# Android Ice Cream Sandwich

> version of the Android operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q2846919](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2846919)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Ice_Cream_Sandwich)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/android-ice-cream-sandwich

## Summary  
Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is version 4.0 of Google's Android mobile operating system, released on October 19, 2011. It unified the phone and tablet user experiences and introduced significant design and feature updates. ICS was succeeded by Android Jelly Bean in June 2012.

## Key Facts  
- Released on October 19, 2011  
- Version number: 4.0 (with subsequent minor releases including 4.0.1, 4.0.3, and stable 4.0.4 IMM76L)  
- Developed by Google  
- Follows Android Honeycomb and Gingerbread  
- Succeeded by Android Jelly Bean  
- Introduced features like near-field communication (NFC) and visual voicemail  
- Runs on devices such as the Galaxy Nexus, LG Optimus L9, and Samsung Galaxy S III  
- Instance of: operating system, mobile operating system, software version  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is Android Ice Cream Sandwich?  
A: Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS) is version 4.0 of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google. It was designed to unify the user experience across phones and tablets and introduced a refreshed interface and new functionalities.

### Q: When was Android Ice Cream Sandwich released?  
A: Android Ice Cream Sandwich was officially released on October 19, 2011.

### Q: What devices run Android Ice Cream Sandwich?  
A: Devices that originally shipped with or support Android Ice Cream Sandwich include the Galaxy Nexus, LG Optimus L9, Samsung Galaxy S III, and several Japanese smartphones like the Panasonic ELUGA Power P-07D.

## Why It Matters  
Android Ice Cream Sandwich represented a major evolution in Google’s mobile OS strategy by merging the separate codebases used for phones (Gingerbread) and tablets (Honeycomb). It brought a refined Holo UI theme, improved performance through better hardware acceleration, and introduced key technologies like NFC support. ICS also laid the groundwork for future Android versions by standardizing APIs and enhancing security models. Its release marked a turning point toward a more cohesive and polished Android ecosystem, influencing both user expectations and developer practices.

## Notable For  
- First Android version to unify phone and tablet interfaces under one design language  
- Introduction of the Holo UI theme  
- Native support for near-field communication (NFC) and face unlock  
- Improved multitasking and browser capabilities  
- Launch alongside the flagship Galaxy Nexus device  

## Body  
### Overview  
Android Ice Cream Sandwich (ICS), version 4.0, is a milestone release of the Android operating system developed by Google. It launched on October 19, 2011, and aimed to bridge the gap between smartphone and tablet experiences previously handled by different Android branches.

### Development & Release  
- **Developer**: Google  
- **Release Date**: October 19, 2011  
- **Initial Version**: 4.0.0  
- **Stable Final Patch**: 4.0.4 (IMM76L), released June 6, 2012  
- **Predecessors**: Android Gingerbread (2.3.x) and Honeycomb (3.x)  
- **Successor**: Android Jelly Bean (4.1)  

### Features  
- Unified interface for smartphones and tablets using the “Holo” design language  
- Hardware-accelerated graphics rendering  
- New People and Phone apps with contact management improvements  
- Face Unlock feature for secure device access  
- Built-in panoramic photo capture  
- Enhanced accessibility options  
- Integrated screenshot functionality  
- Improved spell-checker and voice input tools  

### Supported Devices  
ICS was initially launched on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus but later supported various devices including:
- Smartphones: LG Optimus L9, Huawei Honor 2, HTC One SV  
- Tablets: Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, SC-01E  
- Regional models: Multiple Japanese handsets including FJL21, LGL21, N-03E  

### Technical Specifications  
- **Package Management System**: APK  
- **Named After**: Ice cream sandwich  
- **Freebase ID**: /m/0hj1f77  
- **Quora Topic**: Ice-Cream-Sandwich-Android-4-0  
- **Website**: [Android 4.0 Highlights](https://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-4.0-highlights.html)  

### Legacy  
ICS set the stage for modern Android design principles and established a consistent platform for app developers. Though quickly superseded by Jelly Bean, its architectural changes had lasting influence throughout the Android ecosystem.

## Schema Markup  
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Android Ice Cream Sandwich",
  "description": "Version 4.0 of the Android mobile operating system developed by Google.",
  "url": "https://developer.android.com/about/versions/android-4.0-highlights.html",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Android_Ice_Cream_Sandwich",
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170923"
  ],
  "additionalType": "OperatingSystem"
}

## References

1. [Source](https://source.android.com/docs/compatibility/4.0/versions)