It looks like Google is gearing up for a surprise with the upcoming Android 16 update. A recent report from Android Authority reveals that the internal codename for this version will be “Baklava,” marking a surprising break from the company's usual practice of using dessert-themed names for Android releases.
A Shift in Naming Tradition
For many years, Google has adhered to a dessert naming convention for Android versions, following an alphabetical order. Names have included Cupcake (Android 1.5) through to more recent ones like Upside Down Cake (Android 14) and Vanilla Ice Cream (Android 15). These fun codenames have made it easier to follow the development of the operating system.
However, with the upcoming version, Google has opted for “Baklava,” a popular pastry from the Middle East. This choice has raised questions. While it still maintains the dessert theme, many were anticipating a name starting with “W,” such as Waffle Sundae or Whoopie Pie.
Details on Android 16's Codename
The information about the new Android version's name was discovered in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) code. In the AOSP, the min_sdk_version field is currently labeled as “Baklava,” similar to how it was labeled “VanillaIceCream” for Android 15. Google typically changes the name to its official title when the OS hits its first Platform Stability milestone, so a similar update is expected for Android 16.
Interestingly, a Google engineer unintentionally confirmed the codename for Android 16 by checking if the platform SDK matched Baklava.
Reasons Behind the Name Change
The decision to switch to Baklava could be related to Google’s updated development process for Android OS, which started with Android 14. Google introduced the “Trunk Stable” project to enhance Android version development.
The initial release under this new process was Android 14 QPR2 in March, which brought a new naming system for build IDs. Instead of beginning with "U" for Upside Down Cake, the build IDs now start with "A." For instance, the Pixel Tablet's March update had the build ID AP1A.240305.019.A1, and the June update, based on Android 14 QPR3, was labeled AP2A.240605.024.
The October update, based on Android 15, is expected to follow suit with a build ID like AP3A.241005.0XX. Similarly, the Android 15 QPR1 update anticipated in December should have a build ID resembling AP4A.241205.0XX.
Looking ahead, next year's Android releases will begin with build IDs starting with "B," which indicates why Google chose “Baklava” as the codename for Android 16, rather than something beginning with "W."
