Get ready to have your mind blown: Android's codename game just took a sweet turn with the near-confirmation of 'Cinnamon Bun' as the moniker for Android 17. But here's where it gets controversial: after the unexpected detour with Android 16's 'Baklava,' which seemingly reset the alphabetical naming tradition, Android enthusiasts are now left wondering—is this a return to the sweet, dessert-themed pattern, or is Google playing with our expectations again? Let's dive in.
For the uninitiated, Android's codenames have been a delightful journey through the dessert world, from 'Cupcake' and 'Donut' to 'Vanilla Ice Cream' for Android 15. Naturally, we anticipated Android 16 to start with the letter 'W,' following the alphabetical sequence. And this is the part most people miss: instead, Google surprised us with 'Baklava,' a name that not only broke the pattern but also hinted at a possible reset. Now, with 'Cinnamon Bun' emerging as the likely successor, it seems the alphabetical train might be back on track—but not without a twist.
The 'Cinnamon Bun' rumor first surfaced in August, but it was just whispers in the wind. Fast forward to now, and credible Android analyst Mishaal Rahman has spotted the name embedded in the core code of the latest Android Canary build. This isn't just hearsay anymore—it's verifiable, concrete evidence. Google's November Android Canary release (2511) explicitly lists CINNAMONBUN alongside previous builds like TIRAMISU, UPSIDEDOWNCAKE, and VANILLAICE_CREAM, leaving little room for doubt.
Here’s where it gets technical but fascinating: CINNAMON_BUN currently carries the version code '10000,' a placeholder that will eventually shift to '37' to reflect the OS' API level. For context, Android 16/Baklava sits at version code 36. This change will finalize once Android 17's features and APIs are locked in, with platform stability expected in 2026.
Bold question for you: Is Google deliberately toying with our expectations, or is there a method to this dessert-themed madness? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. While we don't have many details about Android 17 yet, one exciting potential feature is enhanced always-on display functionality, allowing you to see more from apps. Curious? Check out the details here (https://www.androidpolice.com/android-17-apps-always-on-display/). Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just love a good cinnamon bun, Android 17 is shaping up to be a treat worth waiting for.