The Android dessert codename for version 16 is Baklava, a popular pastry dessert. This choice may seem unusual compared to previous codenames like Upside Down Cake for Android 14 and Vanilla Ice Cream for Android 15. Despite Google no longer publicly using dessert names for Android versions, the codenames are still based on desserts internally. The pattern of naming Android versions after desserts has been in place since Android 1.5 Cupcake in 2009.
Recent code changes in the AOSP suggest that the codename for next year’s Android release will be Baklava. This is evident in the use of the codename in the platform SDK version field. The transition from Vanilla Ice Cream to Baklava reflects the progress of the development of Android 16.
The shift to Baklava as the codename for Android 16 may surprise some, as many expected a dessert starting with the letter “W” based on past naming conventions. The change in naming reflects the evolving development processes within the Android platform. The upcoming releases will follow a new build ID naming scheme starting with the letter “B” instead of following alphabetical dessert names.