Android is open source

Android, the world's most popular operating system, is built on Linux and open-source, shaping how designers develop apps across various devices. Google manages the core Android project, but manufacturers can customize the source code to suit their hardware. This flexibility results in a wide range of Android experiences.

Device manufacturers customize Android's appearance and functionality through custom software overlays, called UI skins. Samsung's One UI, Sony's Xperia UI, and Google's Pixel UI represent distinct interpretations of the Android platform. These manufacturer-specific modifications create unique design considerations for each Android variant.

Designers must account for these different Android implementations when creating applications. Each app's interface should maintain consistency with the underlying system UI while adhering to Material Design principles that ensure platform-wide usability.