Android 16: Baklava marks a new era of naming

In mid-October 2024, Google officially rolled out the stable Android 15 update with several new features. We have already started getting leaks and rumors about what the next version will bring. A recent report has revealed that the codename for Android 16 will be Baklava.

According to reliable tipster @mishaalRahman, Android 16 will be called Baklava. This breaks the usual alphabetical naming pattern, as the previous version, Android 15, was named Vanilla Ice Cream.

For context, Baklava is a delicious layered pastry made of filo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is reportedly a sweet name for Android 16.

Google has a tradition of using fun and creative names for its Android versions, starting with Android 1.5, which was named ‘Cupcake’ back in 2009.

Here are the codenames for the last few Android iterations:

• Android 11 – Red Velvet Cake
• Android 12 – Snow Cone
• Android 13 – Tiramisu
• Android 14 – Upside Down Cake
• Android 15 – Vanilla Ice Cream
• Android 16 – Baklava (reportedly)

While ‘Baklava’ doesn’t follow the alphabetical order, many are curious about names starting with the letter ‘W’ this time. This change in naming reflects how Google is currently developing Android and a new era of naming.

With the introduction of a new project called ‘trunk stable,’ the naming of releases has shifted. For instance, while Android 14 was named Upside Down Cake, its updates began with the letter ‘A’ instead of ‘U.’ This indicates that Google may alter how it names future versions, but the tradition of fun dessert names will continue.