Android is the mobile operating system used by the majority of smartphones sold globally. It competes with Apple's iOS as the operating system of choice for most people.
Unlike iOS, which is only available on iPhones, Android can be found on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and televisions. What's more, it's used by multiple brands including Samsung, Sony, Xiaomi and of course its creator, Google. As a result of Android’s flexibility and adaptability, you can find Android phones at every price point, with features such as fast charging, high-resolution displays, and multiple cameras.
As Apple does with iOS, Google releases new Android versions on a yearly basis, though different Android manufacturers will often bundle it with their own features and brand it as something different. For example, Android 13 made its debut as OneUI 5 on Samsung phones and ColorOS 13 on Oppo phones.
Android 14 is expected to release on Google Pixel phones towards the end of 2023 and could focus on generative AI, with other smartphone brands following shortly.
Latest about Android
Google could add Desktop Mode to Android phones, bringing a Samsung DeX-style experience to more devices
Google is set to bring a new Desktop Mode to Android, which would give more Android users the chance to use their phones and tablets effectively as computers when paired with an external monitor.
Google just accidentally leaked the next major visual redesign for Android – here's what it looks like
Google is preparing a significant design overhaul for Android, which it's calling Material 3 Expressive.
Your Android phone is about to look very different – here are 5 design changes that could come with Android 16
It looks as though Google has big plans for the Android user interface, and these are the changes on the way.
Google Wallet could soon let you add cards by tapping them on your phone, and I can’t believe this isn’t already a thing
Google could soon allow users to add contactless payment cards to their Google Wallet app via NFC, the same technology that allows phones to make contactless payments.
Android 16 is set to bring extra security protection against USB hacks
It looks as though Advanced Protection Mode on Android 16 is going to come with this upgrade.
Google teases a key upgrade for Android Find My Device coming "very soon", and touts 4x speed improvements
Google has commented on the current state of the Find My Device network, and says it's getting better.
An essential Google Messages group-chat feature finally looks set to launch soon
Google Messages finally looks set to get group chat muting.
Google Messages update finally adds an important safety tool – and teases a feature I'm surprised the app doesn't have already
Google Messages beta finally adds Sensitive Content Warnings for some.
