The Android operating system is a mobile platform developed by Google, which is mainly used in smartphones and tablets. Basically, it allows users to run apps, access the Internet, and perform various tasks on their device.
In this android article today we will know what is Android operating system? And complete information related to Android.
Like, what is Android? Why is it so popular? Its history, what is the latest version of android? And you will also get to know about Android features here.
What is Android?
Android is an open-source operating system developed by Google primarily for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
It is based on the Linux kernel and is used by many device manufacturers. The biggest feature of Android is its customizability and ability to support various apps.
Millions of apps are available through the Google Play Store, allowing users to take advantage of games, social media, productivity tools and other services.
In simple terms, Android is a mobile platform, which consists of an operating system, key application and middleware.
This is a mobile operating system, which has been developed by Google for use on tablets and smartphones such as Vivo, Oppo, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi Mi, Google Nexus etc.
That is, most smartphones run Android operating system. Now you must be thinking, what is an operating system? So let’s know in detail what OS is:
Android Operating System
Android Operating System is a mobile platform developed by Google that powers smartphones and tablets, enabling app usage, internet access and much more.
In today’s time, everyone uses Android smartphones to complete every small and big task. Like, to stay connected with friends, we use Facebook, WhatsApp in android phone.
Similarly, we can easily do online courses with the help of Android phone and internet. But have you ever wondered how Android works? And which Android operating system you use, how does it work?
To understand Android OS, you have to first understand what is Android and operating system? So let’s first understand what is Android? Then we will learn about Mobile Operating System.
What is an Operating System?
An operating system is a software that provides an interface between the user and the hardware. And performs all the tasks of your phone; such as the system handles input and output, completes tasks like process and memory management.
That is, whatever you do on an Android phone through the Graphic User Interface (GUI). The operating system orders the hardware of the phone to do all that. And when the hardware sends the work back to the operating system, only then you get the result in the output.
Now you must have understood the operating system, so let’s know about Android OS.
What is Android Operating System?
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and is based on the Linux kernel. It is used in smartphones, tablets and other devices. It is open-source, so developers can customize it.
In simple terms, Android OS is an open-source, Linux-based mobile operating system developed by Google for touchscreen mobile devices and tablets.
Android OS is based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. Being open-source, developers can improve or customize the operating system of any phone.
Android Inc. was founded in October 2003, and the first Android OS “Android Cupcake (Version 1.5)” was released on September 23, 2008 for HTC Dream smartphone.
Many new features were added to the Android operating system earlier. With time, new versions of Android OS kept coming and improving it. Now let’s look at its different versions.
Types of Android OS
There are many types of Android OS in 2025. Here I am mentioning the name, Android version and release date in the table:
| Version | Name | Release Date |
| Android 1.0 | No Name | 23-Sep-08 |
| Android 1.1 | No Name | 9-Feb-09 |
| Android 1.5 | Cupcake | 27-Apr-09 |
| Android 1.6 | Donut | 15-Sep-09 |
| Android 2.0 – 2.1 | Eclair | 26-Oct-09 |
| Android 2.2 – 2.2.3 | Froyo | 20-May-10 |
| Android 2.3 – 2.3.7 | Gingerbread | 6-Dec-10 |
| Android 3.0 – 3.2.6 | Honeycomb | 22-Feb-11 |
| Android 4.0 – 4.0.4 | Ice Cream Sandwich | 18-Oct-11 |
| Android 4.1 – 4.3.1 | Jelly Bean | 9-Jul-12 |
| Android 4.4 – 4.4.4 | KitKat | 31-Oct-13 |
| Android 5.0 – 5.1.1 | Lollipop | 12-Nov-14 |
| Android 6.0 – 6.0.1 | Marshmallow | 5-Oct-15 |
| Android 7.0 – 7.1.2 | Nougat | 22-Aug-16 |
| Android 8.0 – 8.1 | Oreo | 21-Aug-17 |
| Android 9.0 | Pie | 6-Aug-18 |
| Android 10 | Android 10 (Q) | 3-Sep-19 |
| Android 11 | Android 11 (R) | 8-Sep-20 |
| Android 12 | Android 12 (S) | 4-Oct-21 |
| Android 13 | Android 13 (T) | 15-Aug-22 |
| Android 14 | Android 14 (U) | 4-Oct-23 |
| Android 15 | Android 15 (V) | 3-Sep-24 |
| Android 16 | Baklava | 17-Apr-25 |
History of Android OS
Android was first founded in October 2003 by Rich Miner, Andy Rubin, Nick Sears and Chris White as “Android Inc”.
