First Android Phone Released
The T-Mobile G1 became the first commercially released Android smartphone
October 22, 2008
Google's Answer to the iPhone
Google acquired Android Inc. in 2005 for about $50 million. The first Android-powered phone, the HTC Dream (also called the T-Mobile G1), launched on September 23, 2008 — just over a year after Apple's first iPhone. Android was built on the Linux operating system and designed as an open platform that any phone manufacturer could use. This open approach was a sharp contrast to Apple's closed iOS system.
How Android Took Over the World
Because Android was free for manufacturers to use, companies like Samsung, LG, Motorola, and HTC adopted it quickly. This led to a huge variety of Android phones at every price point. By 2011, Android had overtaken iOS as the most widely used smartphone operating system in the world. Today, Android powers roughly 70 to 75 percent of all smartphones globally. In many developing countries, it powers close to 90 percent of devices.
Android's Place in the Ecosystem
Android didn't just change phones — it became the backbone of a massive digital ecosystem. The Google Play Store hosts millions of apps. Android runs on tablets, smartwatches, TVs, and car dashboards. The open-source version, called AOSP, powers devices in China and other markets where Google services are restricted. Android's launch proved that open platforms could compete effectively against tightly controlled proprietary systems, reshaping how software is distributed and monetized around the world. Check our date calculator to explore Android's timeline.