Breaking news for Android. Get the latest on apps, carriers, devices, and more!
Android is Google’s mobile operating system, launched in September 2008, although its history technically began with the release of the Android alpha in November 2007. To this day, Android powers the majority of the world’s smartphones and comes in several different flavors across many phone makers.
Android, before it was Android, was a company called Android Inc. That company was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2003 by a crew of four: Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. The company and its project was acquired by Google in 2005 for a sum of more than $50 million, although the exact number is unknown. The company’s founders joined Google as part of the deal.
In its infancy, Android was an operating system built not for touch screen smartphones like the iPhone, but rather BlackBerry-like devices with physical keyboards. It’s well documented that after Apple shocked the world with the iPhone, ahead of its nearest competition by at least a couple years, Google and Android Inc. had to go back to the drawing board to build something competitive.
Adoption by third-party makers
It didn’t take long after the launch of the iPhone for various manufacturers to enter the market with their alternatives — and Google’s Android immediately became the obvious platform of choice for just about everyone except Microsoft. HTC was the first manufacturer on board, and introduced the T-Mobile G1 running Android in September 2008. Soon after, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and carriers like Sprint and T-Mobile jumped on board to form the Open Handset Alliance.
Android makers across the world
Iconic Android handsets
There have been thousands of Android phones released since Android’s inception, but some have been more important to the platform’s history than others. There was the original T-Mobile G1, as mentioned, but there was also the HTC One Google Play Edition, Moto G, Samsung Galaxy S4, and others. Some of the most iconic Android handsets include:
HTC G1
HTC Nexus One
Samsung Galaxy S, S2, S3, S4, and their successors
HTC Incredible S
Samsung Nexus S
Samsung Galaxy Nexus
Samsung Galaxy Note
Nokia 8
BlackBerry KeyOne
Google Pixel and its successors
In more modern times, there are several Android smartphones makers that popped up across various niches and in several international markets. Huawei is a dominant Android maker in China and many European markets, while Samsung is by far the most popular maker in the United States by far — effectively creating a duopoly with Apple. Today, there are dozens of major device makers contributing to the Android ecosystem.
Android has seen countless software revisions over the course of its life, but in modern times the OS usually sees a major release on an annual cadence. In the earlier days, Google famously gave its major software releases dessert-themed codenames, but retired that practice in 2019 with the release of Android 10.
Version
Name
Release
Devices
2.3
Gingerbread
February 9, 2011
Nexus S
4.0
Ice Cream Sandwich
October 19, 2011
Galaxy Nexus
4.1
Jelly Bean
July 9, 2012
Nexus 7
4.2
Jelly Bean
November 13, 2012
Nexus 4, 10
4.3
Jelly Bean
July 24, 2013
Nexus 7 (2013)
4.4
KitKat
October 31, 2013
Nexus 5
5.0
Lollipop
November 3, 2014
Nexus 6, 9
5.1
Lollipop
March 9, 2015
Android One
6.0
Marshmallow
October 5, 2015
Nexus 5X, 6P
7.0
Nougat
August 22, 2016
Nexus 5X, 6P
7.1
Nougat
October 4, 2016
Pixel, Pixel XL
8.0
Oreo
August 21, 2017
Pixel, Pixel XL
8.1
Oreo
December 5, 2017
Pixel, Pixel XL
9
Pie
August 6, 2018
Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL
10
10
September 3, 2019
Pixel 3, 3a
11
11
September 8, 2020
Pixel 4
List of major Android OS platforms
While Android proper is certainly the most widespread of Google’s Android operating systems, the company has also launched many offshoots of the main OS over the years. There’s Android Auto, Android Wear (now Wear OS), Android TV (now rebranded to Google TV), as well as versions of Android built for tablets and Android Things (now defunct).
I write about smartphones, Android, and consumer technology for a living, but I can admit that I am addicted to the devices I use every day. I figured I need to have a firebreak and, hand on heart, it’s making me happier and healthier. If you use your phone too much, learn from my missteps.
Qualcomm is hiking prices on its already-expensive Snapdragon chipsets, a move that’s likely to make price hikes on Android devices all the more common.
Android is a platform of variety, and that’s even more true now with the launch of Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, which includes what Google refers to as an “ultra-wide foldable.”
Light has built a name for itself in the minimalist smartphone space thanks to its stark designs, custom OS, and a deep focus on nothing more than the basics. But for as impressive as last year’s Light Phone 3 sounded on paper, its initial $800 launch price — now down to $700 for Light’s next preorder window — made for a tough pill to swallow. Light’s latest device knocks a whole bunch of cash off that price, and it arrives in a pretty familiar package.
To mark World Emoji Day, Google has delved into the design of its new 3D emoji. As previewed at The Android Show in May, all 3,977 emoji characters have been redesigned to be three-dimensional.
The Google Contacts app is making it a little bit easier to find your own number on Android, with a new “Your info” card that mirrors longstanding functionality over on iPhone, while also just being massively convenient for users.
Motorola is pretty bad at software updates, with new Android versions delayed by months and devices often getting the bare minimum of support. And it’s not getting much better, as a new release shows just how confusing it is to understand what Motorola is and is not promising.
