The evolution of Android: discover the latest version and all its new features

If you ever wondered What is the newest version of Android? o What new features does each version of the Android operating system bring?You've reached the most comprehensive and up-to-date article on the topic. In this comprehensive overview, you'll find everything you need to know to stay up-to-date on the versions of the world's most widely used operating system, its evolution, codenames, key dates, and key features. You'll also learn the importance of keeping your phone up-to-date and the benefits of upgrading to the latest version. You'll also find a step-by-step guide to checking your device's version and how to update it, depending on the brand.

What is the newest version of Android?

To date, the The latest version of Android officially available is Android 15.. This version is in Phase Rollout on manufacturers such as Google Pixel and will soon arrive to other manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo and OnePlus, among others. Android 15 incorporates a large number of improvements and new features aimed at the customization, to maximise security and your enjoyment., privacy y performance, continuing the evolution of the operating system that has set trends since its inception. Furthermore, Google has already confirmed the arrival of Android 16 in the near future, but Android 15 is currently the most stable and advanced version.

Detailed list of Android versions and their codenames

Android is known for naming its versions after sweets, desserts, or derivatives, in alphabetical order, although this practice was abandoned for the public since Android 10 and is maintained only internally. As the versions progress, Google has consolidated a robust and secure ecosystem, with hundreds of new features that have improved our experience from version 1.0 Apple Pie to the current Android 15. Let's review, one by one, all the versions and their main features to give you a comprehensive and detailed overview:

• Android 1.0 (Apple Pie): It marked the beginning of the system, bringing the Android Market, web browser, and integrated Google services.
• Android 1.1 (Banana Bread): Improvements to Google Maps, a new call screen, and support for message attachments.
• Android 1.5 (Cupcake): Introduction of the virtual keyboard, home screen widgets, video recording, and support for uploading videos to YouTube.
• Android 1.6 (Donut): Support for various screen resolutions and improvements to search, gallery, camera, and camcorder.
• Android 2.0/2.1 (Eclair): Multi-account sync, Bluetooth 2.1 support, animated backgrounds, and camera and browser improvements.
• Android 2.2 (Froyo): Improved performance thanks to Dalvik JIT, WiFi hotspot, Flash support and USB tethering.
• Android 2.3 (Gingerbread): More modern visual redesign, support for NFC and multiple cameras, and improvements to power management.
• Android 3.0 (Honeycomb): First version exclusively for tablets, Holo interface, advanced multitasking, notification panel and virtual navigation bar.
• Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich): Holo design for mobile, face unlock, new camera and display options, Google Beam (NFC) integration.
• Android 4.1/4.2/4.3 (Jelly Bean): Project Butter for fluidity, Google Now, lock screen widgets, notification improvements, and restricted profiles.
• Android 4.4 (KitKat): Optimizations for low-end devices, Google Now integration in the launcher, immersive mode, and "Ok Google" voice commands.
• Android 5.0 (Lollipop): Material Design, lock screen notifications, Project Volta for battery saving, support for 64-bit CPUs, and ART runtime.
• Android 6.0 (Marshmallow): Granular permission management, Google Now on Tap, fingerprint support, and Doze for battery life.
• Android 7.0/7.1 (Nougat): Native multi-window, direct replies and actions from notifications, productivity improvements, and Project Svelte for low-cost devices.
• Android 8.0/8.1 (Oreo): Picture-in-Picture, notification channels, auto-complete, security improvements, and Project Treble for easier updates.
• Android 9.0 (Foot): Gesture navigation, Digital Wellbeing, adaptive battery and brightness, privacy improvements, and official notch support.
• Android 10: System-wide dark theme, Google Play update system, revised gesture navigation, 5G support, and facial recognition.
• Android 11: Floating bubbles, native screen recording, quick access to home automation, permission restrictions, and privacy improvements.
• Android 12: Material You, dynamic customization, revamped widgets, privacy dashboard, and expanded camera and microphone control options.
• Android 13: Per-app language selection, improved media permissions, more Material You customization, new audio controls, and digital wellbeing.
• Android 14: More lock screen customization, AI for wallpaper creation, advanced privacy controls, usage statistics generation, and Ultra HDR support.
• Android 15 (the latest): Private space, AI-powered theft detection, advanced satellite connectivity, real-time anti-fraud protection, advanced widgets, full permission control, and optimized energy efficiency.