Android was first founded in October 2003 by Rich Miner, Andy Rubin, Nick Sears and Chris White as “Android Inc”. The main purpose of forming this company was to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras.
Then in July 2005, Google acquired Android Inc. for at least $50 million. And Andy Rubin, Rich Miner and Chris White joined Google as its key employees.
Since then, Android OS is being developed under Google. And the first Android operating system Android cupcake version 1.5 was developed and released in the market in Sept 2008.
Many new features were provided in this version such as; Third-party virtual keyboard, Bluetooth support, facility to upload videos and photos on YouTube and Picasa, etc. So let us now know about some main features.
Features of Android OS
Although Android OS has many features but here I have mentioned the most important features like;
- Data and file Storage.
- Multi touch screen.
- Headset layout.
- Screen capture.
- Internal storage.
- Optimized graphics.
- Streaming media support.
- Video calling.
- Messaging: SMS, MMS, C2DM (could to device messaging), GCM (Google could messaging)
- Multi-language support.
- Connectivity: GSM/EDGE, IDEN, CDMA, Bluetooth, WI-FI, EDGE, 3G, NFC, LTE, GPS, 4G, 5G.
What is Android OS Version
The edition of the old version is called version. That is, Android OS Version means updating the system by developing some new features in the old operating system.
Android OS vs iOS
Here is the comparison of Android OS vs iOS:
| Developer | Apple | |
| First release | 2008 | 2007 |
| Open-source / Closed | Open-source (Linux based) | Closed-source (Apple controlled) |
| Device manufacturer | Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo etc | Apple only (iPhone, iPad) |
| Customization | Lots more (themes, widgets, launchers etc) | Limited customization |
| App store | Google Play Store | Apple App Store |
| Number of apps | ~3.5 million+ | ~2.2 million+ |
| Software updates | Varieties (depends on manufacturer and carrier) | Directly and instantly from Apple |
| Hardware variety | Low-budget to premium | Premium only (iPhone) |
| User interface (UI) | Different brand UI (One UI, MIUI, OxygenOS etc) | Consistent (iOS UI on all iPhones) |
| Security | Good but risky due to high app variety | Very secure (controlled app ecosystem) |
| Storage | Expandable (SD card, USB OTG) | Fixed (no expandable storage) |
| Battery life | Big battery and variety | Optimized battery performance |
| Price range | ₹5,000 to ₹1,50,000+ | Premium only above ₹60,000+ |
| Market share | ~70% (by 2025) | ~28% (by 2025) |
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FAQs
Q1. What is Android?
Ans: Android is a mobile operating system designed specifically for touch screen devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is an open-source system developed and maintained by Google.
Q2. Founder of Android
Ans: Android was founded in 2003 by Andy Rubin and his team. In 2005, Google bought Android and since then it has become the world’s most popular mobile OS.
Q3. Features of Android Operating System
Ans: The key features of Android OS include:
- User-friendly interface
- Support for Google apps and services
- Customization facility
- Open-source and developer friendly platform
Q4. How many types of Android versions are there?
Ans: So far, many versions of Android have been released, such as Cupcake, KitKat, Lollipop, Oreo, and Android 16 (2025). Each new version comes with new features and security updates.
