by Google’s Android 15 release is just around the corner and we’re now hearing details about next year’s Android 16 update, specifically the name it’s referring to internally. Based on the company’s recent trends, the search engine giant has stopped using dessert names for its latest software updates, but this doesn’t mean the company has completely abandoned its approach of naming Android builds after desserts. Android 16 is now reported to be internally codenamed ‘Baklava’, a popular puff pastry dessert.
Google is using the dessert ‘Baklava’ as the codename for next year’s Android 16
As mentioned, Google has simply adopted the track names for its Android software updates, but the company still internally codenames the builds after sweets and desserts. For example, the upcoming Android 15 update was internally called ‘Vanilla Ice Cream’, and next year’s Android 16 update could be called ‘Baklava’.
The news was shared by developer teamb58 who discovered the name in the AOSP code (via Android Authority). The first change to the code allows for the compression of the APEX module, which will be available next year. It will be interesting to see how the code mentions next year’s update. The min_sdk_version field is set to Baklava, similar to how this year’s min_sdk_version is set to VanillaIceCream.
During the development phase of the build, Google refers to the SDK platform version with code names, and once the SDK is complete, the update will switch to the number-based names. The same change was made with Android 15, as the SDK switched from VanillaIceCream to 15 after the company released the third developer beta of the update. This gives us evidence that the Android 16 build will be called Baklava, but the name will not be used in the company’s marketing materials as it is for internal or developer use only.
Google launched the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro models in August, almost two months ahead of the usual time frame. While it’s a refreshing change to see the devices released early, the company should have also released the Android 15 update. This was the first time the company introduced new flagship Pixel phones with last year’s Android 14 build.
We expect the company to officially release Android 15 to the general public on October 15, but the dates are not yet finalized. You can also check out the list of compatible devices getting Android 15 later this month. We’ll keep you posted when the update is released, so stay tuned.
