The next version of Google’s mobile operating system is not far away.
Android 15 is expected to be shown off at the upcoming Google I/O event in May, before debuting alongside the Pixel 9 lineup later this year.
However, a public beta of Android 15 is now available and Google has already announced several new features to developers.
While Android 15 is likely a small refresh rather than an overhaul, there are still 10 new features worth getting excited about.
1. Satellite messaging
Apple recently introduced the ability for some iPhones to use a satellite uplink to make emergency calls in a remote area without network coverage.
Although this feature is not available on Android 15, the ability to send messages (SMS and MMS) via satellite will be.
This is ideal if you’re the adventurous type or spending time off-grid but still want to stay safe. It’s unclear at this time whether you’ll need any particular hardware built into your phone, so we’ll have to wait and see how the service works.
2. Faster NFC payments
Google is adding more code to Android 15’s NFC payment area, which should make the process faster and more convenient. It appears that your phone will communicate with the other NFC device, but will not respond until you tap the screen to confirm a payment. A small change, but it might be one you use a lot.
3. Easier to choose a Google Pay alternative
Android 14 already lets you select your bank’s own contactless payment app (provided it has one) as your default wallet instead of Google Pay, but the setting can be a little tricky to track down.
This was adjusted in the first beta of Android 15, making it much simpler. The setting is now in the Default Apps section rather than the NFC section.
4. Share an app screen
You will now be able to share the screen of only the app you are using, rather than the entire screen.
We saw this debut on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro in late 2023. But in Android 15, it should be a feature available on all devices.
5. Improved PDF viewing and editing
Google has worked hard to improve the rendering and handling of PDF files in the built-in PDF reader.
This should mean that not only will documents render faster, but you’ll also be able to use features like annotations, form editing, and password protection natively in Android 15.
6. Better Camera Performance
Android 15 beta versions come with some subtle camera improvements.
One of these is “Low Light Boost,” a new autoexposure feature that should provide better previews of how a night photo will turn out. There are also more granular flash controls to adjust flash brightness and prevent whiteout.
Martyn Casserly
Martyn Casserly
Martyn Casserly
7. Audio equalization
Another new feature is “Volume Control,” a system-wide option that monitors and adjusts the volumes of the media you’re using so that they’re all roughly the same volume.
The idea is that you don’t find yourself listening to a silent recording of something, then accidentally open YouTube and be deafened by an ad.
8. Notification Cooldown
If you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the constant notifications lighting up your phone, Android 15’s Cooldown feature will provide some welcome respite.
The setting prevents the same app from bombarding you with alerts one after another. If an app sends you many notifications in a short period of time, the latest ones will be disabled by default.
9. Screen recording detection
Security improvements are always welcome, and this new monitoring of system activities is a good thing.
Android 15 will allow apps to detect if the screen is being recorded while in use. This should prevent sensitive data from being viewed and captured on video, whether by accident or via malware.
10. New Health Connect app
The Health Connect app was a beta test running with Android 14, but Google may release it as a real system app in Android 15. As the name suggests, it’s intended to allow users to view data on the health, nutrition and fitness from various third-party apps in one place.
These are the 10 most interesting new features, but they are not the only ones to have been confirmed. Android 15 will be able to more easily differentiate between SDR and HDR images, support Midi 2.0 virtual devices, and better recognize multiple languages at the same time. You can also expect the usual improvements to general performance and battery life.
Google may also be saving some of the coolest features for its keynote/exit, so it’s worth tuning in there.
Want to buy a new Android 15-ready handset? All the top Android phones will receive the update, although it will be different depending on which company you choose.
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