All Android versions at a glance

The current Android version usually always appears between August and September. However, it always takes several months for the numerous manufacturers to provide an update for their devices. Most companies provide their models with updates for up to 5 years. We will show you how to find out which Android version you use and whether an update is possible:

• First open the " Settings " app on your Android smartphone.
• Scroll to the bottom, you will find the " via the device " or " Telephone information " depending on the device.
• Here you will find the currently installed Android version.
• In the area " Softwareupdate " or " System update " you can search for the latest updates and install them if necessary.
• The build number and security patches also play a role in determining the Android version. Check this information for better assessment of your device status.

From the Android version 2.0, a new main version was automatically published with every system update. Instead, there have been several sub -versions for each main version since October 2009, which are intended to make optimizations, but continue to bear the name of the main version.

• Android version 2.0-2.1: "Éclair": On October 26, 2009 Android 2.0 alias "Éclair" was released as an update. Under this version, the digital zoom was introduced in the camera app, as well as the support of LED flash light as hardware.
• On December 3, 2009, the Android version 2.0.1 was published, in which some errors were corrected. The name "Éclair" remained unchanged.
• On January 7th, 2010 another update appeared on version 2.1. This enables animated background images, the so-called "live backgrounds". Instead of a single picture, a moving picture, an animation, or even a video can be determined as a background. Incidentally, that still works today.
• Android version 2.2: "Froyo": This Android main version 2.2 was published on May 20, 2010 and made some improvements. From this version, a RAM with up to 256 MB capacity could be installed in a cell phone. In addition, apps can now be moved to an external microSD card.
• With the update to Android version 2.2.1, some error corrections were made in September 2010. The last Froyo version was released in January 2011 as Android 2.2.2 and, among other things, put an SMS bug.
• Android version 2.3: "Gingerbread": On December 6th, 2010 Android 2.3 alias "Gingerbread" was released. From this Android version, "Near Field Communication" (NFC) is supported and an in-house download manager is inserted.
• Android 2.3.1 also appeared in December 2010, which made some error corrections and the update to Google Maps 5.0. Android 2.3.2, in which an SMS error was also remedied, was released in January 2011. Android 2.3.3 was released on February 23, 2011 and, among other things, ensured that Android devices were regularly equipped with dual-core processors for more performance. On April 29, 2011, the "Google Talk" app was introduced to 2.3.4 with which a video and voice chat is possible.
• Android 2.3.5 was published on July 8th, 2011 and caused further error corrections. Also with the two subsequent Android versions 2.3.6 (02.09.2011) and 2.3.7 (September 20, 2011), further errors in the system were fixed.

From February 23, 2011, "Gingerbread" was replaced by the new Android version 3.0 alias "Honeycomb". A new, user -friendly surface was fitted and an optimization for tablets was made. In addition, the Google Chrome browser was equipped with new functions (e.g. incognito mode).

