{{Short description|2016 Android mobile operating system}} {{Infobox OS version | name = Android Nougat | version of = Android | logo = Android Nougat Logo.svg | logo size = 100px | screenshot = File:Android Nougat homescreen.jpg | caption = Android Nougat homescreen | screenshot_size = 250px | developer = Google | discontinued = yes | GA_date = {{start date and age|2016|08|22}} (as Android 7.0) {{start date and age|2016|10|04}} (as Android 7.1)
{{start date and age|2016|12|05}} (as Android 7.1.1) {{start date and age|2017|04|02}} (as Android 7.1.2) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/08/taking-final-wrapper-off-of-nougat.html|title=Taking the final wrapper off of Android 7.0 Nougat|access-date=2021-05-28|archive-date=2021-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519171721/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/08/taking-final-wrapper-off-of-nougat.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | GA_url = {{cite web | url = https://www.android.com/versions/nougat-7-0/ | title = Android 7.0 Nougat. Made for you | access-date = October 4, 2015}} | release_version = 7.1.2_r38 (197297190)<ref>{{cite web | url = https://android.googlesource.com/platform/build/+/android-7.2_r38 | title = Android Source | website = Google Git | access-date = September 10, 2020 | archive-date = June 4, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200604004832/https://android.googlesource.com/platform/build/+/android-7.1.2_r39/ | url-status = live }}</ref> | kernel type = Monolithic (Linux 4.1) | release_date = {{start date and age|2019|10|04}} | preview_date = {{start date and age|2017|3|20}}<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.androidpolice.com/2017/03/20/android-7-1-2-beta-2-adds-fingerprint-scanner-gesture-to-the-nexus-6p/ |title = Android 7.2 beta 2 adds fingerprint scanner gesture to the Nexus 6P |last = Ruddock |first = David |website = Android Police |date = March 20, 2017 |access-date = March 27, 2017 |archive-date = March 28, 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170328022452/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/03/20/android-7-1-2-beta-2-adds-fingerprint-scanner-gesture-to-the-nexus-6p/ |url-status = live }}</ref> | preceded_by = Android Marshmallow (6.x) | succeeded by = Android Oreo (8.x) | support_status = {{plainlist| * '''Android 7.0:''' Unsupported as of August 5, 2019 * '''Android 7.1:''' Unsupported as of October 4, 2019 * Google Play Services supported<ref>{{Cite web|title=Keep your device & apps working with Google Play Services|url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938?hl=en|website=google.com|access-date=2025-02-14|archive-date=2024-09-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924211747/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/9037938?hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> }} | website = {{Official URL}} }}
'''Android Nougat''' (codenamed '''Android N''' during development) is the seventh major version and 14th version of the Android operating system. First released as an alpha test version on March 9, 2016, it was officially released on August 22, 2016, with Nexus devices being the first to receive the update.
The LG V20 was the first smartphone released with Nougat in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=LG launches V20 smartphone with Android 7.0 Nougat |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/6/12822006/lg-v20-mobile-android-7-nougat-announce-pricing-release-date |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220184620/https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/6/12822006/lg-v20-mobile-android-7-nougat-announce-pricing-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nougat introduces notable changes to the operating system and its development platform, including the ability to display multiple apps on-screen at once in a split-screen view, support for inline replies to notifications, and an expanded Doze power-saving mode that restricts device functionality after a period of time with the screen off. Additionally, the platform switched to an OpenJDK-based Java environment, received support for the Vulkan graphics rendering API, and enabled seamless system updates on supported devices.
Nougat received positive reviews. The new app notification format received particular praise, while the multitasking interface was seen as a positive change; however, reviewers found that several apps were incompatible with it. Critics had mixed experiences with the Doze power-saving mode, but faster app installs and tweaks to the user interface were also reviewed positively.
