[비즈한국] Decades ago, when the world held its breath for every new smartphone announcement, even the name of an operating system drew significant attention from the public. In particular, Google’s Android OS became famous for using sweet dessert names in alphabetical order for its version codenames. This evolved beyond a simple naming convention into a cultural element symbolizing the identity, sense of humor, and popularity of the Android platform.
The Android dessert codename tradition began with Android 1.5 Cupcake in 2009. This was followed by 14 versions in alphabetical order: Donut, Eclair, Froyo (Frozen Yogurt), Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, and Pie.
Most were popular snacks in the West, and Google utilized them as more than just codenames. The official Android mascot was often created as a statue modeled after the dessert and installed in the Google headquarters' courtyard, and a sort of "playful culture" formed where users would wonder, "What dessert will it be this time?" whenever a new version was unveiled. Notably, Android 4.4 KitKat also garnered attention as a brand collaboration with Nestlé.
However, starting with Android 10 in 2019, Google stopped the long-standing tradition and shifted to number-based codenames. The reason was clear: as Android became used in dozens of linguistic regions worldwide, "dessert names" were causing confusion in recognition and pronunciation. Additionally, Google sought uniformity and clarity as a global brand. As a result, operating systems have been announced solely by number since Android 10, and dessert names are no longer used officially. However, this tradition hasn't completely disappeared. The internal Google development team still assigns a dessert name to every version, and these names are sometimes revealed through unofficial channels.
From Android 10 to the present, internal codenames for each version have continued like a secret fan service. First, Android 10 is Quince Tart. Quince is a Western fruit similar to a quince or Asian pear; it is difficult to eat raw but releases a rich aroma and sweetness when cooked. It is often made into home-style desserts in Europe, and like the "weight of the features" in Android 10, it is characterized by a firm and deep flavor.
Android 11 is Red Velvet Cake. It is a classic cake that originated in the Southern United States and can now be easily found in bakeries and cafes in Korea. With its deep red cake layers and white cream cheese frosting, it is a visually striking dessert. Android 11 brought brilliant improvements to user experience, including better chat functions, IoT control, and screen recording, earning it a reputation as an update that is "rich inside and out," much like red velvet.
The internal codename for Android 12 is Snow Cone. This dessert, made by shaving ice and topping it with sweet syrup during the hot summer, is easy to understand if you think of it as a Western-style bingsu (shaved ice). Android 12 also "cooled down" the interface through a design overhaul called "Material You," and its ability to automatically apply theme colors resembles the way various syrups are drizzled over a snow cone to suit the user's taste.
Android 13 was named after the famous Italian dessert Tiramisu, and Android 14 was named Upside Down Cake. Upside Down Cake might be a bit unfamiliar to some; it is a cake made by placing fruit (usually pineapple) at the bottom of the pan, pouring the batter over it, and baking it before flipping it over.
Recently, Samsung Electronics005930 began the "One UI 7.0" update based on Android 15 for older models. Starting with the Galaxy S24 series, it is being applied sequentially to flagship devices such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5. The update includes a newly designed interface, battery management features, and Galaxy AI-based personalized services. The codename for this Android 15 is Vanilla Ice Cream.
It is the most basic and popular ice cream that needs no introduction. Its clean and balanced flavor goes well with any topping or dessert. The Android 15 update, which solidifies basic performance such as satellite communication, Bluetooth LE audio, and background app optimization, draws attention for its uncanny resemblance to "the basics-focused" vanilla ice cream.
Meanwhile, the codename for Android 16, expected to be announced in June, is known to be Baklava, a famous dessert representative of Türkiye. While it should have followed alphabetical order (W), it is rumored that Google decided to start over from 'A' following changes to the development process and the reorganization of the OS. Consequently, Android 15 was assigned 'A', and the next version, 16, was set as Baklava. However, what the dessert starting with 'A' actually was remains unknown.
Although you can no longer find dessert names in official announcements, this culture and the developer spirit remain tucked away within Android. It is no exaggeration to say that these codenames are more than just identification tools for development convenience—they are symbols where the sensibility of an era, brand philosophy, technology, and fun all converge.