Android 16’s Codename Is Still Based On An Unusual Puffy Pastry, But It Might Not Make It To The General Public

Google’s Android 15 release is right around the corner, and we are now hearing details on next year’s Android 16 update, particularly the name that it is being referred 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 does not mean that the company has entirely forgone its approach to naming Android builds after desserts. It is now being reported that Android 16 is internally codenamed ‘Baklava’, which is a popular puff pastry dessert.

Google uses the dessert ‘Baklava’ as its codename for next year’s Android 16

As mentioned, Google has simply adopted the number names for its Android software updates, but the company still codenames the builds internally after sweets and desserts. For instance, the forthcoming Android 15 update was internally referred to as ‘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 in the code allows the APEX module to be compressed, which will made available next year. It is 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 developmental phase of the build, Google refers to the SDK platform version with codenames, and once the SDK is finalized, the update is switched to the number-based names. The same change was implemented with Android 15, as its 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 material as it is only for internal or developer use.

Google launched the new Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro models in August, almost two months before its usual time frame. While it is a refreshing change to see the devices coming early, the company should have also released the Android 15 update. This was the first time the company introduced new flagship Pixel phones running last year’s Android 14 build.

We are expecting the company to officially release Android 15 to the general public on October 15, but the dates have not yet been finalized. You can also check out the list of compatible devices that will get Android 15 later this month. We will keep you updated when the update is released, so be sure to keep an eye out.