Decoding Android’s Sweet Secret: The Story Behind the Dessert Code Names
For years, Google’s Android operating system has been affectionately nicknamed after delectable desserts. From Astro to Éclair,these sweet monikers have become a playful tradition within the tech world. But recently, you might have noticed a shift, a slight deviation from the alphabetical order. Wondering why Android 16 is “Baklava” and what’s in store for Android 17? Let’s unravel the story behind these tasty code names.
A History of Sweet Treats
Initially, each major Android release was assigned a dessert name in alphabetical order. This began with Cupcake (Android 1.5) and continued through Pie (Android 9). This system provided a fun, easily recognizable way to refer to different versions of the OS. Here’s a swift look at the progression:
Android 9: Pie (2018)
Android 10: No official dessert name (marking a shift in public branding)
Android 11: Red Velvet Cake (internal) (2020)
Android 12: Snow Cone (internal) (2021)
Android 13: tiramisu (internal) (2022)
Android 14: Upside Down Cake (internal) (2023)
Android 15: Vanilla Ice Cream (internal) (2024)
Android 16: Baklava (internal) (2025)
The Grate Reset: Why Baklava?
The jump from Vanilla Ice Cream to Baklava understandably raised eyebrows. Why not a dessert starting with “W”? The answer lies in a significant change to Android’s advancement process.
Google transitioned from a customary branch-based development model to a new “Trunk Stable” model. Previously, new releases were built on separate branches and merged back into the main code. Now, Android operates on a single, constantly stable code branch. New features and fixes are implemented behind “feature flags,” remaining disabled until ready for release.This shift was completed with Android 14 QPR2,which received a new build ID scheme – AP1A.QPR3 followed with AP2A. This marked the first time Google released a trunk stable build, so the “A” prefix. However,by then,Android 14 and 15 already had their dessert names,making a complete restart impractical.
When 2025 arrived, build IDs began with ”B,” leading Google to choose “Baklava” for Android 16. The next dessert will likely start with “C,” and “Cinnamon bun” is the frontrunner, as “Cupcake” is already taken.
What Does This Mean for You?
Ultimately, the dessert name is largely an internal detail. Google has moved away from using these names for public branding. However, it’s captivating to see how the development team continues the tradition, essentially getting a “second chance” to work through the alphabet.
Looking Ahead: Android 17 and Beyond
Currently, Android 17 is expected to arrive around June 2026. While the official name remains a secret,we can anticipate a delicious treat starting with the letter “C.”
The dessert code names are a charming reminder of Android’s evolution.they represent a blend of technical innovation and a touch of playful creativity, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most popular operating systems.