The final sticking point in the long-running Google vs Epic Games lawsuit is coming to an end, as Google is opening the door to third-party app stores on Android starting on July 22.
OnePlus has been on the ropes for a while, but with reports indicating the company is preparing a total withdrawal from the US and Europe, the end of an era is officially here. If you’re a long-time fan, it’s time to start planning your OnePlus switch.
Budget phones have been impacted the most by the rapid increases in RAM pricing, but that’s expanding to more expensive devices. A new report shows that devices sold for under $400 are being hit hard enough to where they’re gradually being left behind.
There’s a bit of an obsession out there with resurrecting the BlackBerry-style physical QWERTY keyboard but, after trying a couple of the latest attempts, I still struggle to see the appeal in 2026, and I’m really not sure who’s buying these.
In a discussion on the Google for Developers channel, head of Android Sameer Samat goes over Android 17 upgrades, the future of AI on Android, Gemini’s car upgrades on Android Automotive, and more.
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
AI agents are the latest “next big thing” for AI, but OpenClaw has been working at the idea for a while now. Today, OpenClaw is bringing a gateway app to Android (and iOS) to help bring agents on the go. It also looks… like that.
Android
Breaking news for Android. Get the latest on apps, carriers, devices, and more!
Android is Google’s mobile operating system, launched in September 2008, although its history technically began with the release of the Android alpha in November 2007. To this day, Android powers the majority of the world’s smartphones and comes in several different flavors across many phone makers.
Table of contents
What is Android?
Android Inc.
Android, before it was Android, was a company called Android Inc. That company was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2003 by a crew of four: Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. The company and its project was acquired by Google in 2005 for a sum of more than $50 million, although the exact number is unknown. The company’s founders joined Google as part of the deal.
In its infancy, Android was an operating system built not for touch screen smartphones like the iPhone, but rather BlackBerry-like devices with physical keyboards. It’s well documented that after Apple shocked the world with the iPhone, ahead of its nearest competition by at least a couple years, Google and Android Inc. had to go back to the drawing board to build something competitive.
Adoption by third-party makers
It didn’t take long after the launch of the iPhone for various manufacturers to enter the market with their alternatives — and Google’s Android immediately became the obvious platform of choice for just about everyone except Microsoft. HTC was the first manufacturer on board, and introduced the T-Mobile G1 running Android in September 2008. Soon after, HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and carriers like Sprint and T-Mobile jumped on board to form the Open Handset Alliance.
Android makers across the world
Iconic Android handsets
There have been thousands of Android phones released since Android’s inception, but some have been more important to the platform’s history than others. There was the original T-Mobile G1, as mentioned, but there was also the HTC One Google Play Edition, Moto G, Samsung Galaxy S4, and others. Some of the most iconic Android handsets include:
In more modern times, there are several Android smartphones makers that popped up across various niches and in several international markets. Huawei is a dominant Android maker in China and many European markets, while Samsung is by far the most popular maker in the United States by far — effectively creating a duopoly with Apple. Today, there are dozens of major device makers contributing to the Android ecosystem.
Full list of Android OEMs
History of major Android versions
Android has seen countless software revisions over the course of its life, but in modern times the OS usually sees a major release on an annual cadence. In the earlier days, Google famously gave its major software releases dessert-themed codenames, but retired that practice in 2019 with the release of Android 10.
List of major Android OS platforms
While Android proper is certainly the most widespread of Google’s Android operating systems, the company has also launched many offshoots of the main OS over the years. There’s Android Auto, Android Wear (now Wear OS), Android TV (now rebranded to Google TV), as well as versions of Android built for tablets and Android Things (now defunct).
I’m using my phone way less, and it’s making me happier
I write about smartphones, Android, and consumer technology for a living, but I can admit that I am addicted to the devices I use every day. I figured I need to have a firebreak and, hand on heart, it’s making me happier and healthier. If you use your phone too much, learn from my missteps.
Expand Expanding CloseSnapdragon chip prices going up by ‘double digits’ to the dismay of Android devices
Qualcomm is hiking prices on its already-expensive Snapdragon chipsets, a move that’s likely to make price hikes on Android devices all the more common.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle reduced Chrome for Android scroll jank by 48%
Google today detailed how it reduced scroll jank in Chrome for Android by 48% between 2023 and 2026.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle pushes for Android apps to better support ‘ultra-wide foldables’ like Galaxy Z Fold 8
Android is a platform of variety, and that’s even more true now with the launch of Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold 8 series, which includes what Google refers to as an “ultra-wide foldable.”
Expand Expanding CloseGemini Intelligence and Gemini Nano 4 launch with Galaxy Z Fold 8, Flip 8
The Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8 are the first devices with Gemini Intelligence, as well as Gemini Nano 4.
Expand Expanding CloseLight Flip is the minimalist $299 Moto Razr throwback you’ve been waiting for
Light has built a name for itself in the minimalist smartphone space thanks to its stark designs, custom OS, and a deep focus on nothing more than the basics. But for as impressive as last year’s Light Phone 3 sounded on paper, its initial $800 launch price — now down to $700 for Light’s next preorder window — made for a tough pill to swallow. Light’s latest device knocks a whole bunch of cash off that price, and it arrives in a pretty familiar package.