• Android version 3.x: "Honeycomb": on May 10th, 2011 the first update of "Honeycomb" on Android 3.1 followed. Here, among other things, a USB host mode was inserted and improvements on the user interface and the widgets were made.
• Android 3.2 followed on July 16, 2011. Above all, display optimizations for various screen diagonals were carried out here. The last Honeycomb version 3.2.1 made further error corrections from 20.09.2011.
• Android version 4.0: "Ice Cream Sandwich": From October 19, 2011 Android 4.0 alias "Ice Cream Sandwich" (ICS). Among other things, the unlocking was inserted by 2D facial recognition and many detailed improvements were made. On November 17, 2011, version 4.0.1 was released, in which a volume-setting error was primarily remedied.
• In version 4.0.2, further improvements (for example a new unlocked look) were made from December 15, 2011, as well as the DIVX support. The last two ICS updates 4.0.3 (16.12.2011) and 4.0.4 (04.02.2012) also had further improvements. For example, in version 4.0.4, the general volume was increased.
• Android version 4.1: "Jelly Bean": On June 27, 2012 Android 4.1 alias "Jelly Bean" was released. This update caused significant improvements to the user interface. The "Google Now" service was also integrated into the system. With version 4.1.1, the Google payment service "Google Wallet" was integrated into the system on July 11, 2012.
• from version 4.1.2 (10.10.2012) notifications could be opened and folded up with gesture. On November 13th, 2012, version 4.2 a system -wide streaming (Miracast) was possible. Further security updates also followed. Version 4.2.1 Fixed further errors from November 27, 2012. Since version 4.2.2 (12.02.2013), widgets can also be adjusted on the lock screen.
• With version 4.3 (July 24, 2013), many other innovations were introduced. Since the limited user accounts for children and an improvement in the camera app. The last update of "Jelly Bean" followed on October 4th, 2013 with version 4.3.1. Only some errors were fixed in this version.
• Android version 4.4: "Kitkat": On October 31, 2013 Android 4.4 alias "Kitkat" was published as the successor to "Jelly Bean". The essential innovation was that the restriction to five homescreen was lifted. From then on, the Google+ Hangouts app could be selected as an alternative to the SMS app.
• On December 6th, 2013 the first update followed to version 4.4.1. Here the camera app was slightly revised and smaller error corrections were made. Android 4.4.2 appeared on December 9th, 2013. Mainly fault corrections were made here again. On June 2nd, 2014 version 4.4.3. The well -known bug, which can frequently cancel the data connection, was remedied in this. The last update for "Kitkat" followed on June 19, 2014 with version 4.4.4.
• Android version 4.4.W: "Wear": Android 4.4.W was specially developed for smart watches and other wearables and is based on Android 4.4 "Kitkat". It was released in June 2014. The "W" stands for "Wear" in order to draw attention to the area of ​​the Wearbles. In the meantime, this type of operating system has been replaced by its own system, Wear OS.

on November 3rd, 2014 Android 5.0 alias "Lollipop" was released. Here the notification bar was redesigned. In addition, this version is now also used for most smartwatches.

• Android version 5: "Lollipop": The Android version 5.0.1 (02.12.2014) was mainly optimized for the use of "Android Wear", the direct predecessor of Wear OS. On December 19, 2014, Android 5.0.2, another update was released in which errors were fixed. Android 5.1 has been around since March 9th, 2014. Here, u. Stability improvements made. The last Lollipop-Android version 5.1.1 was released on April 22, 2015 and once again made some mistakes.
• Android 6.0: "Marshmallow": At the Google event on September 29, 2015, the latest Android operating system was presented to the public and gradually rolled out. In August, Google already published a Developer Preview by Marshmallow, which already gives a good impression of the new features of Android 6.0.If you have a Nexus 5, Nexus 6 or Nexus Player, you could also download the final Developer Preview 3 from Marshmallow in advance. Here is a brief overview of the innovations:
• Better right -wing management for apps: Only when you use functions of an app will you be asked for justification. So you do not allow access in advance that you may not use at all. Longer battery run times: background processes are automatically ended and no longer strain the battery. Above all, the performance should be much better.
• Faster charging by using the USB standard "Type C", which not only loads faster, but also brings a plug that no longer has to be turned. However, the manufacturer must also install the corresponding hardware into its devices. In a separate article you can find out all the advantages of the new charging stake .
• Separate volume control for notifications, media and alarm tones. Support for fingerprint sensors, comparable to Apples touch ID. The following also applies here: The manufacturer now has the option of installing appropriate hardware through software support.
• Android 7.0: "Nougat": Android 7 has been officially available since August 22, 2016. In addition to the usual improvements in performance and security, there are also some major innovations. On the latest smartphones, updates are completely downloaded and installed on a second partition in the background. The user receives almost nothing from the update.
• If you want to use two apps at the same time, this is no longer a problem since Android 7. In split screen mode, two apps run in parallel on half of the screen if the app supports the mode. Google screwed a lot on the notifications. Among other things, you can now answer WhatsApp messages directly via the notification without opening the app itself. The data saving mode has also received a large update. In the settings, you can turn off the data tap, among other things, selected apps.

