Android Build Nicknames: A Delicious History
Do you remember the days when each Android build version was represented by a dessert-based nickname rather than a build number? From Froyo to Cupcake, Jelly Bean to KitKat, those times were exciting for Android enthusiasts. While Google stopped promoting the dessert nicknames after Android 9 (Pie), the tradition continued internally.
To retain consistency, the dessert name had to begin with the letter that represented the year’s Android release. For example, the third major release of the operating system, Android 1.5, released in April 2009, was known as Android “C.” Therefore, the dessert nickname for that build was Cupcake. Similarly, Android 1.6 became Android “D,” and Google used the Donut nickname.
The Android Dessert Nickname History
- Android 1.5: Cupcake
- Android 1.6: Donut
- Android 2.0: Eclair
- Android 2.2: Froyo
- Android 2.3: Gingerbread
- Android 3.0: Honeycomb
- Android 4.0: Ice Cream Sandwich
- Android 4.1: Jelly Bean
- Android 4.4: KitKat
- Android 5.0: Lollipop
- Android 6.0: Marshmallow
- Android 7.0: Nougat
- Android 8.0: Oreo
- Android 9: Pie
- Android 10: Quince Tart
- Android 11: Red Velvet Cake
- Android 12: Snow Cone
- Android 13: Tiramisu
Google used to make a big deal about the dessert nicknames, and after each release, they ceremoniously rolled out a new statue representing the latest Android dessert onto the Googleplex lawn. This tradition ended after Android 9, and last year, the statutes were removed. For Android 4.4 KitKat and Android 8.0 Oreo, Google made deals with the appropriate food manufacturers to help promote their Android version.
What’s in Store for Android 15?
According to a tweet by tech journalist Mishaal Rahmaan, for the release of Android 15 in 2024, the dessert name will be Vanilla Ice Cream. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Google has turned to this frozen dairy treat as an Android dessert nickname. Back in October 2011, Android 4.0 was released as Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS).
As Google follows a particular pattern for naming Android versions, they might face problems finding a dessert name for Android 15 X in 2025 and Android 17 Z two years after that. Google could consider using Hostess Zingers for Android 17, or for Android 15, they could name it Xuixo, which is “a deep-fried cylindrical pastry filled with crema Catalana, usually served coated in granulated sugar.”
It looks like the dessert nickname tradition will continue to be a quirky element associated with Android versions for years to come.
