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Although the release of Android 15 is not expected until later in the year, we already have some idea of what Google has planned for this year's software update. Following the release of the first public beta of Android 15 and two developer previews, users have been sifting through the early code in an attempt to find any new features, improvements to already-existing ones, and any tweaks Google has been working on.
Up to now, we've seen improvements that allow users to turn off notifications, tweaks that may speed up the loading of in-app websites, and a modification that allows for partial screen sharing. the Pixel Tablet's reintroduction of lock-screen widgets, improved visual accessibility, and the requirement that programs fit the screen edge-to-edge.
Of course, that's only the tip of the iceberg in terms of everything Android 15 has to offer. Here is what we currently know.
The release date for Android 15 is yet to be confirmed by Google.
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Android 15's release date is currently a bit of a mystery. Though this hasn't always been the case, new software usually rolls out in late summer. October saw the release of Android 12 and 14, which was somewhat closer to the release of the Pixel phones that same year.
Thus, even while it's possible that Android 15 will release as normal in late summer, we could have to wait a few more months. Unfortunately, we won't know for sure until much closer to the event.
Not much more is provided by Google's development schedule for Android 15, which states that platform stability will start in June and beta releases will start in the spring. With the release of the first beta of Android 15, we have only reached the first segment of that timeframe thus far.
The ultimate release timeframe is a little ambiguous; it only states that the release will take place at an undefined point after July. which is the closest release window we'll have until May's Google I/O 2024.
As usual, we anticipate that Android 15 will be released first on Pixel phones, with other phone manufacturers releasing updates at different times.
Android 15 Supported Devices: What to Expect
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Which Pixel devices will receive an Android 15 update later this year has been verified by the first developer preview and public beta of the operating system. The Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro are the oldest devices scheduled for an update. Just be aware that neither of the devices will receive complete Android upgrades after October, so don't anticipate many more.
This naturally implies that an Android 15 update will also be coming for the Google Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, and Google Pixel 8 series. You may now install the Android 15 beta on any of those phones.
At some point in August, the Google Pixel 5a will no longer be able to get new Android upgrades, and Android 15 will not be coming to it. Thus, when the Pixel 8a is out this summer, it would be worthwhile to upgrade if you still own a Pixel 5a.
Regarding other Android phones, that fully depends on the kind of software support that your phone's maker has promised. The Galaxy S21, the eldest Samsung flagship, along with mid-range phones up to the Galaxy A33 and foldables up to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3, are all expected to receive Android 15.
Android 15 Developer Preview & Beta: What to Expect
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Developer previews for Android 15 have already been released, with releases in February and March. With the April launch of the Android 15 public beta, we've now entered the depths of beta testing.
Right now, it's unknown what kind of update schedule the beta will follow. The major feature enhancements should be available around the end of June, if Google keeps to its release timetable. After that, the company will concentrate on maintaining platform stability. There will still be updates, but they should be considerably more frequent and concentrated on bug fixes and other pre-release adjustments rather than major releases.
These timelines aren't final, though, since Google may need to postpone these dates by an unknown amount in order to address problems with Android 15.
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In any case, Android beta versions ought to start to surface soon before the official release of Android 15. Following that, the Quarterly Platform Releases for Android should begin to roll out in beta form.
Which non-Pixel phones will be able to access the Android 15 beta is yet unknown, but Google is probably going to provide additional information during Google I/O.
Rumored Features of Android 15
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The problem with investigating Android 15 at this early stage is that we have no idea what features the new version may have. Even while the initial developer preview has a ton of new features that we haven't seen on Android yet, there's no assurance that any of these will be included in the final release.
Though there are plans, Google's next software is continually changing. Certain things work and some don't, and that's always taken into account in the finished product. Having said that, new features have a stronger chance of making the final cut the closer we get to release day with each new update.
Partial screen sharing, which enables Android users to share windows from a single app rather than their entire screen, is one of the primary new features Google unveiled in the first developer preview. This is similar to what some of the best desktop video chat applications currently accomplish.
Rumor has said that Android 15 will bring lock-screen widgets back to Android phones, as the Android 14 QPR3 beta introduced the ability to set them. Although their availability could be restricted to gadgets that are compatible with Android hub mode, such as the Pixel Tablet, we would prefer to see their comeback. Smartphone lock screen widgets are set for a resurgence because they disappeared with the release of Android 5 and then surfaced on iOS.
There are rumors that Android 15 may also include a significant accessibility update that would help those who are blind or visually impaired. This includes a "easy pre-set" feature that makes use of three on-screen buttons for navigation, bigger text and icons, and more contrast and bold effects. It appears to be somewhat comparable to iOS's Assistive Access, which streamlines the phone interface and relies more on visual signals than on difficult-to-read text, despite being incomplete.
A different feature in the developer preview could result in a little quicker loading time for in-app web sites. This is because Google made sure your phone doesn't have to start from zero every time you use it by securing the WebView protocol to the memory of your device.
If you find that receiving too many alerts irritates you, the Android 15 could have something to offer that will make you happy. The developer preview appears to have a "notification cooldown," which progressively reduces the number of alerts that applications continuously bombard you with. This implies you won't have to decide between getting annoyed by every last message delivered to your group conversations or putting your phone on silence.
It's possible that Android 15 may mandate that app developers provide edge-to-edge display coverage, which is now an optional feature. The concept is that apps use all available screen real estate, including the spaces often occupied by status bars, which may already disappear as needed.
A new keyboard vibration option that allows you to turn off haptics in the keyboard app and some haptic feedback when you reduce the display brightness are also included in the preview. Additionally, similar to the Android 14 QPR betas, it appears that the Quick Settings menu, rather than the whole Bluetooth interface, will be used to switch between Bluetooth devices.
The "continue using apps on Fold" function, which enables you to keep using apps on the cover display even after you close the folding display, may finally be available to Pixel Fold users.
It looks like a new function that lets users locate devices that are off will be included in Android 15. According to a recent rumor, the function is compatible with the Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 9. It appears that the requirement for some reserve power in the battery is now the sole restriction on compatible devices.
Better cellular network security has also been validated by the Android 15 beta, which offers the option to completely shun unencrypted networks as well as alerts about them. Support for external Braille displays, an option for a new default wallet, and safeguards against fraudulent programs bringing other apps to the forefront are also planned.
The Outlook for Android 15
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Before Android 15 makes its way onto your phone, there's still a long way to go, which means there are still a lot of unknowns. Heck, in the next months, the little we do know may very well alter. However, based on the official information we have now obtained and the speculations of planned additions, Android 15 may provide a lot of advantages.
Even yet, we'll have to wait for formal announcements before we can begin anticipating the future. Fortunately, a clearer picture of what to anticipate following Google I/O 2024 should emerge. The event usually takes place in the first two weeks of May, while the exact date has not been confirmed.