{{As of|2025|01}}, 1.26% of devices ran Android Nougat, with 0.26% on 7.1.x and 1% on 7.0.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Mobile & Tablet Android Version Market Share Worldwide|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/android-version-market-share/mobile-tablet/worldwide/|access-date=2022-12-02|website=StatCounter Global Stats|archive-date=2020-07-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714081352/https://gs.statcounter.com/android-version-market-share/mobile-tablet/worldwide|url-status=live}}</ref> Android Nougat went unsupported with no more security updates after October 2019.
==History== thumb|upright=0.5|Android 7.0 home screen The release was internally codenamed "New York Cheesecake".<ref>{{cite web|title=Name|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/03/15/google-is-calling-android-n-new-york-cheesecake-nyc-internally/|website=Google Is Calling Android N "New York Cheesecake" (NYC) Internally|date=15 March 2016|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=4 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904225925/https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/03/15/google-is-calling-android-n-new-york-cheesecake-nyc-internally/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 9, 2016, ahead of the Google I/O developer conference, Google released the first alpha version<ref>{{cite web |title=Program Overview |url=https://developer.android.com/preview/overview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320125341/https://developer.android.com/preview/overview.html |website=Android Developers |archive-date=March 20, 2016 |access-date=April 21, 2017}}</ref> of Android "N" as part of a new "Android Beta Program" intended for testing by developers and enthusiasts before its official release "this summer". The developer preview builds were compatible with only current Google Nexus devices; the 5X, 6P, 6, 9, Pixel C, and Nexus Player. The "Android Beta Program" introduced allowed testers to opt in to over-the-air updates to new beta versions as they were released.<ref name="Android N beta 1">{{cite web |title=Surprise! The Android N Developer Preview is out right now |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/03/surprise-the-android-n-developer-preview-is-out-right-now/ |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |date=March 10, 2016 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160630192913/http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/03/surprise-the-android-n-developer-preview-is-out-right-now/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On April 13, 2016, Android N Beta Preview 2 was released.<ref name="Developer Preview 2">{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Burke |title=Android N Developer Preview 2, out today! |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/04/android-n-developer-preview-2-out-today.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=April 13, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170219150705/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/04/android-n-developer-preview-2-out-today.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Google further discussed Android "N" during the I/O keynote on May 18, 2016, and unveiled its new virtual reality platform, Daydream. Beta Preview 3, the first preview release deemed suitable for wider public beta testing, was released at this time. Google also announced that it would hold a contest to determine the official release name of the operating system.<ref>{{cite web |title=Google details Android N features ahead of late summer release |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11698930/android-n-release-date-features-google-io-2016 |first=Vlad |last=Savov |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-date=June 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160627093408/http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11698930/android-n-release-date-features-google-io-2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Google's latest Android N beta is meant for everyone |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11702022/android-n-public-beta-release-today |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-date=July 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160701172538/http://www.theverge.com/2016/5/18/11702022/android-n-public-beta-release-today |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Google launches Android N Developer Preview 3 with seamless updates and VR mode |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/18/google-launches-android-n-developer-preview-3-with-seamless-updates-and-vr-mode/ |website=VentureBeat |date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302111552/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/18/google-launches-android-n-developer-preview-3-with-seamless-updates-and-vr-mode/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Beta Preview 4 was released on June 15, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dave |last=Burke |title=Android N APIs are now final, get your apps ready for Android N! |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/06/android-n-apis-are-now-final.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=June 15, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316204543/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/06/android-n-apis-are-now-final.