Android 8 has been available for download since August 21, 2017. In addition to the generally adapted look, the settings app has become much clearer.

• Android 8.0: "Oreo": In addition to the usual optimizations, some fundamental changes should not only start the start of apps faster, but above all the boot process when switching on the cell phone. Telephone numbers, addresses or entire URLs are not always easy or quickly copied. The Smart Text Selection is intended to be a simple double tip to copy the desired area.
• What Apple has already introduced on the iPad is now also coming to Android.If an app such as YouTube or Chrome supports the function, you can let the video continue in a small picture while using other apps. The icons of apps are always static except for the clock and calendar app. Now all other app developers can also encourage the icons or make dynamic.
• The new function Rescue Party should help with boot loops. If the cell phone starts again and again due to a serious software error, the function should recognize the problem and automatically put the smartphone into recovery mode.
• Android 9.0: "Pie": The Android version 9 was released on August 6, 2018. The names Pancake and PopTart were very popular in the rumor mill. Ultimately, however, Google chose the simplest name Pie (cake). Battery intelligence: Android analyzes the usage behavior of your apps and automatically assigns the frequently used apps a higher priority. This should primarily save battery.
• App intelligence: Android should also help with the use of apps. Usually only connect your headphones to make calls, Android recognizes this behavior. In the future, the telephone app will be started automatically as soon as you put your headphones.
• The brightness of smartphone displays is usually automatically tailored to the ambient light. Now you can determine in the settings whether you generally like it a little brighter and darker. In addition to 157 new emojis, there are many other small changes. Here you will find all changes from Android 9.

Android has been available in version 10 since September 2019. According to tradition, it is now the turn of the letter "Q". The corresponding candy should therefore also start with a "Q". However, Google decided to end this tradition with round 10, including finding a candy with Q because of the difficulty.

• Android version 10.0: "Android Q": With Android 10, users should receive more control over the authorizations of their apps. Among other things, the location permissions for individual apps can be restricted more precisely and only temporarily issued. Dark modes are not only becoming increasingly popular under iOS, Mac OS and Windows, and Android users have also been shouting for an official dark fashion for years. This was previously only possible via detours and third-party providers, now Google provides a system-wide dark fashion.
• No matter whether smartphone or PC, updates are always an annoying topic. Security patches and other smaller updates will be automatically installed in the background in the future. A restart of the device no longer necessary.
• Android 11.0: "Android R": With Android 11, the mobile operating system was improved again and added to new functions.Particularly exciting for many users in Corona year 2020: the changes to the Bluetooth authorization logic. So far, Bluetooth access into the location was integrated. Both services had to be activated to be able to use Bluetooth. Now it is possible to use Bluetooth without activated location service, which is important for the use of the Corona Warn app.
• Another practical feature concerns updating devices with Android 11. Start an OS update, for example, overnight, the device temporarily stores the login information in order to unlock the smartphone after a reboot and restore the status of before restarting.
• In addition, the Android communication center was revised. If you press the "Lock" button of your smartphone, two lines will be presented to messages from the 11th Android version. Above the conversations that you lead in different apps - including all other notifications that you have switched on. This should lead to a better overview.
• Android 12.0: "Android S": Android 12 has been officially available on the first devices since October 2021. In addition to the design, there are also numerous new functions that were previously known by many individual manufacturers, but are now available for all Android users by default. If the camera or the microphone is used, you will see a corresponding symbol in the top right of the screen. This is supposed to prevent spy.
• In the new privacy dashboard you can see which apps have received which permissions and can revoke them if necessary. This was also possible beforehand, but now the function is much more user -friendly. If an app asks about your location, so far there was only the answer yes or no. With Android 12 you can also give access for a limited period of time.
• In the quick settings of Android 12 you will find a player that shows the current songs or videos from the last open apps. With Android 12 you can decide for yourself which apps can be displayed in this player and which not.