An Android OS version is a numbered release of the Android platform, such as Android 17 or Android 16. It tells you which major Android release a device runs; it is different from the API level, build number, and security update shown in Settings. As of October 4, 2026, Android 17 is the latest major release listed by the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
What does an Android version mean?
The Android version is the human-readable label for a release of the Android operating system. Recent releases use numbers, including Android 10, Android 11, and Android 17. Older releases were also commonly known by dessert names such as Pie, Oreo, Nougat, and Marshmallow. AOSP says Android development releases are organized into families with alphabetical codenames.
A version number identifies the platform release, but it does not tell you by itself whether your device has the latest security updates or whether a newer release is available for your particular model.
What is the latest Android version?
As of October 4, 2026, AOSP lists Android 17 as the latest major Android release. Its release-notes index covers Android 9 through Android 17. For release documentation, see AOSP’s release notes overview; for version, API, codename, and build details, see Codenames, tags, and build numbers.
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That does not mean every phone or tablet can install Android 17. Older devices may not support newer Android versions, and update schedules vary by device, manufacturer, and mobile carrier. Check with the manufacturer or carrier for a specific model’s eligibility.
Android version and API level are different
An API level is a technical identifier used in Android development and compatibility references. It corresponds to an Android release, but it is not another way of writing the public version number. For example, Android 17 is API level 37, while Android 16 is API level 36.
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| Android release | API level |
|---|---|
| Android 17 | 37 |
| Android 16 QPR2 | 36.1 |
| Android 16 | 36 |
| Android 15 | 35 |
| Android 14 | 34 |
| Android 13 | 33 |
| Android 12L | 32 |
| Android 12 | 31 |
| Android 11 | 30 |
| Android 10 | 29 |
| Android 9 (Pie) | 28 |
| Android 8.1 (Oreo) | 27 |
| Android 8.0 (Oreo) | 26 |
| Android 7.1 (Nougat) | 25 |
| Android 7.0 (Nougat) | 24 |
| Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) | 23 |
The AOSP version reference includes earlier releases as well. The table also shows why a quarterly platform update should not automatically be treated as a new major Android version: Android 16 QPR2 has its own API designation, 36.1, while remaining an Android 16 update.
How to check the Android version on your phone or tablet
- Open Settings.
- Tap About phone or About tablet.
- Tap Android version.
Google’s Android Help says this screen includes the Android version, Android security update, Google Play system update, and build number. To check for available updates, open Settings > System > Software updates and follow the instructions shown for your device. Menu wording can vary by device.
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Android version, build number, and security update: what is the difference?
Build number
A build number identifies a particular software build, rather than the broad Android release alone. AOSP explains that a build ID can convey the platform release, code branch, and date the release was branched or synced with development. Google lists the build number separately from the Android version and update fields.
Security update
The Android security update field indicates the device’s security patch level. It is separate from the Android version, so two devices running the same major release may show different security update dates. For example, AOSP’s Android 17 security notes, published June 16, 2026 and updated September 3, 2026, state that Android 17 devices with a security patch level of 2026-07-01 or later address the issues covered in those notes. This dated example does not establish that every manufacturer’s Android 17 device has received that patch; check the date shown on your own device.
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For release-specific details, see AOSP’s Android 17 Security Release Notes. Device update timing depends on the device, manufacturer, and carrier.
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