Android 15 will be the next major version of Google's mobile operating system. Like every year, it will be entitled to a large number of new features, but also to its share of bug fixes and other optimizations. We detail everything to expect in this article.
After Android 14 in 2023, a version internally called Upside Down Cake, Google is working on a completely new version of its operating system that will follow in the footsteps of previous updates.
So what about the next version, Android 15? When will it be released, which devices will get it, and what new features will it bring? In this article, we'll answer these questions and more, based on all the information we've gathered so far. Keep in mind that until the system is officially released, some of it remains just rumors.
WHEN WILL ANDROID 15 BE RELEASED?
Google has not officially announced the release date of Android 15 for everyone. The company usually releases the first Developer Preview version of the new version of Android in February or March, followed by several beta versions over the following months. A Google employee had given the cat out of the bag by announcing the deployment of the first Developer Preview version, but DP1 finally arrived on Friday, February 16, 2024. Since then, the first beta was released in mid-April while the second arrived in mid-May as planned, with its new features. Beta 3 has been available for download since June 18 and the compatible Pixel smartphones are the same as for beta 2, so be sure to check if yours is on the list. We've had several releases up until Beta 4.
Here's the current Android 15 release schedule:
- Developer Preview 1 (February 16, 2024)
- Developer Preview 2 (March 21, 2024)
- Beta 1 (April 11, 2024)
- Beta 2 (May 15, 2024)
- Beta 3 (June 18, 2024)
- Beta 4 (July 19, 2024)
- AOSP Release (September 3, 2024)
- Final Release (October 2024)
Android 15 reached platform stability with Beta 3 on June 18, 2024. This is when the SDK/NDK APIs, internal APIs, and app-facing system behaviors are finalized. Developers can then test the compatibility and functionality of their apps on Android 15 without worrying about future changes.
The final stable version is then usually released between August and October, depending on development progress and user feedback. According to the latest rumors, Android 15 will be available for download on October 15, 2024.
WHICH SMARTPHONES ARE COMPATIBLE WITH ANDROID 15?
As for device compatibility, we can expect the best phones of 2023 and 2024 to receive Android 15 at some point. Android manufacturers have improved their update policies in recent years, offering longer and faster support for their devices.
Xiaomi, OnePlus, or Oppo are some of the brands that promise four years of updates for their phones. However, Samsung and Google are now the leaders in software tracking, with the Galaxy S24 series and Google Pixel 8 getting updates for at least 7 years after their launch. So we already know which Samsung Galaxy smartphones are expected to receive the final version of Android 15.
This has been the case in previous years: Google phones are the first to receive the Developer Preview and Beta versions of Android 15. Based on Google's update policy, here are the devices that will receive Android 15:
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
The Pixel 5a 5G was originally guaranteed to receive updates until August 2024, and it was then thought that it would receive Android 15. However, Android 14 is the Pixel 5a's third major Android update, which is usually the most Google provides for pre-Pixel 6 phones, so this might not happen. This year, Google has definitively abandoned its smartphones still using Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.
HOW TO INSTALL ANDROID 15?
Once the final version is released, if your smartphone is compatible, you will be informed as soon as the update is ready for your device. You will only have to agree to launch it and everything will be done automatically. To join the beta program, you will need to register on the Google website and select the smartphone on which you want to test the trial version.
To download the latest beta of Android 15, go to the Android developers website and click on Register your device for the beta version of Android 15 for Pixel. Then follow the different steps explained to finalize the registration. The beta updates will then be automatically offered on your mobile once available. Note that unsubscribing from the program erases all user data stored on the device. To avoid this, you must install a stable version of the beta you want to test and exit the program before applying another beta update.
In general, we recommend that you think twice before downloading the first updates of Android 15. Especially during the Developer Preview phase, which are, as the name suggests, intended for developers. It is sometimes possible that some of the essential features are missing, so avoid installing them on your main device unless you really want to try out the new features of the next version of Android before everyone else.
Some people sometimes “brick” their smartphone by trying to download the update via OTA. It is not always your fault if this happens, but your device could be restored if the bootloader is unlocked. Technically, it is not even necessary to unlock the bootloader. Just enable the OEM unlocking feature in the developer options beforehand to be able to unlock the bootloader from fastboot and restore the device if necessary. If there are too many problems, Google can suspend downloads of the offending versions.
WHAT'S NEW IN ANDROID 15?