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Ruddock |title=Android N Developer Preview 4 is out, build NPD56N |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/06/15/android-n-developer-preview-4-is-out-build-npd56n/ |website=Android Police |date=June 15, 2016 |access-date=March 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316115238/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/06/15/android-n-developer-preview-4-is-out-build-npd56n/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 30, 2016, Google announced that N's release name would be "Nougat"; it was also confirmed that Nougat would be version 7.0 of Android.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Derek |last1=Walter |first2=Jason |last2=Cross |title=Android N name revealed: It's Nougat |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3090436/android/android-n-name-revealed-its-nougat.html |website=PC World |publisher=International Data Group |date=July 1, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=October 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161029213709/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3090436/android/android-n-name-revealed-its-nougat.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Florin |last=T. |title=Android 7.0 Nougat statue unveiled by Google |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-7.0-Nougat-statue-unveiled-by-Google_id82773 |website=PhoneArena |date=June 30, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=November 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116210221/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-7.0-Nougat-statue-unveiled-by-Google_id82773 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gibbs|first1=Samuel|title=Nougat: Google's new Android name divides opinion|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/01/google-android-nougat-version-7|access-date=July 30, 2016|website=The Guardian|date=July 1, 2016|archive-date=July 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160709034123/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/01/google-android-nougat-version-7|url-status=live}}</ref>
The final Beta Preview, 5, was released on July 18, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Ruddock |title=Android 7.0 Nougat Developer Preview 5 - the final preview - is available for download |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/07/18/android-7-0-nougat-developer-preview-5-the-final-preview-is-available-for-download/ |website=Android Police |date=July 18, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212203325/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/07/18/android-7-0-nougat-developer-preview-5-the-final-preview-is-available-for-download/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Android 7.0 was officially released on August 22, 2016, with the Nexus 6, 5X, 6P, 9, Nexus Player, Pixel C, and General Mobile 4G as the first devices to receive the update.<ref>{{cite web |first=Sameer |last=Samat |title=Android 7.0 Nougat: a more powerful OS, made for you |url=https://blog.google/products/android/android-70-nougat-more-powerful-os-made/ |website=The Keyword Google Blog |date=August 22, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123065945/https://blog.google/products/android/android-70-nougat-more-powerful-os-made/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Dave Burke, Android's Vice President of Engineering, stated in August 2016 that updates to Nougat would be released quarterly as maintenance releases focusing on "continued refinements and polish".<ref>{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Google lays out plans to update Android more regularly and frequently |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/android-moving-to-a-regular-maintenance-schedule-with-continued-public-betas/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 23, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-date=March 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307203821/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/android-moving-to-a-regular-maintenance-schedule-with-continued-public-betas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 6, 2016, LG announced the V20, the first smartphone to ship with Nougat pre-installed.<ref>{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=LG launches V20 smartphone with Android 7.0 Nougat |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/6/12822006/lg-v20-mobile-android-7-nougat-announce-pricing-release-date |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=September 6, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220184620/https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/6/12822006/lg-v20-mobile-android-7-nougat-announce-pricing-release-date |url-status=live }}</ref> Google unveiled the first-party Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones during a hardware-focused event on October 4, 2016,<ref>{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Seifert |title=Google's new Pixel phones come with Android 7.1 Nougat |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13098314/google-android-update-7-1-nougat-new-features |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 4, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=May 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502135051/https://www.theverge.com/2016/10/4/13098314/google-android-update-7-1-nougat-new-features |url-status=live }}</ref> with the Pixel phones replacing the Nexus series.<ref>{{cite web |first=Dieter |last=Bohn |title=The Google Phone: The inside story of Google's bold bet on hardware |url=https://www.theverge.com/a/google-pixel-phone-new-hardware-interview-2016 |website=The Verge |date=4 October 2016 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=6 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106213353/http://www.theverge.com/a/google-pixel-phone-new-hardware-interview-2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Updates to existing devices vary by manufacturer and carrier, and driver support for a device's system-on-chip version varies by manufacturer.