Recently at Google’s developer conference 2024, the discussion on Android 15 was hot. In that, information regarding the upcoming Android 15 was discussed. Significant developments in AI have been seen in the past few years on Google’s part. Soon Android 15 is going to be launched with ultimate new features. Google will launch it this year. However, Android 15 is currently available in the second beta version only for a few devices. Soon the final version will be launched later this year. The second beta version was launched on May 15. Before it in April the first public beta was launched and in February the first developer preview was released. To attain the aim of making it accessible to more audience and early enthusiasts to use the new features on their personal phones.
When will Android 15 be released?
Google is going to launch Android 15 in August 2024. According to Google the Android 15 will get its platform stability in June or July 2024. After it Google will release it for the general public. Before it, Android 14 came in August 2023 so it is speculated that Android 15 can also come around this month.
What new features does Android 15 Beta 2 now have?
With improved productivity and extended battery power Android 15 brings classy features with optimised performance. Major feature updates like expanded accessibility and improved privacy for a number of ecosystems of devices. Many technical updates like foreground service management. Many services including media processing and data sync have a six-hour timeout, after this time they will be terminated or must stop.
Phones that will Get the Android 15
Details of device models and brands that will receive updates of android 15:
| Brand | Model(s) |
| Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro | |
| OnePlus | OnePlus 12 |
| Vivo | Vivo X100 |
| iQoo | iQoo 12 |
| Nothing | Nothing Phone 2(a) |
| Honor | Select Models |
| Lenovo | Select Models |
| OPPO | Select Models |
| Realme | Select Models |
| Sharp | Select Models |
| Tecno | Select Models |
| Xiaomi | Select Models |
| Samsung | Galaxy S21, Galaxy S21+, Galaxy S21 Ultra, Galaxy S22, Galaxy S22+, Galaxy S22 Ultra, Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy A33, Galaxy A52, Galaxy A53, Galaxy A54, Galaxy Z Fold 3, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Flip 5 |
| Nokia | Nokia XR21, Nokia X30, Nokia G60, Nokia G42 |
Features of Android 15
1. Android 15 Introduces Private Space for App Security
With Android 15, Google is making it easier to secure your apps directly through the operating system with a new feature called Private Space. This feature lets you protect sensitive apps, like banking or health apps, using fingerprint authentication or a custom lock. You can even make Private Space invisible on your device for added privacy. As Android 15 rolls out, third-party developers are expected to adopt and customize this feature in various ways.
2. Google Wallet to Support More Digital Passes
Google Wallet is expanding its capabilities in the U.S. to include saving digital versions of almost any pass that mainly contains text. Soon, users will be able to take photos of items like event tickets, library cards, auto insurance cards, and gym memberships, and store them digitally in their Google Wallet. This complements the existing ability to save items with barcodes and QR codes, making it even more convenient to access important passes.
3. Enhanced Security with Theft Detection Lock
Later this year, Google plans to introduce the Theft Detection Lock feature to improve the security of your personal and financial data if your phone is stolen. Using Google’s AI technology, this feature detects sudden movements that suggest your phone has been snatched and immediately locks it to prevent unauthorized access. Supported on devices running Android 10 and later, Android 15 will also include factory reset protection, similar to Apple’s Find My iPhone, which prevents anyone from resetting and reactivating your stolen phone without your Google account credentials.
4. Real-time Protection Against Fraud
Google Play Protect is launching new security measures with on-device AI to identify apps involved in fraud or phishing. This feature actively monitors apps for suspicious activity, such as accessing sensitive permissions or interacting with other apps in unusual ways. If an app is flagged, it is forwarded to Google for further analysis. Users will be alerted or the app will be disabled if it is confirmed to be harmful. This process protects user privacy without collecting personal data.
5. Augmented Reality in Google Maps
Android 15 will allow users to explore augmented reality (AR) content directly through Google Maps on their phones. Google is updating Maps and Search functions to assist with travel plans, featuring curated recommendation lists from sources like Lonely Planet, The New York Times, and OpenTable. Google Maps on Android and iOS will also introduce improved customization features for creating personal lists.
6. Improved App Experience on Larger Screens
Android 15 aims to simplify the process for developers to optimize their apps for larger screens, such as tablets and foldable devices, through new Compose AI adaptive layout libraries. These libraries help ensure that app interfaces adjust effectively across different screen sizes and orientations, making apps look better and work more smoothly on all devices.
7. Better PDF Management
Working with PDF files on Android devices is set to become easier with Android 15. New features include smoother loading of PDFs, support for password-protected files, annotations, form editing, and the ability to select and copy text. Users will also be able to search within PDF files, making it more efficient to find the information they need.
8. Enhanced Connectivity with Fast Pair and Satellite Support
Fast Pair simplifies connecting Android devices with accessories like speakers and earbuds. With over one billion connections since its launch, Fast Pair now includes features like tracking the battery life of your accessories and helping locate lost items. Android 15 also upgrades its support for satellite connectivity, including SMS and preloaded RCS apps to send and receive messages via satellite, expanding beyond emergency scenarios.
9. Partial Screen Sharing and In-App Camera Controls
Android 15 allows users to share or record just a single app window instead of the entire screen, a feature initially introduced for Pixel devices. The new system also includes extensions for better camera control, offering features like low-light upgrades and advanced flash strength adjustments.
10. Persistent Taskbar and More Health Data
Android 15 offers users the option to choose between a transient or permanent taskbar for better multitasking. The Health Connect platform expands to include new data types, such as skin temperature and training plans, enhancing health and fitness tracking.
11. Loudness and Keyboard Vibration Control
To prevent abrupt changes in volume when switching between apps, Android 15 incorporates the CTA-2075 loudness standard, ensuring consistent audio levels. Additionally, a universal “keyboard vibration” toggle lets users control keyboard vibrations across different apps.
Android 15 brings a host of new features and improvements designed to enhance security, usability, and user experience on Android devices, making it a highly anticipated update for users and developers alike.
How to upgrade to Android 15?
Up until now, the versions of Android 15 that have been available are early-stage releases. These developer previews are meant for developers to test their apps, so they are not suitable for general use. At this stage, it’s expected that some features might not work, and there could be major bugs.
Now that we have moved into the beta phase of Android 15’s rollout, the software is becoming more stable, making it more suitable for early adopters to explore. If you’re an Android enthusiast eager for early access, the beta version should now be stable enough to use. However, it’s important to remember that some bugs might still need fixing.
Steps to Install Android 15 on a Pixel Phone
Installing Android 15 on a Pixel phone can be done in three ways. Here are the methods:
- Assisted Method:
- This is the easiest and most user-friendly method.
- It is recommended for most users.
- You use the Chrome browser to simplify most of the installation steps.
- This method is available only for phones that are eligible for beta testing.
- Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge):
- This method is more technical.
- It offers more control over the installation process.
- It is suitable if you are already on Android 15 and want to update without erasing your device.
- Using Fastboot:
- Similar to ADB, this method is also technical.
- It gives you more control over the installation.
- Ideal for advanced users who need to perform a clean install or recover a bricked device.
Important Things to Remember
- Data Wipe: Upgrading from Android 14 to Android 15 usually requires a full wipe of your phone’s data. This means all your data will be erased.
- Backup Your Data: Make sure to back up all your important data before starting the upgrade process.
- Stable Release: If you’re not ready to erase your device or deal with potential bugs, it might be best to wait until a more stable version of Android 15 is released.