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Android 15 may not arrive until later this year, but we already know a few things about what Google has in store for this year’s software upgrade. First developer preview released. That means people are looking at this early code for new features, upgrades to existing features, and tweaks Google has made.
So far, we’ve seen changes that allow users to cool down notifications, make in-app web pages load faster, and provide partial screen sharing. Meanwhile, there are also rumors that lock screen widgets will be back, improving visual accessibility and potentially forcing apps to span the edge of the screen.
Of course, this no doubt only scratches the surface of what Android 15 can offer. Here’s everything we know so far.
Possible Android 15 release date
The release date of Android 15 is a bit of a mystery at the moment. Typically, new software is released in late summer, but in some cases this was not the case. The launch of Android 12 and Android 14 took place in October, much closer to the launch of his Pixel smartphones that year.
So there’s a good chance that Android 15 will be released at the end of summer, but as always, we may have to wait a few more months. Unfortunately, we won’t know for sure until it’s much closer to that time.
Google’s Android 15 development calendar isn’t much help either, noting that beta releases should start in mid-March ahead of platform stability starting in June. However, the final release period is quite vague, simply stating that the final release will occur at an unspecified time after July. This is as close as his release window ahead of Google I/O 2024 in May.
As always, Android 15 will arrive first on Pixel smartphones, with other smartphone manufacturers expected to follow at their own pace.
Android 15 compatible devices
The first Android 15 developer preview confirmed which Pixel devices will be upgraded to Android 15 later this year.of Oldest device in line for upgrade Google Pixel 6 and Google Pixel 6 Pro. However, both devices will stop receiving full Android updates during October, so don’t expect many additional updates.
Naturally, this means the Google Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, and Google Pixel 8 series will also be upgraded to Android 15.
The Google Pixel 5a will no longer have access to new Android updates at some point in August, and Android 15 will definitely not be available. So if you still have a Pixel 5a, it might be worth upgrading to the Pixel 8a when it launches this year. summer.
As for other Android smartphones, it depends entirely on what kind of software support that smartphone manufacturer promises. Samsung’s oldest flagship to be running Android 15 is the Galaxy S21, as well as mid-range phones up to the Galaxy A33 and foldable phones up to the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.
Android 15 developer preview and beta
The first Android 15 developer preview was released in mid-February and is already available. According to Google’s timeline, the preview will continue until his mid-March, at which point Android 15 should move into the beta stage.
It’s unclear what update frequency we can expect from Android 15 developer previews and betas. Or even whether Google will be able to stick to this release schedule over the next few months. As it turns out, Android 15 has issues that Google needs to fix that could push those dates back by an unspecified amount.
In any case, Android betas should be rolled out in small increments right up to the software launch. After that, beta versions of Android’s quarterly platform releases should start rolling out.
For now, it’s unclear which phones other than Pixels will be eligible for the Android 15 beta, but Google will likely reveal more details closer to the public beta release.
Android 15 rumored features
The problem with considering Android 15 at this early stage is that we don’t know what the new software will offer. The first developer preview may be available with many additional features never seen before on Android, but there is no guarantee that any of these features will make it to the final release. .
Google may have a plan, but future software is always in flux. Some work, some don’t, and the final version is always treated accordingly. That said, the closer each update gets to the release date, the more likely new features will be shortlisted.
Here are some of the major new features Google announced with the first developer preview: partial screen sharingThis allows Android users to share a window from a single app instead of sharing the entire screen, as some apps do. best video chat app It’s already running on your desktop.
There are also rumors that Android 15 is coming Lock screen widgets return to Android smartphones, after the option to configure them appeared in the Android 14 QPR3 beta. We’d like to see it return, although it may be limited to devices that support Android hub mode, such as the Pixel Tablet. Lock screen widgets disappeared with the arrival of Android 5 and then appeared on iOS, so they’re set to return.
Rumor has it that Android 15 may also bring major accessibility changes that will help people with visual impairments. This includes: “Easy preset” function It utilizes larger text and icons, additional contrast and bold effects, and three on-screen buttons for navigation. Although unfinished as far as we can tell, it is quite similar to Assistive Access on iOS. This simplifies the phone interface and uses more visual cues instead of hard-to-read text.
Another feature in the developer preview is In-app web pages load slightly faster. This is thanks to Google fixing his WebView protocol that serves these pages to your phone’s memory so you don’t have to start them from scratch every time you use them.
For those who are concerned about excessive notifications, Android 15 may offer features that will satisfy them. “notification cooldown” was discovered in the developer preview and gradually lowers the volume of continuous notifications that the app throws at you. That means you don’t have to choose between putting your phone on silent or being annoyed by the last message sent to a group chat.
Android 15 may also force app developers to provide edge-to-edge display coverage, which is currently an optional feature. The idea is App uses up all available screen spaceThis includes the space normally occupied by the status bar. These areas already have the ability to disappear if needed.
Preview also features a new keyboard vibration toggle that lets you disable haptics in the keyboard app and disable haptic feedback when lowering display brightness. Additionally, similar to the Android 14 QPR beta, it appears that you can switch between Bluetooth devices from the Quick Settings menu rather than the full Bluetooth menu.
Finally, Pixel Fold owners will now be able to use the “Continue using apps on Fold” feature that allows them to continue using apps on the cover display every time they close their foldable display.
Outlook for Android 15
There’s still a long way to go before Android 15 hits your phone, and that means there’s still a lot we don’t know right now. Well, there’s little information we know, but that could change in the coming months. But from the official details and rumors of upcoming features we’ve received so far, there may be a lot to like about Android 15.
Still, we’ll have to wait for official news before we start getting excited about what’s to come. Thankfully, we should now have a better idea of what to expect after Google I/O 2024. There is no confirmation as to when the event will be held, but it is usually held during the first two weeks of May.
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