<ref name="ars-blame"/> Major manufacturers, including HTC, Sony, and Motorola announced intents to update a range of their recent devices to Nougat.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Britta |last1=O'Boyle |first2=Chris |last2=Hall |title=When is Android 7.1.1 Nougat coming to my phone? |url=https://www.pocket-lint.com/news/137654-when-is-android-7-1-1-nougat-coming-to-my-phone |website=Pocket-lint |date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227232011/http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/137654-when-is-android-7-1-1-nougat-coming-to-my-phone |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ashley |last=Carman |title=Sony is rolling Android Nougat out to some Xperia devices |url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/2/9/14564266/sony-android-nougat-xperia-update |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=February 9, 2017 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227231925/http://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/2/9/14564266/sony-android-nougat-xperia-update |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Android 7.0 Nougat update starts hitting Motorola Moto G4 and Moto G4 Plus |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_update_starts_hitting_motorola_moto_g4_and_moto_g4_plus-news-21215.php |work=GSMArena |date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227233447/http://www.gsmarena.com/android_70_nougat_update_starts_hitting_motorola_moto_g4_and_moto_g4_plus-news-21215.php |url-status=live }}</ref> Qualcomm stated that it would not support Nougat on devices using its Snapdragon 800 and 801 system-on-chips for undisclosed reasons. Although developer preview builds of Nougat were released for the device, Sony stated that it would not upgrade the Xperia Z3 (which uses the Snapdragon 801) to the final version due to "unforeseen platform limitations". It was reported that the Google Compatibility Test Suite (whose tests must be passed to receive official certification) specified that all devices running Nougat must support either Vulkan or OpenGL ES 3.1 graphics APIs—neither of which is supported by the device's Adreno 330 graphics core.<ref name="ars-blame">{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Why isn't your old phone getting Nougat? There's blame enough to go around |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/why-isnt-your-old-phone-getting-nougat-theres-blame-enough-to-go-around/ |work=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 31, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-date=April 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403194841/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/why-isnt-your-old-phone-getting-nougat-theres-blame-enough-to-go-around/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=V. |first=Cosmin |date=August 31, 2016 |title=Sony claims it's not at fault for not releasing Android 7.0 Nougat for Xperia Z3 |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony-claims-its-not-at-fault-for-not-releasing-Android-7.0-Nougat-for-Xperia-Z3_id84749 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123210818/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Sony-claims-its-not-at-fault-for-not-releasing-Android-7.0-Nougat-for-Xperia-Z3_id84749 |archive-date=January 23, 2017 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |website=PhoneArena}}</ref> The Fairphone 2 is purported to be the only device with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 chipset to provide official support for Android 7.1.2, delivering on their effort towards increased longevity for a more sustainable device.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fairphone.com/en/2018/11/13/investing-in-long-lasting-design-android-7-for-fairphone-2/|title=Investing in long-lasting design: Android 7 for the Fairphone 2|date=2018-11-13|website=Fairphone|access-date=2019-08-18|archive-date=2019-04-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423041631/https://www.fairphone.com/en/2018/11/13/investing-in-long-lasting-design-android-7-for-fairphone-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A post-release update known as Android 7.1 was pre-loaded onto Google's Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones released in October 2016; the new version added support for the Google Daydream VR platform, image keyboards, expanded emoji support (including male and female versions), support for actions to be displayed in menus on home screen app shortcuts, and other new features. A preview of 7.1 for existing Nexus devices was released via Android Beta Program later in the month,<ref name="Android 7.1">{{cite web |first=David |last=Lumb |title=Download Android 7.1 Nougat in beta later this month |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/11/download-android-7-1-nougat-in-beta-later-this-month/ |work=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=October 11, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-date=September 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170904013612/https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/11/download-android-7-1-nougat-in-beta-later-this-month/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and officially released as Android 7.1.1 on December 5, 2016.