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
6 best streaming apps for Android phones: our picks for TV, anime, film, and more
If you love kicking back with and streaming content to your Android phone, these are the apps you need.
Android looks set to improve the Fast Pair experience for wireless earbuds
Hidden code in Google Play Services suggests that a revamped look for earbuds battery status is on the way.
Which is the best Android wrapper? You decide
There are plenty of Android wrappers on the market, from the stripped-back Pixel Launcher to the option-laden One UI – but we want to know which you think is the best of the bunch.
Android 16 is causing lock-screen issues on some Pixel phones – here's what we know
We're seeing a few reports of Android 16 bugs related to the lock screen, including it not waking up correctly.
7 must-try Android apps you didn't know you needed until now
I use these 7 lesser-known Android apps to level up my smartphone game.
Android 16 will soon flag fake cell towers and warn you if someone is spying on your phone
An update to Android 16 will detect ‘stingray’ devices used by law enforcement and alert users to suspicious network connections.
These 6 iOS-style features prove that Android isn't stuck in the past
Yes, widgets are a thing on Android. Yes, so is AirDrop, Apple Pay, and Genmoji – they just have different names.
Google Messages is preparing a new trick to get your friends and family to switch to RCS
Hidden code inside Google Messages for Android suggests you'll be able to invite people to use RCS.
