Google owns the Android operating system and became part of the Alphabet group in 2015.
Google developed Android as part of its broader technology ecosystem after acquiring Android Inc. in 2005. Android became a leading mobile operating system, while Google Search and digital advertising remained the company’s main financial engines. Google also operates YouTube, Chrome, Google Maps, and Google Cloud.
In 2015, Google reorganized under Alphabet Inc. Google became Alphabet’s principal subsidiary, while other projects were placed into separate businesses or units. This structure allowed Alphabet to oversee a collection of companies while Google focused on its internet and software operations.
Google and Alphabet are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they are not identical corporate entities. Google is the operating company and brand; Alphabet is the publicly traded parent company whose shares represent the wider corporate group.