google Maps navigation and alarms
4.4W.2 October 21, 2014
Offline music playback
GPS support

Android 5.0 Lollipop (API 21)

Android 5.0 "Lollipop" was unveiled under the codename "Android L" on June 25, 2014, during Google I/O. It became available as official over-the-air (OTA) updates on November 12, 2014, for select devices that run distributions of Android serviced by Google, including Nexus and Google Play edition devices. Its source code was made available on November 3, 2014.

Lollipop features a redesigned user interface built around a responsive design language referred to as "material design". Other changes include improvements to the notifications, which can be accessed from the lockscreen and displayed within applications as top-of-the-screen banners. Furthermore, Google made internal changes to the platform, with the Android Runtime (ART) officially replacing Dalvik for improved application performance, and with changes intended to improve and optimize battery usage, known internally as Project Volta.

Version Release date

5.0 November 12, 2014

Android Runtime (ART) with ahead-of-time (AOT) compilation and improved garbage collection (GC), replacing Dalvik that combines bytecode interpretation with trace-based just-in-time (JIT) compilation
Support for 64-bit CPUs
OpenGL ES 3.1 and Android Extension Pack (AEP) on supported GPU configurations
Recent activities screen with tasks instead of applications, up to a configured maximum of tasks per application
Vector drawables, which scale without losing definition
Support for print previews
Material design, bringing a restyled user interface
Refreshed lock screen, no longer supporting widgets
Refreshed notification tray and quick settings pull-down
Project Volta, for battery life improvements
Searches can be performed within the system settings for quicker access to particular settings
Lock screen provides shortcuts to application and notification settings
Guest logins and multiple user accounts are available on more devices, such as phones.
Audio input and output through USB devices
Third-party applications regain the ability to read and modify data located anywhere on external storage, such as on SD cards
Pinning of an application's screen for restricted user activity.
Recently used applications are remembered even after restarting the device.
WebViews receive updates independently through Google Play for security reasons, instead of relying on system-wide vendor updates
Addition of 15 new languages: Basque, Bengali, Burmese, Chinese (Hong Kong), Galician, Icelandic, Kannada, Kyrgyz, Macedonian, Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Sinhala, Tamil and Telugu
Tap and Go allows users to quickly migrate to a new Android device, using NFC and Bluetooth to transfer Google Account details, configuration settings, user data and installed applications
A flashlight-style application is included, working on supported devices with a camera flash.
User-customizable priorities for application notifications.
Smart lock feature
SELinux in enforcing mode for all domains
Updated emoji
Improved accessibility support (e.g. switch access support)
Block-based over-the-air (OTA) updates for new devices
Android 5.0-en.png
Android 5.0 home screen
5.0.1 December 2, 2014 A few bugfixes, including resolving issues with video playback and password failures handling
5.0.2 December 19, 2014 Fixes a bug with TRIM support, which prevented devices from the nightly on-charger cleanups of file system allocations if the device was turned off while being charged, or if it was charged during the day.Changes how alarms wake the CPU, and how alarms compete for system resources.

Android 5.1 Lollipop (API 22)

Version Release date

5.1 March 9, 2015

Improvements and bug-fixes to the Overview screen
Ability to join Wi-Fi networks and control paired Bluetooth devices from quick settings
Official support for multiple SIM cards
Device protection: if a device is lost or stolen it will remain locked until the owner signs into their Google account, even if the device is reset to factory settings.
High-definition voice calls, available between compatible 4G LTE devices running Android 5.1
Improvements to the notification priority system, to more closely replicate the silent mode that was removed in Android 5.0.
Android 5.0-en.png
Android 5.1 home screen
5.1.1 April 21, 2015 Various bugfixes.Native WiFi calling support

Android 6.0 Marshmallow (API 23)

Android 6.0 "Marshmallow" was unveiled under the codename "Android M" during Google I/O on May 28, 2015, for the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 phones, Nexus 9 tablet, and Nexus Player set-top box, under the build number MPZ44Q.The third developer preview (MPA44G) was released on August 17, 2015 for the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Nexus 9 and Nexus Player devices, and was updated to MPA44I that brought fixes related to Android for Work profiles.

