Android 17: Google has chosen an internal name for the system

Return to tradition: an alphabetical order of desserts

For years, Google has codenamed its operating systems after various desserts. This tradition is one of the most recognizable features of the Android platform. Although the public names after Android 9 Pie became purely numerical (Android 10, 11, 12, etc.), the tradition lives on internally. Android 15 was named “Vanilla Ice Cream,” and Android 16 was named “Baklava.” The choice of “Cinnamon Bun” for Android 17 signals Google’s return to a strict alphabetical order: V -> B -> C.

History of dessert names: where did they come from?

It all started with the first versions of Android, when each new iteration was given a name beginning with the next letter of the alphabet. This created a sense of progress and added a special charm to each update. Although the early versions of Android 1.0 and 1.1 didn’t have dessert names, the real tradition began with Android 1.5 Cupcake. This was followed by Android 1.6 Donut, Android 2.0 Eclair, Android 2.2 Froyo, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, and many others. This transformed a purely technical update into an event anticipated by millions of users.

Moving Away from Public Branding: Why Are Desserts a Thing of the Past?

In 2019, with the release of Android 10, Google decided to retire the public dessert names. The main reason was that these names created a certain amount of confusion and were incomprehensible to users in different parts of the world. For example, some desserts are only popular in certain regions, and their pronunciations may vary. The transition to a simple numeric system (Android 10, Android 11, etc.) made the names universal and understandable to everyone. However, Google engineers had become so accustomed to this tradition that it was retained as an internal part of the workflow.

What does Cinnamon Bun mean for developers and users?

The name “Cinnamon Bun” is an important marker for the internal Android 17 development cycle. It appears in the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) source code and helps engineers identify the specific system version. For example, in early beta versions or developer settings, this name may appear as “Android Cinnamon Bun.” This won’t affect end users, who will only see “Android 17” on their devices. For them, the more important information will be the API Level 37, which indicates app compatibility and the ability to use new system features.

What to expect from Android 17?

While there are no official announcements yet about new features in Android 17, insiders and analysts are already making some predictions. Google will likely focus on further improving data security and privacy, optimizing AI features (which have become a key trend in recent years), and improving the user experience. New tools for personalization and efficient device management can be expected. Integration with other devices running on the Google ecosystem is also likely to be improved. Improving system speed and stability remains a priority.

The Android 17 codename as part of Google’s culture

The tradition of dessert names is a shining example of Google’s unique culture, where even in the strict world of software development, there’s room for play and creativity. It evokes a fun and carefree time, when each update wasn’t just a release, but a delicious surprise for users. Today, when Android is the most popular mobile operating system in the world, this tradition serves not only as a marker but also as part of the platform’s identity. “Cinnamon Bun” for Android 17 is another piece of this grand story.

• Android Cupcake (1.5)

• Android Donut (1.6)

• Android Eclair (2.0-2.1)

• Android Froyo (2.2)

• Android Gingerbread (2.3)

• Android Honeycomb (3.0-3.2)

• Android Ice Cream Sandwich (4.0)

• Android Jelly Bean (4.1-4.3)

• Android KitKat (4.4)

• Android Lollipop (5.0)

• Android Marshmallow (6.0)

• Android Nougat (7.0)

• Android Oreo (8.0)

• Android Pie (9.0)

• Android 10 (Ice Pie)

• Android 11 (Red Velvet Cake)

• Android 12 (Snow Cone)

• Android 13 (Tiramisu)

• Android 14 (Upside-Down Pie)

• Android 15 (Vanilla Ice Cream)

• Android 16 (Baklava)