Google may not have confirmed it yet, but the company is likely hard at work on the next iteration of Android behind closed doors.
So, what should we expect in terms of features and compatibility with existing phones? And when will the new software arrive on your device? Here’s everything you need to know about Android 15 at this point.
When will Android 15 be released?
There’s nothing official from Google regarding Android 15 yet, but the company tends to release new Android versions in the second half of each calendar. Here’s when the latest generations debuted:
- Android 14 – October 2023
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
Following this pattern, we expect the full version of Android 15 to arrive September or October 2024. Before that, Google usually releases developer versions of the software, which will likely appear in the first quarter of 2024. This is beta software, however, so we don’t recommend trying to use it on your primary smartphone.
Our first in-depth look at Android 15 will likely take place during Google’s I/O developer conference, which usually takes place in May.
Of course, even when Android 15 officially launches, it will be a while before it arrives on all compatible phones. The latest Pixel devices will be the first in line, but a full rollout will likely take several months.
Which devices will receive Android 15?
If you’re reading this section, you’re probably wondering if your current Android smartphone will benefit from Android 15.
This depends on when your phone was released, but also how long the company said it would provide OS (OS) updates. Many Samsung and OnePlus phones are getting at least four new releases, while Google has three or more and Asus only two.
To make things simpler, we have a dedicated article on which phones will receive Android 15. There is also the useful Android 15 Update Tracker which monitors an even wider range of Android phones.
But not all models are included, so it’s worth reading Tech Advisor’s full review of your phone to see how long it will be supported.
What new features will we see in Android 15?
It’s still a little early to know what Google will introduce when it rolls out Android 15, but there have already been rumors about what could be in store.
A new name
Google doesn’t actually use the dessert names it used to give Android publicly, but that doesn’t mean it’s stopped using them internally. With that in mind, we now know that Android 15 will have the nickname Vanilla Ice Cream (as the releases have reached the letter V in the alphabet). This won’t affect performance or any other metrics, but we thought you might like to know.
Lock screen widgets have been missing from Android since 2015, when they were removed with the introduction of Lollipop (version 5). But according to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, they could be about to make a comeback.
In an article for Android Authority, Rahman says he was able to enable a new “common” space in a beta build of Android 14, but the feature never made it to the final version. Just like the current home screen, it would allow you to pin various widgets on the screen to view as soon as you wake up the device.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
As you can see above, the feature seems best suited for Android tablets. In fact, Rahman thinks this might be limited to devices with larger screens, as opposed to smartphones.
Application pairs
Many Android phone makers let you save app pairs that automatically launch in split-screen mode, but this isn’t yet built into the Pixel phones’ core software.
Given that it’s already available in a beta version of Android 14, this seems very likely for Android 15.
private space
Android Police recently reported finding a work-in-progress feature in the Android 14 beta that will likely be finished in time for Android 15. It’s a Private Space, which seems very similar to the Secure Folder feature from Samsung that exists. for several years.
With Private Space, you can create a profile on your Android phone that separates data from normal operating space. Essentially, it is a secure profile where you can protect information and applications from being accessed or even seen by anyone using your phone.
Private Space appears to offer the ability to use completely different security login credentials on your phone, meaning you should be able to hand your child or friend your device without them being able to then open apps or files private or sensitive information.
Easier NFC updates
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mishaal Rahman states that Google is preparing to separate NFC updates from full Android system updates:
Essentially, this means that NFC updates would be handled through the Google Play Store once Android 15 launches. This could allow it to be used more easily with accessories such as NFC trackers, with the ability to quickly release NFC updates without a full system update.
If it comes to Android 15, that could suggest Google is working on a tracker to rival the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag.
New voice activations for third-party apps
Google could add support for third-party apps to take advantage of voice activation. At the moment, you can only activate your Android phone via the Google Assistant and the “Ok Google” command.
But, according to a report by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority, Google could make this permission available for all third-party apps. It looks like Bard, Google’s answer to ChatGPT and Bing Chat, could soon partially or completely replace the Google Assistant, so the move would make sense.
Elsewhere, Rahman (via Android Authority) believes a new iPhone-style battery health settings page will be introduced. It also discovered (via Android Police) a new pop-up Bluetooth dialog in the Quick Settings menu in a recent beta.
That’s all we’ve found so far, but as more details are revealed we’ll update this article. In the meantime, if you don’t think your phone will be up to Android 15 or just fancy a new handset to go along with the updated software, check out our guide to the best Android phones.
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