<ref name="Android 7.1.1">{{cite web |first=Agustin |last=Fonts |title=A sweet update to Nougat: Android 7.1.1 |url=https://blog.google/products/android/sweet-update-nougat-android-711/ |work=The Keyword Google Blog |date=December 5, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-date=December 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213001345/https://blog.google/products/android/sweet-update-nougat-android-711/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Nathan |last=Ingraham |title=Android 7.1.1 is rolling out now |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/05/android-7-1-1-is-rolling-out-now/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=December 5, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-date=May 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510102753/https://www.engadget.com/2016/12/05/android-7-1-1-is-rolling-out-now/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Ashley |last=Carman |title=Google is bringing Pixel features to its Nexus line with Android 7.1.1 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/5/13847312/google-android-nougat-update-7-1-1-pixel-nexus |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=December 5, 2016 |access-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-date=May 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511112130/https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/5/13847312/google-android-nougat-update-7-1-1-pixel-nexus |url-status=live }}</ref> As of 7.1.1, the Nexus 6 and Nexus 9 were considered end-of-life, and did not receive any further updates.<ref name="7.1.2 by Ars Technica"/>
Android 7.1.2 was released in April 2017, providing various improvements and minor functionality improvements to Nexus and Pixel-branded devices.<ref name="7.1.2 by Ars Technica">{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Android 7.1.2 leaves beta, arrives on Pixel and Nexus devices |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/04/android-7-1-2-leaves-beta-arrives-on-pixel-and-nexus-devices/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=April 4, 2017 |access-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111234920/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/04/android-7-1-2-leaves-beta-arrives-on-pixel-and-nexus-devices/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Derek |last=Walter |title=Android device updates: Android 7.1.2 arrives for Pixel and Nexus devices |url=https://www.greenbot.com/article/3188274/android/android-device-updates-android-712-arrives-for-pixel-and-nexus-devices.html |website=Greenbot |publisher=International Data Group |date=April 7, 2017 |access-date=April 9, 2017 |archive-date=October 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181019162826/https://www.greenbot.com/article/3188274/android/android-device-updates-android-712-arrives-for-pixel-and-nexus-devices.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Features== {{See also|Android version history#Android 7.0 Nougat}}
===User experience=== thumb|upright=0.9|The updated notification panel on Nougat
Nougat redesigns the notification shade, which now features a smaller row of icons for settings, replacing notification cards with a new "sheet" design, and allowing inline replies for notifications. Multiple notifications from a single app can also be "bundled",<ref name="Android N beta 1"/> and there is greater per-app control over notifications.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Matt |last1=Swider |first2=James |last2=Peckham |title=Android Nougat release date: when you'll get it and everything you need to know |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-7-what-we-want-to-see-1311290 |website=TechRadar |publisher=Future plc |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180217033711/http://www.techradar.com/news/phone-and-communications/mobile-phones/android-7-what-we-want-to-see-1311290 |url-status=live }}</ref>
A split-screen display mode was introduced for phones, allowing two apps to be snapped to occupy half the screen each. An experimental multi-window mode is also available as a hidden feature, where multiple apps can appear simultaneously on the screen in overlapping windows.<ref>{{cite web|title=This is Android N's freeform window mode|first=Ron|last=Amadeo|date=March 21, 2016|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/03/this-is-android-ns-freeform-window-mode/|access-date=July 1, 2016|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215023026/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/03/this-is-android-ns-freeform-window-mode/|url-status=live}}</ref> Picture-in-picture support was added for Android TV.<ref name=":0" />
The "Doze" power-saving mechanism introduced in Android Marshmallow was expanded to include a state activated when the device is running and the screen has been off for a period of time, but the device is not stationary. In this state, network activity is restricted, and apps are granted "maintenance windows" in which they can access the network and perform background tasks. As in Marshmallow, the full Doze state is activated when the device is stationary, and its screen is off for a period of time.<ref name="Android N beta 1"/><ref name="androidn-dev"/> A new "Data Saver" mode restricts background mobile data usage, and can trigger internal functions in apps that are designed to reduce bandwidth usage, such as capping the quality of streaming media.