For years, Android fans have loved Google’s secret tradition: naming each new version after a delicious dessert. While these sweet titles might not show up on your phone screen anymore, there’s still a lot of buzz about what tasty treat Google will pick next. Well, the cat’s out of the bag for Android 17, and I’m guessing not many of you saw this one coming.
The Secret “C” Word for Android 17
It’s been almost two months since Google rolled out Android 16 to its Pixel phones. We’ve also seen Android 16, topped with One UI 8, appear on new devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Z Flip 7, and Z Flip 7 FE. Given how fast Google pushes out software updates, it’s no shock that we’re already getting peeks at what’s next.
Turns out, the next version of Android, known as Android 17, has an internal codename: Cinnamon Bun. This tasty tidbit comes courtesy of Mishaal Rahman, who shared evidence connecting the “CinnamonBun” codename to API level 37.0, which points directly to Android 17.
A Sweet Tradition Returns, with a Twist
For those wondering, “Cinnamon Bun” won’t be a public name. Google stopped using public dessert names after Android 9, switching to just numbers starting with Android 10. However, they kept the internal dessert-themed codenames going. This internal tradition also took a break when Google moved to a new “trunk-based” development method for Android. That change helped Google speed up releases and fix old problems.
But good news! The old naming system made a comeback when Android 16 was internally revealed as “Baklava.” This meant the next version of Android (Android 17) would have a dessert name starting with “C.” The challenge was finding a fresh “C” dessert, since “Cupcake” was already used way back with Android 1.5. Google had to get creative, and “Cinnamon Bun” is their pick.
You’ll likely spot “CinnamonBun” in the Android version field during the first beta releases of Android 17. But don’t expect it to stick around. Once the software is stable, Google will simply call it “Android 17,” just like they did with Android 16.
If Google follows the same schedule they used for Android 16’s first developer preview, we should see the Android 17 developer preview this November. The public betas would then follow early next year. While you won’t see “Cinnamon Bun” plastered on marketing materials when Android 17 lands on devices, it’s nice to see Google keeping this fun tradition alive, especially since it started all the way back with Android 1.5.