Version Release date

6.0 October 5, 2015

Contextual search from keywords within apps.
Introduction of Doze mode, which reduces CPU speed while the screen is off in order to save battery life
App Standby feature
Alphabetically accessible vertical application drawer
Application search bar and favorites
Native fingerprint reader support
Direct Share feature for target-specific sharing between apps
Renamed "Priority" mode to "Do Not Disturb" mode
App Linking for faster instinctive opening of links with corresponding applications
Larger Application folders with multiple pages
Post-install/run-time permission requests
USB Type-C support
Demo Mode feature for screenshot-capture usage
Automatic full data backup and restore for apps
4K display mode for apps
Adoptable External storage to behave like Internal Storage
MIDI support for musical instruments
Experimental multi-window feature
Support for actions by third-party apps in the text selection menu
App permissions now granted individually at run-time, not all-or-nothing at install time.
Miracast support dropped
Android 6.0-en.png
Android 6.0 home screen
6.0.1 December 7, 2015 Unicode 7.0 & 8.0 emoji support.Descriptions for USB connection options.New navigation bar layout for the Google Pixel C.Double-tap power button to open camera

Android 7.0 Nougat (API 24)

Android "Nougat" (codenamed N in-development) is the major 7.0 release of the Android operating system. It was first released as a developer preview on March 9, 2016, with factory images for current Nexus devices, as well as with the new "Android Beta Program" which allows supported devices to be upgraded directly to the Android Nougat beta via over-the-air update. Final release was on August 22, 2016. The final preview build was released on July 18, 2016,with the build number NPD90G.

Version Release date

7.0 August 22, 2016

Unicode 9.0 emoji and skin tone modifier support (and exposes a subset of ICU4J APIs).
Ability to display color calibration
Ability to screen zoom
Ability to switch apps by double tapping in overview button
Added Emergency information part
Added the "Clear All" button in Overview screen
Another system partition, which gets updated when not in use, allowing for seamless system updates
Daydream virtual reality platform (VR interface)
Improved Doze functionality, which aims to prolong battery life
Improvements to file browser
More Quick Settings options
Multi-window support, which supports floating apps on a desktop layout
New Data Saver mode, which can force apps to reduce bandwidth usage
New JIT Compiler, making for 75 percent faster app installations and a 50 percent reduction in compiled code size
Just in Time (JIT) compiler with code profiling to ART, which lets it constantly improve the performance of Android apps as they run
Picture-in-picture support for Android TV
Redesigned notification shade, featuring instant access to certain settings
Redesigned Overview screen
Replaced notification cards with notification sheets
Settings app navigation drawer
Vulkan 3D rendering API
Multiple Device Locales
Android 7.0-en.png
Android 7.0 home screen

Android 7.1 Nougat (API 25)

On October 19, 2016, Google released Android 7.1.1 as a developer preview for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P and the Pixel C. A second preview became available on November 22, 2016, before the final version was released to the public on December 5, 2016.

Version Release date

7.1 October 4, 2016

Rearranged notification shade
Touch/display performance improvements
Moves (Fingerprint swipe down gesture – opt-in)
Opt-in with new hardware required:
Seamless A/B system updates
Daydream VR mode
Pixel specific:
System UI Blue Accent (Default Accent for other devices remains Teal)
Night Light
Developer features:
shortcut manager APIs
Circular app icons support
Keyboard image insertion
Fingerprint sensor gesture to open/close notification shade
Manual storage manager Intent for apps
Improved VR thread scheduling
Enhanced wallpaper metadata
Multi-endpoint call support
Support for various MNO requirements
PCDMA voice privacy property
Source type support for Visual Voicemail
Carrier config options for managing video telephony
Manual storage manager – identifies files and apps using storage
Android Nougat screenshot 20170116-070000.png
Android 7.1 home screen
7.1.1 December 5, 2016 New set of emojis adding different skin and haircut to existing ones.Send GIFs directly from the default keyboard.App shortcuts: Launch actions on apps by long pressing the app icon.Developer Options: Show CPU Usage feature removed.
7.1.2 April 4, 2017 Battery usage alerts.Nexus specific.Enhanced notification stability.Fingerprint swipe on 5X/6P. General connectivity improvements.Pixel specific. Improved fingerprint swipe performance.Bluetooth connectivity improvements.New multitasking user interface on Pixel C

