Android mobile operating system

Android is a mobile operating system based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open-source software, designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. The platform was originally developed by Android Inc., a startup founded in Palo Alto, California, in 2003 by Andy Rubin, Rich Miner, Nick Sears, and Chris White.

In 2005, the technology giant Google acquired Android Inc. as part of its strategy to enter the mobile market. Since then, Google has led the development of the operating system through the Open Handset Alliance, a consortium of hardware, software, and telecommunication companies. While the source code is released under an open-source license, most devices come pre-installed with proprietary software from Google.

As of 2026, Android remains under the ultimate ownership of Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google. The brand has evolved from a niche mobile OS into the world's most popular mobile platform, powering billions of devices globally and serving as the foundation for a massive ecosystem of applications and digital services.