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
The end of Google Fit? Fitbit looks set to replace it on future Android phones – and bring its AI coach with it
Fitbit is now showing up on non-Pixel Android phones in place of the Google Fit app.
3 major upgrades in Android 16 have already been spotted
The developer preview has only been out for a day, and new features are already emerging.
Android 16 launches in developer preview – here are the most exciting rumored features
Google is shifting Pixel launches and Android releases to earlier dates in the calendar, and Android 16 just showed up.
Android 15 could soon bring back a popular home screen customization trick
It looks as though you'll be able to tweak the shape of home screen icons in a future Android 15 update.
Android 15: latest news and everything you need to know
Updated Android 15 includes a lot of new features, and it's available now (at least on some phones).
Android 15 is going to make it easier for you to navigate indoors – here's how
Android 15 is adopting a standard called Wi-Fi Ranging so you won't get lost without a GPS signal.
Android camera apps could soon get a big upgrade for photo pros
More Android apps are going to have access to the RAW photo format, thanks to a code tweak.
5 must-have Android apps
We've highlighted five of the very best Android apps, covering various categories.
