Google told us what the dessert code-name for Android 16 is, and it's going to be Baklava. That's probably not what you were expecting.
Google hasn't named any of its Android releases after desserts since Android 9 Pie was released in 2018, but it still bases its code-names on desserts. Android 10, for example, had an internal dessert code-name of Quince Tart. Android 11 was code-named Red Velvet Cake, Android 12 was Snow Cone, Android 13 was Tiramisu, Android 14 was Upside Down Cake, and finally this year's Android 15 release is code-named Vanilla Ice Cream. You might think that Google would continue this pattern by giving Android 16 a code-name based on a dessert that starts with the letter W, but you'd be wrong. Google confirmed to Android Faithful that the Android 16 dessert code-name is Baklava.
Baklava, if you aren't aware, is a rich, decadent pastry that's made with delicate layers of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and drenched in syrup or honey. It's a popular dessert in the Middle East and Mediterranean countries, which means it would fit right in with the rest of Android's dessert code-names were it not for the fact that it starts with the letter B.
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Now, if you've been following me or the Android Faithful podcast, then the news that Baklava is going to be Android 16's dessert code-name won't come as a shock to you. After all, I shared evidence of this an entire month ago.
However, leaks are one thing, and there will always be some skeptics who don't believe them. Fortunately, we had the opportunity to straight up ask Google what the dessert code-name will be for Android 16, and the company confirmed it's Baklava!
We spoke with Seang Chau, VP and GM of Android Platform, and Matthew McCullough, VP of Android Developer Experience at Google, about the early launch of Android 16, why Google is accelerating Android's release schedule, and new Gemini features in Android Studio. At the end of the interview, we snuck in a question about dessert code-names and got confirmation that Google is starting over with the letter B.
Of course, as Seang brings up, dessert code-names are still very much an internal-only thing. Google won't refer to Android 16 by Baklava when it releases the update next year, though you may see references to it in the upcoming developer preview.
Speaking of which, Google confirmed that the developer preview is coming soon and that Android 16 will release in Q2 of 2025 instead of Q3 or Q4 as usual. If you want to know more about Android 16's release date and why Google is overhauling Android's release schedule, check out these three articles I wrote over on Android Authority or watch the full interview embedded above.
