The name of Android 16 has been revealed. It's baklava.

Important points

Android 16 is expected to be named “Baklava” as part of Google’s dessert-themed codename.
This breaks the alphabetical tradition of Android names due to changes in the development process.
Android is still working on fun names, hinting that all codenames may be rebalanced in the future.

Prepare crispy pastries Next Pixel device. At this point, we’re pretty sure Android 16 will be officially known as “Baklava.”

Android bot using a smartphone in front of a sphere reading Android 16.

Android 16: Leaks, rumors, features, and potential release window

Let’s move on to Android 15

This news has been rumored for months, so it’s not entirely unexpected. Reliable leaker Mishal Rahman spotted Baklava at the end of Google’s long list of official Android codenames, and confirmed Baklava’s arrival on X (formerly Twitter). Then he went out and bought himself baklava to celebrate.

Baklava breaks away from Android tradition

But wait a minute, you might be thinking: What about the letter “W”? After all, Android has a long tradition of naming each version alphabetically. Android 15 was vanilla ice cream. Maybe something like whipped cream or white sugar sponge cake next?

Here are the past five Android codenames.

Android 15: Vanilla ice cream
Android 14: Upside Down Cake
Android 13: Tiramisu
Android 12: Snow Cone
Android 11: Red Velvet Cake

And all the way back to Android 1.5 “Cupcake” in 2009 (the first two versions of Android were named “Alpha” and “Bender”).

Google may readjust its naming conventions

But it’s not as much of a break from convention as it might seem at first glance. This change is likely due to changes in the Android development process. The way Google names release builds has changed with the introduction of the “Trunk Stable” project. For example, Android 14’s codename was Upside Down Cake, but its QPR2 started with the prefix “A” instead of “U.” This means that Google may readjust all codenames in the future.

This doesn’t mean the end of dessert-themed names. After all, this is one of Google’s most beloved traditions. The name Android 16 confirms Google’s continued embrace of playful Android names. We are all looking forward to receiving the baklava next year.

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