Throughout most of Android’s history, Google has famously given each new release a version number along with a whimsical dessert codename. From the iconic Marshmallow to Jelly Bean and Froyo, these playful names have captured the hearts of tech enthusiasts. However, with the introduction of Android 10 in 2019, Google shifted its approach, opting to phase out the public use of dessert codenames to enhance global accessibility. Despite this change, the tradition continues internally among Google’s developers.
Recently, Google developers have made a choice for the dessert codename for Android 17, and it’s not what many fans had anticipated. This revelation comes from the Authority Insights Newsletter, a weekly publication that provides unique insights into Android that aren’t covered anywhere else. If you’re interested in the latest news, leaks, and updates about Google’s Android operating system and other mobile technology, subscribe to our newsletter for Saturday deliveries straight to your inbox.
In a surprising twist, last year, Google chose “Baklava” as the dessert codename for Android 16. Many expected the next codename to follow the alphabetical theme, especially after “Vanilla Ice Cream” was assigned to Android 15, leading to speculation about a dessert starting with the letter “W.” Below is a brief history of Android codenames:
Android 1.0: No codename (2008) Android 1.1: Petit Four (internal, 2009) Android 1.5: Cupcake (2009) Android 1.6: Donut (2009) Android 2.0, 2.1: Éclair (2009) Android 2.2: Froyo (2010) Android 2.3: Gingerbread (2010) Android 3: Honeycomb (2011) Android 4: Ice Cream Sandwich (2011) Android 4.1, 4.2, 4.3: Jelly Bean (2012) Android 4.4: KitKat (2013) Android 5.0, 5.1: Lollipop (2014) Android 6: Marshmallow (2015) Android 7.0, 7.1: Nougat (2016) Android 8.0, 8.1: Oreo (2017) Android 9: Pie (2018) Android 10: Quince Tart (internal, 2019) Android 11: Red Velvet Cake (internal, 2020) Android 12, 12L: Snow Cone (internal, 2021) Android 13: Tiramisu (internal, 2022) Android 14: Upside Down Cake (internal, 2023) Android 15: Vanilla Ice Cream (internal, 2024) Android 16: Baklava (internal, 2025)Google's decision to break away from the traditional naming conventions corresponds with significant changes in its development practices through the new “Trunk Stable” project. This initiative transitions Android development to a trunk-based model, ensuring that all work occurs within a single main internal code branch that must remain stable. This new approach contrasts with the previous branch-based model, which often led to challenges when merging new releases.
The first Android version released after the transition to trunk-based development was Android 14 QPR2. To signify this change, Google reset its build ID scheme, leading to new identifiers for builds. For instance, the Android 14 QPR2 build was prefixed with “AP1A,” and as 2025 arrives, the letter advances to “B,” correlating with the dessert codename beginning with “B” for Android 16.
Following this logic, it’s reasonable to anticipate that Android 17 will have a dessert codename starting with “C.” However, the abundance of options makes this a tricky proposition. While many readers suggested popular choices, none were correct. Google has settled on the delightful name “Cinnamon Bun” as the dessert codename for Android 17!
A cinnamon bun, also known as a cinnamon roll or swirl, is a sweet pastry filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, often topped with glaze. This dessert is beloved in northern Europe and North America, with numerous chains specializing in their creation.
Although there are no public sources confirming “Cinnamon Bun” as the official codename for Android 17, we have reliable information from a trusted source within Google. They provided evidence showing that “CinnamonBun” is indeed the internal codename associated with API level 37.0, which corresponds to Android 17. Each Android version is identified by a unique API level; for example, Android 15 is API level 35.0, and Android 16 is 36.0. Unless Google makes any drastic changes to its versioning system, we can confidently associate API level 37.0 with Android 17.
While the dessert codename may seem trivial, it won’t feature prominently in Google’s marketing for the upcoming release. Users will first see “Android CinnamonBun” during the early beta stages, but this will transition to “Android 17” once the operating system reaches platform stability. For those wondering about the launch date of Android 17, we anticipate its release around June 2026. Following the trend established with Android 16, Google is likely to maintain this accelerated release schedule for future updates.
In conclusion, the choice of “Cinnamon Bun” as the codename for Android 17 adds a sweet twist to the Android naming tradition. As Google continues to innovate and refine its operating system, fans eagerly await the next installment. Stay tuned for further updates, and don’t forget to subscribe to Authority Insights for more exclusive content on Android!
P.S. That delectable photo of a cinnamon bun surrounded by Android pins was captured by my colleague Rita El Khoury, who had quite the adventure obtaining it. After picking it up from a Starbucks, it journeyed with her on a train and across a highway before finding its final resting place on a fence. When asked about its taste, Rita humorously mentioned experiencing a “sugar rush crash” after indulging in it. Cinnamon buns have that effect!