Main news of Android 15

Android 15 is the culmination of two decades of innovation. Each new version introduces significant changes that improve the to maximise security and your enjoyment., privacy, customization, performance y accessibility, making Android the world's most flexible operating system.

• Private space and information protection: You can now protect sensitive applications using a fingerprint or password, isolating confidential information from the rest of the system.
• AI Theft Detection: The system uses advanced sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms to detect suspicious behavior, automatically locking your device if it believes there is a theft attempt.
• Real-time anti-fraud protection: Android 15 scans every installed app for potentially malicious behavior and blocks them before they can cause harm.
• Advanced Widgets and Multitasking: Widgets have been redesigned, including those on the lock screen (especially on tablets), and the system allows for more comprehensive multitasking for larger screens and improved desktop mode.
• Expanded satellite connectivity: Now you can send messages even outside of mobile network coverage.
• Premium multimedia support: Optimized AV1 decoder, spatial audio, AVIF, Ultra HDR, and graphics performance improvements with Vulkan and new audio and video interfaces.
• Faster updates and less fragmentation: Thanks to Project Treble and Mainline, manufacturers can adapt and distribute system and security updates more quickly, reducing the fragmentation that plagued Android for years.

Why it's important to update to the latest version of Android

It is always advisable to keep your device with the latest compatible Android version for several key reasons:

• Safety: Each new version of Android includes critical patches that correct discovered vulnerabilities in the system. Google releases monthly security patches that help protect your device from malware, Phishing and other types of threats.
• Application Compatibility: Many apps stop working on older versions because developers use new APIs and features only available in modern versions.
• Better performance: Updates typically optimize resource management, battery consumption, and overall system efficiency.
• New functions: Each version brings exciting improvements to the user experience, from new customization options to innovations in accessibility, notification management, and advanced connectivity.

Additionally, over time, devices stop receiving system updates, but they continue to receive security patches for several more years, allowing them to continue using them safely as long as we install the available updates.

Security Patches: The True Latest Version and Why They Matter

The security patches These are monthly updates released by Google to fix discovered weaknesses in the operating system and add additional protection against new threats. While many people only pay attention to major Android updates, these patches are just as crucial to keeping your smartphone or tablet secure.

Manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, etc.) are responsible for adapting and distributing these patches to their devices. This means that not all models always receive them at the same time, with Google Pixel phones being the first to receive them, and occasionally, certain brands like Vivo or Xiaomi are ahead of schedule in implementing them for specific models.

Why install these patches?

• They prevent hackers from exploiting discovered vulnerabilities.
• They include specific bug fixes and performance improvements.
• They extend the lifespan and app compatibility of your device.

The recommendation is clear: Install each patch as soon as you receive the notification, making sure you have enough battery and preferably connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. Even if your device no longer receives major Android updates, you'll still benefit from these patches for 5 or 6 years from the date of their initial release.

How to know what version of Android you have and how to update your phone

Knowing your Android version is simple and essential for deciding whether you can upgrade or need to upgrade. The process may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, but in general, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings of your mobile.
2. Find the section Phone information o System.
3. Sign in Android version o Upgrade system.
4. Press on Check for updates and follow the instructions.
   If an update is available, tap Download and install and wait for the phone to restart to complete the update.

Quick guide to update by brand:

• Samsung: Settings → Software Update → Download and Install.
• Xiaomi (MIUI): Settings → About phone → Current MIUI version → Check for updates.
• Others (OnePlus, Realme, Oppo, Motorola, etc.): Settings → System → Software Update.

What happens if your device no longer receives updates?