Android 15 is still under development, so we don't know all the features it will offer. However, we now have some good clues, especially following the deployment of the various beta versions. Here are some of the most interesting features that we can expect in Android 15. We won't talk about all the small, very technical changes mainly dedicated to developers.
1. WIDGETS WILL FINALLY MAKE A RETURN ON THE LOCK SCREEN
The ability to display widgets on the lock screen is one of the features that Android used to offer and then removed. Widgets are small application components that display useful information or allow quick actions.
Google introduced lock screen widgets in Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, then ditched and removed them in Android 5 Lollipop. 10 years after Lollipop, Android 15 might bring them back. Android expert Mishaal Rahman discovered a new feature in an unfinished build of Android 14 that adds a new section to the lock screen that can be populated with some supported widgets.
The feature is still in a very early testing phase and isn’t ready for public use, as it’s hidden behind flags, has a buggy interface, and a weird setup process that will likely change in the final release. Regardless, Rahman also believes that Google will limit lock screen widgets to tablets and other devices with multiple users. There are also restrictions in the code that prevent widgets from displaying private data that other people shouldn’t see.
2. ANDROID 15 MIGHT LET YOU SAVE APP PAIRINGS
With larger Android phones and foldables like the Google Pixel Fold, you can see two apps at once. Android 15 might let you store these app pairs on your home screen for easy access. Some foldable makers have this feature, but Google might be building it into Android. We saw some signs of app pairing in Android 14, but it might not arrive until Android 15.
3. A PRIVATE SPACE FOR YOUR SENSITIVE APPS
Samsung has long had a feature called Secure Folder, which separates sensitive apps from the rest of the system and requires additional verification, and now it looks like Google is developing a similar feature for Android, called Private Space.
This feature creates an additional profile tied to the phone’s primary user, similar to the work profile. It requires additional verification and automatically stops apps and notifications when not in use. Google could allow you to hide your Private Space, so that you can only access it by searching for “Private Space” in your launcher. This feature will be especially useful when, for example, you need to share your phone with someone else, but you don’t want them to see your private data.
4. MONITOR YOUR BATTERY HEALTH
Google introduced basic battery health information in Android 14 through an API that allows third-party apps to use it. A cycle counter is hidden in the About Phone section, under Battery Information. Android 15 could show more data and make it more accessible.
In the next version, battery information should be moved to the more appropriate Battery settings section, and specifically to a new Battery Health menu. You should see the number of cycles and a battery health percentage, indicating how worn out your battery has been since it was new.
5. APPS WILL FINALLY TAKE UP YOUR SMARTPHONE'S ENTIRE SCREEN
With Android 15, it seems that Google is planning to force apps to take up the entire screen. In previous versions, they would sometimes use a solid background behind the status bar and navigation bar, reducing the content displayed. Now, or they will be incompatible with the new version, apps will have to take up 100% of your screen, with the navigation and status bars becoming transparent to let you enjoy a few more lines of content.
6. A NEW BLUETOOTH CONTEXT DIALOG BOX
On your Pixel phone, you can tap the Internet toggle and use the small menu to adjust important settings, but the Bluetooth quick settings button doesn’t work the same way. It’s just a switch that turns on and off unless you press and hold the button. That’s not very convenient for people who keep Bluetooth on for their smartwatches and fitness trackers.
Google seems to want to fix this problem and add a context menu like the one for the Internet that allows you to easily connect and disconnect from different devices without going through the system settings. A new redesigned tile is reportedly in the works in Android 14 QPR2, so it could be included in the operating system before the Android 15 update.
7. BETTER ACCESSIBILITY FOR OLDER PEOPLE
With Android 15, Google is expected to introduce a new “easy pre-set” mode, intended to make Android smartphones much easier to use for people who are not very familiar with technology, or who have vision problems. Once activated, it should, among other things: enlarge icons and text, adjust contrast, add navigation buttons and change the wallpaper to a black image to minimize distractions.
8. NATIVE APP ARCHIVING SUPPORT
Google launched a feature in 2023 that automatically stores unused apps on your phone, leaving a small slot that takes up less space than a full app, while making it easy to restore when needed. The app archive feature will be beneficial for users who are limited on storage or are hesitant to delete apps, as it gives them control over which apps to keep.
The app archive feature isn’t available yet, but the hints are there that you’ll be able to freeze and bring back apps directly from the Apps info page in your Settings in the next version of Android. If Google makes this a standard feature of Android, it will be easier for everyone, regardless of where the apps came from. Plus, users will be able to choose for themselves which apps deserve to be in the archive.