<ref name="androidn-dev"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/android-the-road-to-jitaot-hybrid-compilation-based-application-user-experience|title=Android: The Road to JIT/AOT Hybrid Compilation-Based Application User Experience|website=software.intel.com|publisher=Intel Corporation|access-date=July 15, 2016|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401004821/https://software.intel.com/en-us/articles/android-the-road-to-jitaot-hybrid-compilation-based-application-user-experience|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Platform=== In December 2015, Google announced that Android Nougat would switch its Java Runtime Environment from the defunct Apache Harmony to OpenJDK—the official open source implementation of the Java platform maintained by Oracle Corporation and the Java community.<ref name="ars-njdk">{{cite web|title=Android N switches to OpenJDK, Google tells Oracle it is protected by the GPL|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/01/android-n-switches-to-openjdk-google-tells-oracle-it-is-protected-by-the-gpl/|first=Ron|last=Amadeo|date=January 7, 2016|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=July 1, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312065019/https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2016/01/android-n-switches-to-openjdk-google-tells-oracle-it-is-protected-by-the-gpl/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Android Runtime (ART) now incorporates a profile-guided compilation system, utilizing a JIT compiler and profiling alongside its current ahead-of-time compiler to further optimize apps for a device's hardware and other conditions in the background.<ref name="androidn-dev">{{cite web|title=Android N for Developers |url=https://developer.android.com/preview/api-overview.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311235655/http://developer.android.com/preview/api-overview.html |website=Android Developers |archive-date=March 11, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Nougat introduces a system for enabling "seamless", automatic system updates, based upon and sharing some code with the implementation of similar functionality on ChromeOS. The system uses a pair of partitions. During the pre-release phase of development, SquashFS was considered as the filesystem to help offset the extra storage overhead of maintaining two copies of these partitions. However, for performance reasons, in the public release of Nougat, designers ultimately chose to continue using Android's traditional ext4 filesystem.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://source.android.com/devices/tech/ota/ab/ab_faqs#why-didnt-you-use-squashfs |title=A/B System Updates: Frequently Asked Questions: Why didn't you use SquashFS |website=Android Open Source Project |access-date=2022-01-27 |archive-date=2022-01-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127202745/https://source.android.com/devices/tech/ota/ab/ab_faqs#why-didnt-you-use-squashfs |url-status=live }}</ref> The Android system executes from an "online" partition. In contrast, updates are applied in the background to a redundant "offline" partition. On the next boot after installing an update, the redundant partition is designated as the active partition to boot into the updated OS. This system removes the need for the device to reboot into the system recovery environment to apply the update (which prevents the device from being used until the update is complete). It provides a backup of the existing OS in case of failure.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Conway |first1=Adam |title=How A/B Partitions and Seamless Updates Affect Custom Development on XDA |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/how-a-b-partitions-and-seamless-updates-affect-custom-development-on-xda/?_ga=2.214198807.1244121596.1736541378-873510847.1735319301 |website=www.xda-developers.com |date=21 July 2018 |publisher=Valnet Publishing Group |access-date=18 January 2025 |archive-date=23 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123074031/https://www.xda-developers.com/how-a-b-partitions-and-seamless-updates-affect-custom-development-on-xda/?_ga=2.214198807.1244121596.1736541378-873510847.1735319301 |url-status=live }}</ref> Google chose to enable seamless updates only for devices shipped with Nougat (or later), rather than enabling earlier devices to support the feature after repartitioning.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/05/19/current-nexus-devices-will-not-get-the-new-seamless-update-feature-from-android-n/ |title=Current Nexus Devices Will Not Get The New Seamless Update Feature From Android N |last=Ruddock |first=David |website=Android Police |date=2016-05-20 |access-date=2019-03-02 |archive-date=2019-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306045024/https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/05/19/current-nexus-devices-will-not-get-the-new-seamless-update-feature-from-android-n/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=2016-08-22 |title=Android 7.0 Nougat review—Do more on your gigantic smartphone |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/android-7-0-nougat-review-do-more-on-your-gigantic-smartphone/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705234512/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/08/android-7-0-nougat-review-do-more-on-your-gigantic-smartphone/ |archive-date=2019-07-05 |access-date=2019-03-02 |website=Ars Technica }}</ref> Additionally, due to the ART changes on Nougat, apps no longer need to be re-compiled upon the first boot after a system update.<ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Android N borrows Chrome OS code for "seamless" update installation |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/android-n-borrows-chrome-os-code-for-seamless-update-installation/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317025736/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/android-n-borrows-chrome-os-code-for-seamless-update-installation/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Developer Preview 2 added platform support for Vulkan, a new low-level 3D-rendering API alternative to OpenGL ES with higher graphics performance.