Android 8.0 Oreo (API 26)

Android Oreo is the 8th major release of the Android operating system. It was first released as a developer preview on March 21, 2017, with factory images for current Nexus and Pixel devices. The final developer preview was released on July 24, 2017, with the stable version released in August 2017.

Version Release date

8.0 August 21, 2017

Project Treble, the biggest change to the foundations of Android to date: a modular architecture that makes it easier and faster for hardware makers to deliver Android updates
Picture-in-picture support
Support for Unicode 10.0 emoji (5.0) and replacement of all blob-shaped emojis by round ones with gradient and outline
Redesigned Quick Settings and Settings with white background and respectively black and Accent font color
Restructured Settings by regrouping in sections similar entries
Adaptive icons
Notification improvements
Notification channels
Notification dots (badges)
Notification snoozing
Notification shade multi-colors (for music album art, messengers etc)
Android Go option, an optional lightweight distribution of Android for low-end devices with less than 1GB RAM (Oreo 8.0 or higher)
System-wide Autofill framework
Sony LDAC codec support
App-specific unknown sources
Multi-display support
2 times faster boot time
Apps background execution and location limits
Google Play Protect
Downloadable fonts
Integrated printing support
Deep color (Wider color gamut for apps)
Wi-Fi Assistant
Android 8.0 Oreo Pixel.png
Android 8.0 home screen

Android 8.1 Oreo (API 27)

Android Oreo is the 8th major release of the Android operating system. It is first released as a developer preview on October 25, 2017, with factory images for current Nexus and Pixel devices. A second developer preview was made available on November 27, 2017 for Nexus and Pixel devices, before the stable version was released on December 5, 2017.

Version Release date

8.1December 5, 2017

Neural networks API
Shared memory API
WallpaperColors API
Bluetooth battery level for connected devices, accessible in Quick Settings
Improved targeting for low-RAM devices (Android Go)
Autofill framework updates
Programmatic Safe Browsing actions
Navigation buttons dim when not in use
Visual changes to 'Power Off' and 'Restart' including a new screen and floating toolbar
Toast messages are now white in color with same existing transparency
Automatic light and dark themes
Additional image chip support for Pixel 2 devices
New Easter Egg in the form of an official Oreo cookie picture

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Android Version

ANDROID VERSION HISTORY

Android 1.0 (API 1)

Android 1.1 (API 2)

Android 1.5 Cupcake (API 3)

Android 1.6 Donut (API 4)

Android 2.0 Eclair (API 5)

Android 2.0.1 Eclair (API 6)

Android 2.1 Eclair (API 7)

Android 2.2 Froyo (API 8)

Android 2.3 Gingerbread (API 9)

Android 2.3.3 Gingerbread (API 10)

Android 3.0 Honeycomb (API 11)

Android 3.1 Honeycomb (API 12)

Android 3.2 Honeycomb (API 13)

Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich (API 14)

Android 4.0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich (API 15)

Android 4.1 Jelly Bean (API 16)

Android 4.2 Jelly Bean (API 17)

Android 4.3 Jelly Bean (API 18)

Android 4.4 KitKat (API 19)

Android 5.0 Lollipop (API 21)

Android 5.1 Lollipop (API 22)

Android 6.0 Marshmallow (API 23)

Android 7.0 Nougat (API 24)

Android 7.1 Nougat (API 25)

Android 8.0 Oreo (API 26)

Android 8.1 Oreo (API 27)

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