The Ultimate Guide to the Latest Android Version
Running an outdated Android version? Discover the latest Android release, version 140, and ensure you're up-to-date Learn how to check your current Android version and easily update to the latest one Stay ahead with the newest features and enhancements
Key Takeaways
Android 14 is the most recent version of Android. Google released it on October 4, 2023.
Android can be overwhelming due to its numerous versions, some of which are still in use today. Staying up to date with the latest version can be challenging, and acquiring a new Android phone may be necessary to access the most advanced version of Android.
Typically, major Android versions are released once a year, supplemented by monthly security updates. Occasionally, Google also issues point updates (.1, .2, etc.), although these are not released on a regular schedule. These point updates often include significant improvements, falling just short of being considered full version releases - an example being the transition from Android 8.0 to Android 8.1.
A Brief Android Version History
: The tradition of assigning dessert nicknames to each version of Android was a popular practice for many years. However, in 2019, Google made a significant change by discontinuing this practice starting from Android 10.We thought it fitting to give a brief rundown of each Android version on the accompanying code name and release date. You know, for completeness.
Android 1.5, Cupcake: April 27, 2009
Android 1.6, Donut: September 15, 2009
Android 2.0-2.1, Eclair: October 26, 2009 (initial release)
Android 2.2-2.2.3, Froyo: May 20, 2010 (initial release)
Android 2.3-2.3.7, Gingerbread: December 6, 2010 (initial release)
Android 3.0-3.2.6, Honeycomb: February 22, 2011 (initial release)
Android 4.0-4.0.4, Ice Cream Sandwich: October 18, 2011 (initial release)
Android 4.1-4.3.1, Jelly Bean: July 9, 2012 (initial release)
Android 4.4-4.4.4, KitKat: October 31, 2013 (initial release)
Android 5.0-5.1.1, Lollipop: November 12, 2014 (initial release)
Android 6.0-6.0.1, Marshmallow: October 5, 2015 (initial release)
Android 7.0-7.1.2, Nougat: August 22, 2016 (initial release)
Android 8.0-8.1, Oreo: August 21, 2017 (initial release)
Android 9.0, Pie: August 6, 2018
Android 10.0: September 3, 2019
Android 11.0: September 8, 2020
Android 12.0: October 19, 2021
Android 13.0: August 15, 2022
Android 14.0: October 4, 2023
As you can see, the update system was without any sort of regularity early on, but the Ice Cream Sandwich era started the yearly OS version update schedule.
A few other fun notes:
Honeycomb, the sole version of Android designed specifically for tablets, operated concurrently with the Gingerbread build for phones. However, the merging of the distinct operating systems for phones and tablets began with Ice Cream Sandwich.
Undoubtedly, Ice Cream Sandwich represents the most significant Android update to date. Not only did it integrate the tablet and phone versions of the operating system, but it also completely revamped the system's visual appearance and user experience.
Google originally introduced Nexus devices, which were aimed at developers, to showcase the capabilities of each version of Android. Over time, this concept transformed into the consumer-oriented Pixel device line that exists today.
With the release of Android KitKat, Google collaborated with a commercial manufacturer for the first time for an Android update. They repeated this partnership for Android Oreo.
The Latest Version of Android is 14.0
Introducing Android 14 - the newest iteration of the renowned operating system. With its official release date set on October 4, 2023, Android 14 initially made its way to Google Pixel phones. Samsung Galaxy devices also received an expedited beta rollout, while other prominent brands such as OnePlus, Xiaomi, Nokia, and more are slated to join the Android 14 family in the near future.
Continuing the tradition established in Android 10, Android 14 lacks a delightful dessert nickname. Nevertheless, Android 13 was internally referred to as "Upside Down Cake." It is disheartening that Google no longer publicly embraces these nicknames.
Like its predecessors, Android 14, too, does not showcase numerous significant changes visible to users. However, this should not be perceived negatively. Exciting features await exploration, including enhanced lock screen customization, emergency satellite communication, and the option to use emoji wallpapers.
How to Check Your Version of Android
Checking the version of Android running on your device will vary depending on which company made it, but we'll show the basic steps here that should apply to most devices.
Go ahead and open your phone's settings menu by pulling down the notification shade (once or twice, depending on the manufacturer) and then tapping the gear icon.
From there, scroll to the very bottom of the menu and tap the "About Phone" entry (it may also read "About Device").
There should be an entry for Android Version—again, depending on the device and Android version, it may be different.
How to Update to the Latest Version of Android
Regrettably, you may not have the ability to do so. Android updates for your phone are primarily managed by the manufacturer, which means Samsung is responsible for providing updates. On the other hand, Google exclusively handles updates for Pixel devices.
To check for any available updates for your device, go to Settings > System > System Update (or a similar option). Keep in mind that the location of this option may vary depending on your phone model. For instance, Samsung devices typically have the System Updates option listed under the main Settings menu (Settings > Software Update > Download and Install).
Selecting this option will initiate a search for updates on your device, although it is unlikely to discover any. When an update becomes available for your phone, it typically notifies you and urges you to download and install it immediately.
To guarantee obtaining the most recent version of Android, the best approach is to purchase a device from the Pixel line. Google directly updates these phones, ensuring they are consistently equipped with the latest major version and security patches.