<ref name="Developer Preview 2"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Shannon |last=Woods |title=Optimize, Develop, and Debug with Vulkan Developer Tools |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/04/optimize-develop-and-debug-with-vulkan.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=April 13, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=April 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401004823/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/04/optimize-develop-and-debug-with-vulkan.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Vulkan Graphics API |url=https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/index.html |website=Android Developers |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126183633/https://developer.android.com/ndk/guides/graphics/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Nougat is the first version to feature Unicode 9.0 support and comes with updated emoji, including support for emoji skin tones.<ref name="Developer Preview 2"/>
Android 7.1 adds native API support for implementing image keyboards; multi-endpoint telephones;{{clarify |date=March 2019}} shortcut menus and rounded icon assets for apps on launchers; and support for the Google Daydream virtual reality platform.<ref name="Android 7.1"/><ref>{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Gear VRs for everyone! Google turns Android into a VR-ready OS: Daydream |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/android-vr-os-gets-a-virtual-reality-mode-and-vr-ready-smartphones/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 18, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=May 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525114820/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/android-vr-os-gets-a-virtual-reality-mode-and-vr-ready-smartphones/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Daydream environment includes a "sustained performance mode" to assist developers in optimizing apps to a device's thermal profile,<ref name="androidn-dev"/> a new head tracking algorithm which combines the input from various device sensors, and integration of system notifications into the VR user interface.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGlcsJOt-ng&t=9m|website=YouTube|title="VR at Google - Google I/O 2016"|date=May 9, 2016|access-date=August 4, 2016|archive-date=April 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415040705/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGlcsJOt-ng&t=9m|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Security=== In response to the Stagefright family of bugs disclosed and fixed in 2015, several changes were made to harden the media stack against future vulnerabilities. Runtime integer overflow detection was implemented, preventing the majority of Stagefright-like programming bugs from becoming vulnerabilities and helping fix and prevent them. Android's monolithic ''MediaServer'' process was redesigned to better adhere to the principle of least privilege. ''MediaServer'' is now split into several separate processes, each running in its own unprivileged sandbox, and granted only the permissions required for its task. For example, only the ''AudioServer'' can access Bluetooth, and ''libstagefright'' now runs within the ''MediaCodecService'' sandbox, which is only granted GPU access. Further constraints were placed on the media stack through seccomp.<ref>{{cite web |first1=Dan |last1=Austin |first2=Jeff |last2=Vander Stoep |title=Hardening the media stack |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/05/hardening-media-stack.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=May 5, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180306161549/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/05/hardening-media-stack.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Various mechanisms were enabled to reduce the possibility of malicious code being injected and/or executed within the Linux kernel, including dividing kernel memory into logical segments for code and data, with page access permissions set to read-only and no-execute as appropriate. The kernel was also restricted from directly accessing user space memory, and stronger stack protection was enabled in the GCC compiler to reduce stack smashing. To limit exposure of the kernel to potentially malicious code, perf was disabled by default, ioctl commands were restricted by SELinux, and seccomp-bpf was enabled to grant processes the ability to restrict system calls.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jeff |last=Vander Stoep |title=Protecting Android with more Linux kernel defenses |url=https://security.googleblog.com/2016/07/protecting-android-with-more-linux.html |website=Google Security Blog |date=July 27, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228171707/https://security.googleblog.com/2016/07/protecting-android-with-more-linux.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On devices shipping with Android Nougat, the "Verified Boot" policy (introduced partially on KitKat, and displaying notifications on startup on Marshmallow) must be strictly enforced. If system files are corrupted or otherwise modified, the operating system will either operate in a limited-use mode or refuse to boot at all.