If your phone is no longer listed among the models that will receive the latest version of Android, you can follow these tips to maximize security and compatibility:

• Install all available security updates.
• Uninstall unused apps and use only apps from trusted sources.
• Avoid downloading APKs from unknown sources.
• Consider changing your device if app compatibility or security features are affected.

Key dates, codenames, and evolution of each version

Since Android's inception, each version has introduced revolutionary tools and concepts, marking milestones in the history of mobile technology. Here's an expanded timeline:

Updating to the latest version: steps according to manufacturer

Due to the level of customization and hardware differences, each company adapts the process slightly. Here's a quick guide for the major manufacturers:

• Google Pixels: They are always the first to receive the official update, just go to Settings → System → System Update.
• Samsung: Settings → Software Update → Download and Install.
• Xiaomi: Settings → About phone → MIUI Update.
• OnePlus: Settings → System → Updates.
• Oppo/Vivo/Realme: Settings → Software Updates.

Remember: Updates are released gradually, and sometimes you may need to wait a few weeks for them to become available for your model and region.

How do I know if my phone will receive the next version of Android?

The best way to know for sure if your device will upgrade to the next version is to check your manufacturer's official website or specialized news. Pixel devices always receive the latest versions for several years, while high-end devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and others typically receive two to four years of major updates along with longer security patches.

• Google Pixels: Immediate and guaranteed updates for Pixel 6 and later.
• Samsung: Recent Galaxy S, Z and A series are usually covered by 3 or 4 Android updates.
• Xiaomi and derivatives (Redmi, POCO): Recent Mi series and some Redmi receive up to 3 major updates and 4-5 years of security.
• OnePlus: Up to 4 years of updates on the latest models.

Why do some phones receive updates sooner?

Google develops the basic version of Android and releases the source code (AOSP). Manufacturers customize this foundation, adding their own features, apps, and aesthetic tweaks, which results in differences in update times. The Pixel range uses "pure" Android and therefore receives updates earlier. Some manufacturers, such as Vivo, have already managed to release updates even before Google for certain models thanks to better collaboration and a more agile testing cycle.

What to do if your phone doesn't update automatically?

If you manually check and don't have the latest version and your phone is confirmed as compatible, follow these tips:

• Make sure you're connected to a stable Wi-Fi network and have sufficient battery life (at least 50%).
• Reboot your device and try the update check again.
• Go to the brand's official technical support.
• As a last resort, you can flash the official ROM (only for experienced users, as it involves risks such as data loss or warranty).

Frequently asked questions about Android updates

• Is my data deleted when I update?
  Generally, NO. Updates arrive as OTA (Over-The-Air) files and only modify system files. However, it's recommended to make a backup before updating.
• Are the updates heavy?
  It depends, but large versions usually take up between 1 and 3 GB. Make sure you clear enough space before starting the process to avoid errors.
• Do I get new features even if my Android is old?
  Some software features may be available through app updates from Google Play, but system updates typically require the latest version of the operating system.
• Do Android Go and Android One receive the same updates?
  Android One had guaranteed updates for two years, but it's lost steam. Android Go, the lightweight version, receives some new features tailored to low-cost hardware.

Curiosities: names of desserts and sweets on Android

Until Android 10, each version was identified by a dessert or sweet name in alphabetical order. Although only the number is used publicly today, these names still exist internally:

• Apple Pie (1.0) Banana Bread (1.1) Cupcake (1.5) Donut (1.6)
• lightning (2.0 / 2.1), Froyo (2.2) Gingerbread (2.3) Honeycomb (3.0)
• Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0) Jelly Bean (4.1 / 4.2 / 4.3) KitKat (4.4)
• Lollipop (5.0 / 5.1), marshmallow (6.0) nougat .
• Oreo (8.0 / 8.1), Floor (9.0)
• Since Android 10, internal names: quince tart (10) Red velvet cake (11) Snow cone (12) Tiramisu (13) Upside Down Cake (14) Vanilla Ice Cream (15) Baklava (16… future)

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