Mountain View, CA – Android fans, get ready for some nostalgia! Google has just revealed its latest Android 15 statue, and this time, it’s all about Vanilla Ice Cream. The statue, which shows the iconic green Android mascot casually sitting on a bench with a vanilla ice cream cone in hand, was unveiled today at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California. This latest installment brings back fond memories of Google’s quirky tradition of naming Android versions after desserts—a tradition that started way back in 2009.
A Sweet Tradition: Android’s Dessert Names
For longtime Android users, the release of a new statue is a trip down memory lane. It all began in 2009 with Android 1.5 Cupcake, when Google started naming its Android versions after popular desserts. Who could forget the statues for versions like Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, and KitKat? These fun and playful figures became a tradition at Google’s campus, each representing the latest Android update.
But in 2019, things changed. Google decided to stop using dessert names for Android releases with Android 10, instead just using numbers. According to Google’s communications manager, Kaori Miyake, the change came after feedback that the dessert names weren’t always easy for a global audience to understand. For many Android fans, it felt like the end of an era.
The Sweet Return of Dessert Names
Thankfully, Google has quietly brought back dessert names for recent Android versions, even if they’re no longer in the spotlight. Android 12 was Snow Cone, Android 13 was Tiramisu, and Android 14 was Upside Down Cake. Now, with Android 15 just around the corner, Google has gone all-in by naming it Vanilla Ice Cream—and celebrating with a brand-new statue at Google’s headquarters.
The new statue, which features the Android mascot (often called the “bugdroid”) enjoying a vanilla ice cream cone, is a charming nod to simpler times. It’s a playful design that taps into nostalgia for the early days of Android, when every new version came with its own dessert-themed statue.
What’s Next for Android?
Now that Android 15 has been officially linked to Vanilla Ice Cream, fans are already speculating about what’s coming next. Android 16 will follow in 2025, and many are guessing it could be named after another dessert like Waffle Cone. But beyond that, Google will face the challenge of naming Android versions starting with the letters X, Y, and Z—letters not exactly known for having many dessert options!
Some fans even suggest that Google might use AI to come up with creative names for future versions. Whether or not that happens, Android fans are excited to see what the tech giant has in store for the coming years.
Fan Reactions
Since the unveiling of the Android 15 statue, fans have been buzzing on social media. Many long-time Android users are thrilled to see Google embracing the dessert names again. “The new statue is bringing back all the memories of those old Android releases,” one fan posted on Twitter. “Vanilla Ice Cream is such a classic name—it just feels right!”
Others have joked about what Google might name future versions, with one fan suggesting, “We need a Zebra Cake for Android Z!”
A Nostalgic Moment for Android Fans
The new Android 15 Vanilla Ice Cream statue isn’t just a fun decoration at Google’s campus—it’s a reminder of Android’s journey over the years. From the early days of Eclair and Froyo to the present, Android has come a long way. While those with Pixel devices can already try out the Android 15 Beta, the full release is expected soon.
In the meantime, if you find yourself near Google HQ in Mountain View, don’t forget to check out the new statue and snap a photo. For Android fans, it’s more than just a statue—it’s a celebration of the sweet legacy of Android.
