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
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.
Android 16 brings the Identity Check security feature to more than just Pixel and Galaxy phones
Android 16 brings the Identity Check security feature to phones from makers other than Google and Samsung, providing further protection against thieves and bad actors.
Your Android phone is getting a major new security feature – here's how auto-reboot works
Your Android phone will soon be able to auto-reboot after three days of inactivity, which is good news for you and bad news for thieves.
If you've got a phone running Android 12, it's time to upgrade – here's why
Security updates for Android 12 and Android 12L have now ceased, which makes the software more vulnerable.
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 devices must have at least 32GB of storage, which should benefit the best cheap phones
Google has updated the minimum storage requirements for Android, doubling the previous minimum.
Google's new Android update will give your devices a battery boost – plus a helpful new feature for Google Wallet
There's a new update to Google Play services heading to devices, and we should see some tangible benefits.
