Guess What? Android 17's Sweet Secret Name!
A Sweet Tradition
Google's Android team has a long-standing tradition of assigning secret dessert names to each new version. This practice began with the initial launch of Android and continued for years with names like Marshmallow, KitKat, and Oreo.
In 2019, Google made the decision to stop publicly sharing these names, aiming for a more global brand identity. However, internally, the team still uses these sweet monikers.
Breaking the Alphabetical Trend
Last year, Android 16 was internally named Baklava, leading many to assume the next version would follow the alphabetical order with a "W" dessert. However, Google surprised everyone by choosing Cinnamon Bun for Android 17.
This revelation comes from a trusted source within Google, who provided evidence showing "CinnamonBun" as the internal codename for API level 37.0.
Understanding API Levels
API levels are numerical identifiers for each Android version. For instance:
- Android 15 is API level 35.0
- Android 16 is API level 36.0
Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that API level 37.0 will correspond to Android 17.
Evolution of Google's Development Process
Over the years, Google's development process has undergone significant changes. Previously, the team worked on separate branches for each version, which often led to complications when merging new features.
Now, they employ a trunk-based model, where all development occurs in a single, stable main branch. New features are hidden behind flags until they are ready for release.
Android 14 QPR2 and the Trunk Stable Model
Android 14 QPR2 was the first version released under this new model. To mark the transition, Google reset their build ID scheme. The IDs for Android 14 QPR2 and QPR3 were prefaced with "AP1A" and "AP2A", respectively.
The letter "A" was used because 2024 was the inaugural year of Trunk Stable builds. When the calendar turned to 2025, Google advanced the letter to "B", which is why Android 16’s codename started with B.
The Significance of the Dessert Name
While the dessert name doesn't play a major role in Google's marketing, it remains a fun and intriguing aspect of Android's development. Android 17 is expected to launch around June 2026, with Google releasing new versions earlier to support summer device launches with the latest OS.