Skip to main content

Android

PropertyValue
descriptionGoogle-developed operating system and app platform used on Android phones and other device categories.
tagsref
rating

Android is the Google-developed operating system and application platform used on Android phones and many other device types.

Its source code is made available through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), while the commercial Android ecosystem also includes Google services, device manufacturers, app stores, and hardware-specific software layers.

What it does​

Android provides the core software stack that runs a device.

It is responsible for:

  • Booting and running the device operating system
  • Managing apps, permissions, storage, and networking
  • Providing the app platform used by Android developers
  • Supporting hardware such as cameras, sensors, radios, and displays
  • Powering phones, tablets, foldables, TVs, cars, and other form factors

Core concepts​

Operating system and app platform​

Android is not just a phone interface.

It is the full operating system and app platform that developers build against and device makers ship on hardware.

AOSP​

The Android Open Source Project is the open-source base of Android.

That makes Android both a consumer platform and a customizable OS stack for device manufacturers and platform engineers.

Android vs iOS​

Android and iOS are the two dominant smartphone operating systems.

Android is more widely used across many manufacturers, while iOS is tightly integrated with Apple hardware and software.

Common use cases​

  • Running apps on smartphones and tablets
  • Building mobile apps for the Android ecosystem
  • Shipping custom device software on specialized hardware
  • Managing business, education, kiosk, TV, and automotive devices
  • Integrating device features such as notifications, cameras, location, and sensors

Practical notes​

  • Android is based on a Linux kernel, but Android is not the same thing as a standard desktop Linux distribution.
  • The term can refer both to the end-user OS experience and to the broader platform developers target.
  • AOSP is the open-source base, but many commercial Android devices also ship with proprietary vendor and Google components.
  • In end-user conversations, Android most often means the operating system on a phone or tablet.

Sources Used​

Frequently Asked Questions​

Is Android open source?​

The Android base platform is open source through AOSP, but many commercial Android devices also include proprietary components and services.

Is Android the same as AOSP?​

No. AOSP is the open-source project and codebase. Android products sold to users often include more than AOSP alone.

Is Android the same as Linux?​

No. Android uses a Linux kernel, but it is its own operating system and application platform.