Expand Expanding CloseMonday’s Android app deals and freebies: LIMBO, Super Dark Deception, WINCH IT OUT, Box Head, more
Your Monday afternoon lineup of the best Android game and app deals is now ready to roll, including titles like WINCH IT OUT, LIMBO, Super Dark Deception, Undead Slayer: Offline Premium, Paign – RPG, Box Head: Roguelike Premium, and more. Be sure to dive into the now live Best Buy Black Friday in July – Doorbusters, Galaxy gear, TVs, appliances, and up to $700 off OLED monitors, as well as this new all-time low on Lenovo’s 2025 2K touchscreen 2-in-1 Chromebook Plus, Pixel Watch 4 LTE deals, and Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra at up to $430 off. The apps await below.
Read MoreAll Android backup data now counts toward your Google Account storage [Update: Email]
Google is making a policy change to Android backups that adjusts what counts toward your Google Account storage.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle explains the design of Android’s new Noto 3D emoji
To mark World Emoji Day, Google has delved into the design of its new 3D emoji. As previewed at The Android Show in May, all 3,977 emoji characters have been redesigned to be three-dimensional.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolls out ‘Your info’ card in Contacts app on Android with phone number sharing [Gallery]
The Google Contacts app is making it a little bit easier to find your own number on Android, with a new “Your info” card that mirrors longstanding functionality over on iPhone, while also just being massively convenient for users.
Expand Expanding CloseMotorola is bad at Android updates, confusing promises are on full display with latest release
Motorola is pretty bad at software updates, with new Android versions delayed by months and devices often getting the bare minimum of support. And it’s not getting much better, as a new release shows just how confusing it is to understand what Motorola is and is not promising.
Expand Expanding CloseEU demands opening Android access and Search data to rivals, Google warns of privacy risks
The EU has ordered Google to crack open Android and Search to its rivals including other AI assistants, but Google warns that it’s a privacy risk.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is opening the floodgates to third-party app stores on Android next week
The final sticking point in the long-running Google vs Epic Games lawsuit is coming to an end, as Google is opening the door to third-party app stores on Android starting on July 22.
Expand Expanding CloseWho will you switch to now that OnePlus is effectively dead? [Poll]
OnePlus has been on the ropes for a while, but with reports indicating the company is preparing a total withdrawal from the US and Europe, the end of an era is officially here. If you’re a long-time fan, it’s time to start planning your OnePlus switch.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle is changing how it judges AI models for Android coding, updates list with Fable 5
Google is changing how it tests AI models for Android coding following new rankings led by Fable 5.
Expand Expanding CloseAndroid phones will reportedly see more downgrades, fewer cheap devices as RAMageddon rages on
Budget phones have been impacted the most by the rapid increases in RAM pricing, but that’s expanding to more expensive devices. A new report shows that devices sold for under $400 are being hit hard enough to where they’re gradually being left behind.
Expand Expanding CloseTurns out I don’t want a physical QWERTY keyboard for my Android phone – do you? [Video]
There’s a bit of an obsession out there with resurrecting the BlackBerry-style physical QWERTY keyboard but, after trying a couple of the latest attempts, I still struggle to see the appeal in 2026, and I’m really not sure who’s buying these.
Expand Expanding CloseReport claims OxygenOS and Realme UI set to be discontinued
The woes for OnePlus continue as a new report suggests that OxygenOS is being discontinued alongside Realme UI.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle on what ‘Android Halo’ does, talking less about AI, and how Gemini will use car cameras [Video]
In a discussion on the Google for Developers channel, head of Android Sameer Samat goes over Android 17 upgrades, the future of AI on Android, Gemini’s car upgrades on Android Automotive, and more.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out new ‘Signatures’ app to Pixel and other Android phones [Gallery]
Google is quietly adding a new utility app to Android, with a “Signatures” app now showing up on Pixel devices and some other Android phones.
Expand Expanding CloseWorking Clicks Communicator unveiled in ‘first look’ as launch date gets closer [Video]
Clicks released a “first look” of the Clicks Communicator in working order after months of designing and teasing the new phone.
Expand Expanding CloseGoogle rolling out per-app controls for Android Backups
Following last year’s settings redesign of Android Backups, Google is now rolling out per-app backup controls.
Expand Expanding CloseWhat’s new in Android’s June 2026 Google System Updates [U]
The monthly “Google System Release Notes” primarily detail what’s new in Play services, Play Store, and Play system update across Android phones/tablets, Wear OS, Google/Android TV, Auto, and PC. Some features apply to end users, while others are aimed at developers.
Expand Expanding CloseOpenClaw app for Android puts AI agents in your pocket and… looks like that
AI agents are the latest “next big thing” for AI, but OpenClaw has been working at the idea for a while now. Today, OpenClaw is bringing a gateway app to Android (and iOS) to help bring agents on the go. It also looks… like that.
Expand Expanding Close