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Fingas |title=Android Nougat won't boot your phone if its software is corrupt (updated) |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/19/android-nougat-strict-verified-boot/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=July 19, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104144901/https://www.engadget.com/2016/07/19/android-nougat-strict-verified-boot/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first=Miley |last=Y. |title=Android 7.0 devices could be harder to root, won't boot at all if the software is corrupt |url=https://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-7.0-devices-could-be-harder-to-root-wont-boot-at-all-if-the-software-is-corrupt_id83337 |website=PhoneArena |date=July 20, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210001748/http://www.phonearena.com/news/Android-7.0-devices-could-be-harder-to-root-wont-boot-at-all-if-the-software-is-corrupt_id83337 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Android Nougat supports an alternative drive encryption scheme known as "file-based encryption". Unlike full disk encryption, it allows less-sensitive contents of the storage—such as operating system files—to be encrypted using only a hardware key, rather than requiring credentials. Sensitive user data remains encrypted using credentials. File-based encryption removes the requirement for pre-boot authentication. Instead, Android boots normally without additional intervention, but access to credential-protected data is restricted until the user unlocks the device for the first time ("Direct boot"). In the meantime, background services can access data they store in the device-encrypted context (such as alarms or messaging notifications, particularly after automatic reboots due to updates or crashes) to maintain limited functionality until the user unlocks the credential-encrypted storage.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/story/android-10-privacy-security-features/|title=The Android 10 Privacy and Security Upgrades You Should Know About|magazine=Wired|access-date=2019-09-05|issn=1059-1028|archive-date=2019-08-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826195426/https://www.wired.com/story/android-10-privacy-security-features/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
==Reception== Dieter Bohn of ''The Verge'' praised the new multitasking interface in Android Nougat, calling it "long overdue" for Android tablets. Although he initially found the implementation "confusing", he wrote that it worked well once he understood it properly. However, he noted that "some apps don't fully support split screen, while others work fine but pop up a warning anyway". Bohn also liked the new way to reply to message notifications, stating "Android has long had an advantage in useful and consistent notifications" compared to iOS, and added "now that quick replies are standard on it, I don't see that lead diminishing". He also noted "tweaks" throughout the OS as welcome changes, including quick toggles in the notification drawer, a Settings menu with more visual information, and a Camera app that has been "cleaned up a bit". Bohn stated that he didn't notice any significant battery improvements despite the Doze power-saving feature in Nougat. He also wrote extensively about the fact that, even though Nougat is "great", "it's a shame it will take so long for anybody to see it", writing about the lack of updates to most Android devices, and that "unless you have a Nexus, it could be a few months, it could be a {{sic|''year''}}, before it becomes available on your phone".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/22/12578946/android-7-nougat-review-nexus |title=Android 7.0 Nougat review: great, but does it matter? |last=Bohn |first=Dieter |date=August 22, 2016 |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=August 21, 2017 |archive-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521140701/https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/22/12578946/android-7-nougat-review-nexus |url-status=live }}</ref>
Chris Velazco of ''Engadget'' also praised the new, bundled app notifications, writing that prior Android versions' notifications "just sort of sit there" until interaction, but Nougat "does a much better job of bundling them by app and letting you get things done". He highlighted the ability to expand a bundled Gmail notification to see subjects and senders of individual messages. Velazco stated that split-screen multitasking was a "big deal", but he also encountered incompatible apps. Visual elements in the Settings app, quick toggles in the notification dropdown, and new language and emoji support were also highlighted as positive in the review. Velazco noted a battery improvement from the Doze power-saving feature, stating that his "Nexus 6P seemed to gain about an hour or two of standby battery life." He also wrote that installing and launching apps might be "a little faster than usual" thanks to Nougat's new app compiler, and he hoped game developers would utilize the new Vulkan API for some "seriously good-looking mobile gaming".<ref>{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Velazco |title=Android 7.0 Nougat review: All about getting things done faster |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/29/android-7-0-nougat-review/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=August 29, 2016 |access-date=April 22, 2017 |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404080942/https://www.engadget.com/2016/08/29/android-7-0-nougat-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Internet}} * Android version history
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{commons category-inline}} * {{Official website}}
{{Android}} {{Google LLC}}
Category:2016 software Category:Android (operating system) versions Category:Products and services discontinued in 2019