The next Android version could be Android 12.1 instead of Android 13

The next version of Android could be a minor update based on Android 12, which will be released in a few weeks. Traditionally, these updates are named after the official dot, but Google hasn’t released such an update since Android 8.1 Oreo in 2017. If Google is indeed working on one, it’s not. Android 12.1, we’ll probably see it launch alongside the Pixel 6 series later this year.

Just recently, the tech giant announced the fifth beta release of Android 12, the final beta before the stable update rolls out in the coming weeks. Prior to release, developers are advised to update their apps to support API level 31, which is the API framework that Android 12 provides.

The API level corresponds to the previous Android release, like Android 11 is 30, Android 10 is 29. From the very beginning, every new API level comes with a change in Android version number, with the only exception of API level 20, which corresponds to the proprietary version of Android 4.4 KitKat for smartwatches. Therefore, if Google has leveled up the API, the version number will also change.

Of course, the first assumption is that API level 32 will correspond to Android 13 Tiramisu. However, some evidence in AOSP Gerrit shows that API level 32 corresponds to Android 12 “sc-v2” and not Android 13 “T.” Meanwhile API level 33 corresponds to Android 13 T, which is two API levels higher with the upcoming Android 12 release (API level 31).

It is likely that the “sc” in “sc-v2” refers to “snow cone,” the rumored “shaved ice” dessert codename for Android 12. Given this new evidence, it looks like Google will release a version temporary update between Android 12 and Android 13. Usually, these temporary updates come with a change in version number that is visible to users, so Android 12.1 would be a reasonable name.

Reference: XDA Developers