We’re just weeks away from the long-awaited final release of Android P. The update brings a gorgeous new design aesthetic, new gestures, and a host of other features that make it our favorite update yet.
But what everyone really wants to know is the choice of confection for 2018. Google’s dessert-based naming convention makes Android more palatable, but some picks are better than others. Will Android P be something irresistible?
Here are our thoughts on possible names, with a likelihood score of one out of 10 as the lowest and 10 out of 10 as the highest.
Pistachio (ice cream)
Likelihood: 9/10
Pistachio is definitely not the first thing we think about when it comes to dessert, but it is a front-runner for this year’s Android P name. Originally floated as a possibility by Bloomberg in February, it’s getting more attention just weeks before we expect to hear the official name.
According to the Polish website Tabletowo, a Huawei representative accidentally stated in an email to an end user that the name of the upcoming OS would be Pistachio. We’re not entirely sure a Huawei customer service representative would be privy to such information, but it’s certainly a possibility.
Popsicle
Likelihood: 9/10
We think this is the current favorite because it sounds right, it’s in keeping with past names, and there have been some clues that point to it, like this Android wallpaper Google released. But popsicle is a brand name owned by Unilever, so it will require a licensing deal.
Pancake
Likelihood: 4/10
It’s a classic, as well as one of the only desserts you’re allowed to eat for breakfast, so it must be in the running. The fact that people will work “flat as a pancake” into Android articles knocks a couple of points off.
Pecan Pie
Likelihood: 5/10
Almost as American as the apple variety. Legally, Pecan Pie must be said in a Southern accent, which might harm its chances of being picked.
Peppermint
Likelihood: 8/10
The simplicity and strength of this name can’t be denied, but strictly speaking, peppermint is a plant that we use to flavor some candies.
PEZ
Likelihood: 6/10
Google has done tie-ins before (KitKat), so these tiny candy bricks — invented in Vienna as an alternative to smoking — could be in the running.
Popcorn
Likelihood: 3/10
This traditional accompaniment to movies isn’t strictly a dessert is it? But hey, if you want to end a meal with a bowl of popcorn, that’s fine, as long as it’s not salty and buttery.
Pancake
Likelihood: 4/10
It’s a classic, as well as one of the only desserts you’re allowed to eat for breakfast, so it must be in the running. The fact that people will work “flat as a pancake” into Android articles knocks a couple of points off.
Panna Cotta
Likelihood: 2/10
This wobbly, creamy, delicious dessert from Italy is always good and Android 9.0 Panna Cotta has a nice ring to it, but is it universal enough?
Peanut Brittle
Likelihood: 3/10
Too much of a mouthful? This crunchy mix of nuts with hardened sugar and syrup is the only option on the list capable of breaking your teeth.
Pop-Tarts
Likelihood: 5/10
These rectangular toaster pastries, also an acceptable breakfast food for some reason, are the closest shape to a smartphone. On the other hand, Android 9.0 Pop-Tarts sounds stupid.
Praline
Likelihood: 3/10
We can’t help feeling this would be perfect if it was pronounced pra-line, instead of pra-leen, because it would rhyme nicely – Android 9.0 Pra-line. But it isn’t, so it doesn’t.
Pudding
Likelihood: 3/10
If Google was a British company, then pudding could be a good shout-out – it’s the generic term Brits tend to use in the same way that Americans use dessert.
Pumpkin Pie
Likelihood: 6/10
“Let’s not waste the pumpkin from the carved Halloween lanterns I’ve heard you can make pie from it,” sadly, it was disgusting pie because you’re meant to use pie pumpkins which are different. Personal antipathy aside, this name could work.
That’s our current list of possible Android P names. Tell us your favorite, and if you’ve got another suggestion, let’s hear it.
Updated July 9, 2018: Added pistachio.
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