In 2022, the Android operating system now powers a little over 70% of the total smartphones in the world. When was Android invented or launched? On the 5th of November 2007, Andy Rubin unveiled the all-new Android operating system to the world. Development work had been ongoing since 2003, however. The first Android phone, the HTC Dream, which I got to own, was released almost a year later in September 2008.
The operating system was designed from the ground up to allow developers build apps for use on it, similar to the way software programmes run on personal computers. At the time of initial release, while far from beautiful, the Android operating system was a breath of fresh air in the world of mobile phones. The user interface has since undergone several iterations. Android 12, released in 2021, was groundbreaking as far as Android’s user interface is concerned.
When was Android invented? Watch the Announcement Video
Android OS went on to become the best-selling mobile OS worldwide since 2011 and on tablets since 2013. It is used in phones and tablets made by every mainstream mobile phone manufacturer except Apple which uses iOS. iOS and the first iPhone had been around since June 2007, but being restricted to use by only Apple meant that it never stood a chance against Android in terms of numbers.