# Understanding the Android OS: Features, History, and Key Comparisons

![Android Operating System: A mobile operating system developed by Google primarily for touchscreen devices, such as cell phones and tablets.](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/UnuK8gFrvteKocEOag8EIkWI2E0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/android-operating-system.asp-FINAL-1-c12843198aaf4c249672f8dbbb28a0ab.png)

*Android's applicability extends to cars, TVs, and wristwatches—each of which is fitted with a unique user interface. — Joules Garcia / Investopedia*

> **Definition**
>
> Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google primarily for touchscreen devices, such as cellphones and tablets.

## What Is the Android Operating System?

Android is a leading mobile operating system developed by Google ([GOOGL](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=GOOGL)​) for its touchscreen devices, including tablets and cellphones. The software's applicability extends to cars, televisions, and wristwatches—each of which is fitted with a unique user interface.

Android's design lets users manipulate the mobile devices intuitively, with finger movements that mirror common motions, such as pinching, swiping, and tapping.

Although the Android source code is open-source to promote mobile standards, it includes proprietary software when sold on devices.

Android's emergence created a new rivalry between smartphone manufacturers, with Apple iOS serving as the chief competitor.

### Key Takeaways

*   The Android operating system, developed by Google, is designed for touchscreen devices such as smartphones and tablets, with applications extending to TVs, cars, and smartwatches.
*   Android’s open-source format encourages advancement in mobile technology, though it includes proprietary software when packaged for devices.
*   The legal landscape surrounding Android includes notable cases, such as Oracle's lawsuit against Google regarding Java APIs, which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Google in 2021.
*   Despite being the most popular mobile operating system globally, Android faces challenges like complex app development and potential security vulnerabilities in its app ecosystem.
*   Android's growth has fueled competitive tensions with Apple's iOS, reminiscent of historical rivalries like the "cola wars" between Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

## Origins and Growth of the Android Operating System

The Android operating system was first developed by Android Inc., a software company located in Silicon Valley, before Google acquired it in 2005. Since the acquisition, investors and analysts have questioned Google's intentions in the mobile market. But in any case, soon thereafter, Google announced the impending rollout of its first commercially available Android-powered device in 2007, although that product actually hit the marketplace in 2008.

Since then, software and application developers have been able to use Android technology to develop mobile apps, which are sold through app stores, such as Google Play. As a Google product, Android allows users to connect their devices to Google services like cloud storage, email, and video.

The Android source code is open-source, promoting mobile device standards. However, Android is still sold with proprietary software despite being "open."

> **Important**
>
> According to research from Bitdefender, Downloader.DN is the most common type of Android trojan as of February 2022. It involves "repacked applications taken from Google App Store and bunded with aggressive adware."

## Comparing Android and Apple iOS: A Competitive Analysis

Android's emergence sparked a rivalry with Apple ([AAPL](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=aapl)) as Google's main competitor. This competition is likened to the "cola wars" between Coca-Cola ([KO](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=ko)) and Pepsi ([PEP](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=pep)), where no clear winner emerged. As of Q1 2022, Android led with 23.7% of the global mobile OS market, while Apple's iOS held 18%, according to International Data Corp.

The system's popularity has sparked patent lawsuits, including one by Oracle ([ORCL](https://www.investopedia.com/markets/quote?tvwidgetsymbol=orcl)). In 2010, the company alleged that Google unlawfully used Java APIs to develop its Android software. In April 2021, the case was decided with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling 6-2 in Google's favor.

## Challenges and Limitations of the Android Operating System

While Android offers users a viable alternative to other mobile operating systems, several limitations still remain. On the developer side, coding complex user experiences and interfaces is an often difficult task that demands a greater reliance on Java than Objective-C. For users, the apps on the Android Market tend to have lower standards than comparable app stores.

In other words, the apps have lower security profiles and make users more susceptible to data breaches. Meanwhile, Android's lack of a voice-controlled assistant and its heavy dependence on advertising can repel some users.

## The Bottom Line

The Android operating system is a mobile operating system that was developed by Google to be primarily used for touchscreen devices, such as cellphones and tablets.

Android Inc., based in Silicon Valley, initially developed the operating system before Google acquired it in 2005. The first commercially available Android-powered device debuted on the marketplace in 2008.

The Android source code is released in an open-source format to help advance open standards across mobile devices, but it is still packaged with proprietary software when sold on devices.

Android dominates the global market as the most popular mobile operating system compared to its primary rival: the Apple iOS.

The emergence of Android forged a new rivalry between smartphone manufacturers, with Apple and its iOS serving as Google and Android's chief competitor. To some, this competitive dynamic mirrors that of the “cola wars” between Coca-Cola and Pepsi, where no clear winner has emerged.

The challenges and limitations facing Android include coding difficulties for app developers, potential security vulnerabilities in its app ecosystem, and patent lawsuits.

Android facilitates the development of apps through software and application developers using Android technology. These apps are sold through app stores like Google Play, and as a Google product, Android users can connect their devices to Google cloud storage, email, and video services for use such as decision making in personal finance.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Android. "[Android Open Source Project](https://source.android.com/)."
>     
> 2.  T-Mobile. "[T‑Mobile Unveils the T‑Mobile G1—the First Phone Powered by Android](https://www.t-mobile.com/news/press/t-mobile-unveils-the-t-mobile-g1-the-first-phone-powered-by)."
>     
> 3.  Bitdefender. "[Bitdefender Threat Debrief | March 2022](https://businessinsights.bitdefender.com/bitdefender-threat-debrief-march-2022)."
>     
> 4.  International Data Corp. "[Smartphone Market Share](https://www.idc.com/promo/smartphone-market-share/os)."
>     
> 5.  Supreme Court of the United States. "[Google LLC v. Oracle America, Inc.](https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/20pdf/18-956_d18f.pdf)"
>     
> 6.  Android. "[Contributing](https://source.android.com/setup/contribute)."
>     
> 7.  Norton. "[Android vs. iOS: Which Is Better for Security?](https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-mobile-android-vs-ios-which-is-more-secure.html)"