9. BUILT-IN PHISHING PROTECTION
Google Play Store and Play Protect prevent most malicious apps from being installed on your Android smartphone, but some manage to slip through the cracks. Android 15 could then strengthen phishing detection.
In Android 14 QPR2, a new Play Protect feature monitors “app activity to detect phishing or other deceptive behavior.” If it finds something, it sends that information to Play Protect to verify the danger and alert other Android users. It could therefore be released with Android 15.
10. UPDATES INDEPENDENT FROM NFC MODULE
Android has become more modular over the years, with many core features being moved into core modules. This method allows Google to update components without doing a full system update. It allows for new features to be added to phones that aren’t getting updates. It also allows for faster security fixes.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ultra-Wideband are being separated from system updates. Google will likely do the same for NFC. It appears to be part of Google’s “ThreadNetwork,” where Thread is the networking technology behind Google Nest products. The feature’s arrival should coincide with the much-hyped AirTag competitor that Google has been working on for a few years now, as well as Google’s “Find My Device” network for Android users.
Android 15 is expected to add a “Security State” API (android.os.SecurityStateManager) that will provide an easy way to query the Android OS security patch level, vendor components, Linux kernel version, WebView version, and potentially more.
11. REDESIGNED AUDIO SHARING WITH BLUETOOTH LE
Google is expected to introduce Auracast, a feature that lets you share audio with nearby devices using Bluetooth Low Energy. Android 15 is expected to get a new Audio Sharing page in Settings, including options like a switch to turn it on, a button to scan a QR code to connect to a nearby audio stream, and the ability to select a different Bluetooth device to listen to.
12. ANDROID 15 GETS A NEW DESSERT NAME
Google has stopped using dessert names for its Android versions for marketing purposes, but it still uses them internally for development purposes. We know that Android 15 will be called Vanilla Ice Cream, following the alphabetical order after Android 14’s Upside Down Cake. The name Vanilla Ice Cream is also a reference to Android’s history. The original version of Android is often referred to as vanilla Android, meaning it’s raw Android, without any modifications from manufacturers.
13. NEW VIBRATION FEATURES ON YOUR SMARTPHONE
Android 15 DP1 has a new “keyboard vibration” option under Settings → Sounds and vibration → Vibration and haptics that disables haptic feedback in your keyboard app. Better yet, since Android 15 DP1, there is now haptic feedback by default when you adjust the brightness via the quick settings slider.
14. REGULAR NOTIFICATIONS WILL BE LESS ANnoying
Android 15 DP1 has added a feature that provides a delay for notifications. This feature will gradually decrease the volume of notifications when you receive multiple notifications in succession from the same app.
15. APPS WILL ADAPT TO YOUR USE ON THE PIXEL FOLD
Android 15 DP1 brought back the “keep using apps when folded” setting on the Pixel Fold. This lets you choose when to switch apps from the inner display to the Cover Screen after you fold your phone. There are 3 options: Always (the front screen lights up when you fold your device), Only games, videos, and more (the front screen lights up for apps that prevent your screen from being idle), and Never (the front screen locks when you fold your device).
16. PARTIAL SCREEN SHARING
Android 15 DP1 introduces partial screen sharing, allowing users to share or record only an app window rather than the entire device screen, which is useful if you don't want your recipient to see certain information or even your notifications.
17. IMPROVED PROTECTION FOR YOUR PASSWORDS
With Android 15, Google also wants to implement new protections for your one-time passwords, these famous OTPs (One Time Passwords). These can be intercepted by hackers, but a new feature should allow untrustworthy apps to read your messages.
18. MORE OPTIONS WHEN CONNECTING A PHYSICAL KEYBOARD
If you feel like connecting a physical keyboard to your smartphone, for example to type a long text or enjoy more keys directly at your fingertips, know that Android 15 will add features directly borrowed from Windows. There are currently 3 of them. Their names on PC are as follows: sticky keys, Ignore unintentional keystrokes (bounce keys) and Ignore fast keystrokes (slow keys).
19. YOU WILL BE ABLE TO LOCATE YOUR SMARTPHONE EVEN IF IT IS TURNED OFF
Announced at Google I/O 2023, the new Find My Device network should finally be activated in Android 15. The latter will allow your smartphone to send and receive Bluetooth signals even if it is turned off, which will make it discoverable on Google's location platform. Enough to catch up with the OS compared to iOS.
