Android (operating system)
Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software. It is designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, but has also been extended to televisions, cars, smartwatches, and other embedded systems. Originally developed by Android Inc., which was acquired by Google in 2005, Android was unveiled in 2007 alongside the founding of the Open Handset Alliance—a consortium of hardware, software, and telecommunications companies devoted to advancing open standards for mobile devices. Since then, Android has become the world's most widely used mobile operating system, powering billions of devices globally.
History
Android Inc. was founded in Palo Alto, California in 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White. The company’s initial goal was to develop an advanced operating system for digital cameras, but it later shifted focus to smartphones. Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005, and the Android platform was publicly announced on November 5, 2007. The first commercial Android device, the HTC Dream (also known as the T-Mobile G1), was released in October 2008. Subsequent versions have been released under dessert-themed code names (e.g., Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, KitKat, Lollipop, Marshmallow, Nougat, Oreo, Pie, Android 10, and later versions dropping the dessert names). Android has undergone major design overhauls, most notably with the introduction of Material Design in version 5.0 Lollipop (2014) and the shift to a gesture-based navigation system in Android 10 (2019).
Features
Android’s architecture is built on a layered stack: the Linux kernel provides core system services, while the hardware abstraction layer (HAL) interfaces with device hardware. Above the kernel, Android Runtime (ART) and native libraries run application code, and the application framework provides high-level services such as activity management, content providers, and notifications. The user interface is highly customizable, supporting widgets, live wallpapers, and third-party launchers. Android supports multi-touch, voice input via Google Assistant, and a vast ecosystem of applications available through Google Play Store and other stores. Key features include:
- Deep integration with Google services (Gmail, Maps, Drive, etc.)
- Multitasking with split-screen and picture-in-picture modes
- Advanced permission controls and privacy options
- Support for multiple users and guest mode on tablets
- Over-the-air (OTA) system updates (though fragmented across manufacturers)
- Open-source model via the Android Open Source Project (AOSP)
Versions and fragmentation
Android has seen numerous major releases, each adding new capabilities. However, the platform suffers from fragmentation because device manufacturers and carriers often delay or skip updates. Google has attempted to mitigate this through Project Treble (introduced in Android 8.0 Oreo) and more recently by decoupling core components via Google Play Services, allowing security updates to be delivered independently of full OS upgrades. Despite these efforts, many Android devices remain on older versions for extended periods.
Ecosystem and market share
As of the mid-2020s, Android holds approximately 70–75% of the global smartphone market, with iOS accounting for most of the remainder. Its dominance is particularly strong in emerging markets due to the availability of low-cost devices. Android also powers a wide range of non-phone products, including Android TV, Android Auto, Wear OS (formerly Android Wear), and Android Things for IoT. The open nature of the platform has led to its adoption by numerous manufacturers, including Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, OnePlus, and many others.
Security and privacy
Android incorporates multiple security layers: application sandboxing, file-based encryption, verified boot, and regular security patches. Google also operates the Android Security Rewards program to incentivize vulnerability research. Privacy features have been strengthened over time, including scoped storage, permission autogranting, and in Android 12, a privacy dashboard that shows app permission usage. However, due to its openness and third-party app distribution, Android has historically been more susceptible to malware than iOS, though Google Play Protect and other measures help mitigate risks.