Google has officially revealed that the internal codename for Android 16 is ‘Baklava,’ breaking from the expected alphabetical naming convention. This change comes as the tech giant prepares for a significant shift in its Android development process, hinting at an earlier release for the next operating system.
Key Takeaways
- Android 16 is codenamed ‘Baklava,’ deviating from the expected ‘W’ dessert name.
- The change reflects a new development process at Google, potentially leading to an earlier release.
- Android 16 is expected to launch in Q2 2025, ahead of the usual schedule.
A Shift In Naming Convention
For over a decade, Google has followed a playful tradition of naming its Android versions after desserts, adhering to an alphabetical order. However, with the upcoming Android 16, the company has opted for ‘Baklava’ instead of a name starting with ‘W,’ such as ‘Waffle’ or ‘Whoopie Pie.’ This unexpected choice has raised eyebrows among tech enthusiasts and developers alike.
The codename ‘Baklava’ is a nod to a popular pastry found in various cuisines, including Armenian, Greek, and Turkish. While Google has moved away from publicly using dessert names since Android 10, it continues to use them internally during the development phase.
Reasons Behind The Change
The decision to jump from ‘V’ (Vanilla Ice Cream for Android 15) to ‘B’ (Baklava for Android 16) is attributed to a significant change in Google’s Android development process. This shift is part of what is known as the trunk stable project, which aims to unify the development of Android versions.
- Previous Naming Pattern: Traditionally, each Android version’s codename followed the last letter of the previous version. For example, Android 14 was ‘Upside Down Cake,’ leading to expectations for ‘W’ in Android 16.
- New Development Process: The introduction of a new build ID naming scheme has led to the reset of the alphabetical order. Future builds will start with ‘B,’ aligning with the new codename.
Expected Release Timeline
While Google has not officially announced the release date for Android 16, speculation suggests that it could launch much earlier than usual, potentially in Q2 2025. This would be a significant shift from the typical Q4 release schedule.
- Historical Context: Android 15 is expected to launch in October 2024, which would place Android 16’s release in the following year.
- Early Launch Indicators: Code references within the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) suggest that developers are already preparing for a Q2 2025 launch, indicating a proactive approach to development.
Anticipated Features
While details about Android 16 remain scarce, several features are expected based on ongoing development and previous updates. Some anticipated enhancements include:
- Desktop Windowing: Allowing users to run multiple apps simultaneously, similar to desktop operating systems.
- Redesigned Settings Homepage: A more user-friendly layout for easier navigation.
- Notification Management: Improvements in how notifications are displayed and managed, including a potential compact view.
Conclusion
The codename ‘Baklava’ for Android 16 marks a significant departure from Google’s established naming conventions, reflecting broader changes in the company’s development strategy. As anticipation builds for the next Android release, users and developers alike are eager to see how these changes will impact the operating system’s features and performance.
Sources
- Android 16 is codenamed ‘baklava’ in early alphabet reset, 9to5Google.
- Android 16: What we know so far about upcoming features, Android Authority.
- This is Android 16’s codename — and it’s not what you’re expecting, Android Authority.
- Android 16 codename revealed, with signs pointing to an earlier release | Android Central, Android Central.
- Android 16’s codename could break Google’s longstanding OS naming pattern, Android Police.