20. STRENGTHENED SECURITY AGAINST APPLICATIONS DOWNLOADED OUTSIDE THE PLAY STORE
Google does not prevent you from installing an application downloaded outside its official store. However, this involves more risks since they are more easily modified by a malicious person. They could slip malware inside, for example. To limit this risk, Android 15 will prevent the installation of such apps if they are not at least designed for Android 7.0 Nougat. In this way, they will already have to meet a certain security requirement.
21. BETTER CONTROL OVER WHO HAS ACCESS TO YOUR GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
You can choose whether or not an application can access your location, and when (all the time or only when you use it). But your telephone operator knows it permanently. Android 15 should change this by introducing a new permission to allow it or not, except in a specific situation.
22. INCREASED READABILITY IN APPLICATIONS
Android 15 wants to put an end to difficult-to-read applications such as those where the text does not stand out enough from the background and where the interaction buttons are drowned in the background. The Color Contrast function will allow you to activate different modes to make everything stand out in supported apps.
23. SATELLITE MESSAGES
Android 15 should allow compatible smartphones to send messages by satellite. We now know that this feature should not be limited to emergency services, but should also allow you to communicate with your loved ones.
24. A STATUS BAR WITH NEW ICONS
It seems that Android 15 will introduce new icons for the taskbar, which had not benefited from a redesign for several years now.
25. A SMART SLEEP AND SCREEN LOCK
Android already allows you to define after what period of inactivity the screen of your smartphone should turn off. Right after, another delay tells it when it should lock. Android 15 will introduce an adaptive screen sleep, which will turn off and then lock the screen automatically at the appropriate time, without waiting for the end of the programmed countdown. This is a good way to gain autonomy and better secure the device.
25. NFC CHARGING
Although it has been around since 2020, it is Android 15 that will integrate NFC charging for the first time. The maximum power supported by the latter is 1 W, which reserves it for charging devices such as Bluetooth beacons, touch pens or certain smartwatches.
26. EASIER NOTIFICATION MANAGEMENT
To help you better identify notifications that can be disabled because they don't interest you, for example, Android 15 will automatically hide unused channels in the dedicated smartphone settings page. As a reminder, the channels in question refer to the grouping of notifications visible in Settings > Notifications > App notifications.
27. A REVISITED LOCK SCREEN
Android 15 will change the lock screen of our smartphones. The first notable change is the return of widgets that will take a form inspired by iOS. They will allow you to view important information such as an upcoming appointment at a glance. Another change is the display of the lock screen in landscape mode. It becomes much clearer by optimizing the available space.
28. A NEW, MORE INTUITIVE WAY TO ZOOM
To enlarge an area of the screen, Android 15 could introduce a new simple gesture: double-tap with two fingers on the screen to zoom. More practical than using the volume keys for example.
29. ANDROID 15 WILL HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER
Until now reserved for the Digital Wellbeing application, Google could deploy an API allowing any application to implement bedtime routines. For example, darken the screen, switch it to black and white or activate an anti-blue light filter.
30. MORE STABLE VIDEOS, REGARDLESS OF THE APPLICATION USED
Android 15 would add a new API to Camera2, the program on which all photo/video applications on Android are based. While the existing 5 are only used for photos, a 6th would be dedicated to video and more precisely to film stabilization. All apps of this type could use it.
31. MORE IMMERSIVE FILMS AND SERIES
In order to take advantage of the ever-increasing quality of smartphone screens, Android 15 will focus on sound immersion. The system will be compatible with dynamic spatial audio, which moves sounds according to the movements of your head. Of course, you will need suitable headphones or earphones.
32. DEFAULT PROTECTION AGAINST “JUICE JACKING”
Although rare, the practice of “juice jacking” exists. It consists of modifying the USB sockets of public charging stations available in certain places (train stations, airports, shopping centers, etc.) in order to steal your data when you put your smartphone to charge. With Android 15, switching to Lock mode will automatically disable access to data via USB, effectively preventing this type of hacking.
33. MULTITASKING MADE EASY
Even without a touchscreen stylus, splitting your smartphone screen in 2 to, for example, take notes on a video or an article is an increasingly common practice. Android 15 could make this kind of situation more pleasant to manage with the introduction of a retractable taskbar. In particular, it would make it easy to switch from one application to another by “pulling” its icon upwards from the bar.
34. DESKTOP MODE FOR TABLETS
In order to catch up with Samsung, which has been offering its DeX mode for quite a few years, Android 15 includes a native Desktop mode for tablets to transform them into mini laptops. Several ergonomic options such as resizing or snapping windows are designed to facilitate the experience.