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.
Don’t miss our mobile phone reviews.
Join our WhatsApp Group, to be notified of the most important articles and deals,
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
- Don’t miss our mobile phone reviews.
- Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
MobilityArena may earn some commission when you purchase through the links below.
- Create any type of website in minutes, even if you have no coding skills? Build your website now.
- Own a unique smartphone that meets your specific needs. Buy now.
Way back from the days of EPOC, Symbian, Palm, PocketPC/Windows Mobile, BlackBerry/BB10, webOS, Windows Phone, Firefox, Ubuntu Touch, to Android, iOS, and KaiOS operating systems, founder of MobilityArena, Mister Mobility, has owned a few hundred smartphones and tablets, and counting.