The 21 Top New Features of Android 15
The long-awaited Android 15 has officially arrived, bringing with it a variety of new features and enhancements. Google aims to improve productivity, boost privacy and security, and enhance overall performance with this update. In addition, there are specific improvements tailored for foldable and larger-screen devices. The rollout of Android 15 to eligible devices begins today, and we’ve had the chance to explore it. Here are the standout features we’ve discovered so far.
Though Google stopped using dessert-themed names publicly after Android 10, they continue to use codenames internally. While Android 14 was referred to as Upside Down Cake, this year’s version is known as Vanilla Ice Cream.
Updated September 2024: We’ve included updates for the official release and added a few new features.
Android 15 Release Information
Unlike previous years, Google did not mention Android 15 during its recent Made by Google event, where the latest Pixel devices were introduced. The new Pixel 9 series even launched with Android 14 pre-installed. However, Google began rolling out Android 15 on September 3, and the source code is now available through the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Pixel phones, as usual, are the first to receive the update, with other manufacturers such as Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi following in the coming months. The timing of the update will vary depending on your device’s manufacturer, and it’s advisable to check with them to see when Android 15 will be available for your device.
How to Download and Install Android 15
Owners of Google Pixel phones (Pixel 6 and newer) can download Android 15 by navigating to Settings > System > System update and selecting Check for update.
For those who can’t wait, it may be possible to install the Android 15 Beta. These beta versions allow developers to test the upcoming release, explore new features, and prepare their apps or games accordingly. Early adopters can also get a sneak preview, though these versions may still contain bugs. To install the beta, you’ll need a supported partner device, such as certain models from Honor, Nothing, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, and you’ll have to enroll in the Android Beta Program. Most participants will receive beta updates over the air (OTA) without the need to reset their devices, though leaving the beta program will require a factory reset. Back up your phone before enrolling.
If you don’t have a Pixel or a supported partner device, keep an eye on your phone manufacturer’s website, forums, or social media channels for updates on when Android 15 might become available.
Highlighted New Features in Android 15
Below are some of our favorite features and improvements introduced in Android 15. For more information, visit Google’s developer site, and check out our article on new features across the Android ecosystem, including Wear OS, Android Auto, and Android TV.
Private Space
Android 15 introduces a new Private Space where sensitive apps can be kept separate from the rest of your device. Whether you want to protect health data or banking apps, Private Space adds an extra layer of security, requiring a second authentication step, such as a PIN or the same password used to unlock your phone. When locked, these apps are hidden from the Recents view, notifications, settings, and other apps. You can also fully wipe your Private Space if needed.
Enhanced Music Recognition
Google has made it easier to identify songs with a feature called Circle to Search in Android 15. If you hear a tune on your phone or a nearby speaker that catches your interest, simply long-press the Home button or navigation bar to activate Circle to Search, then tap the music button to identify the song and artist. A link to the YouTube video is also provided.
Improved Image Descriptions for Accessibility
Android’s TalkBack screen reader, which assists those with vision loss, now benefits from Google’s Gemini AI in Android 15. This AI enhances the ability to describe images, going beyond the alt text traditionally input on websites. This feature also works with photos in your camera roll, social media images, and pictures in text messages.
Earthquake Alert System
In the US, Android 15 users will receive potentially life-saving alerts about impending earthquakes, thanks to crowd-sourced earthquake detection technology. This feature also provides tips on what to do after a quake.
Expanded Satellite Connectivity
Satellite connectivity sees significant improvements in Android 15. Some RCS and SMS apps will now be able to send text messages via satellite, a feature previously limited to emergency use. Google has standardized the user interface elements to make it clearer when you’re connected via satellite. Currently, only the Pixel 9 range supports satellite messaging.
Offline Maps for Wear OS
Wear OS smartwatches paired with an Android phone can now access offline maps. Maps downloaded to your phone can be used for directions on your smartwatch, allowing you to leave your phone behind during activities like running.
Better Bluetooth Management
Android 15 brings a variety of Bluetooth improvements. The quick settings tile now opens a popup for selecting individual devices, accessing their settings, and pairing new devices, reducing the need to navigate through the settings menu. Additionally, Google appears to be changing how the Bluetooth toggle operates; when turned off, it will automatically turn back on the next day by default, aiding in the functionality of Android’s Find My Device network. This automatic reactivation can be disabled in the settings if preferred.
Partial Screen Recording
Android 15 introduces the ability to record or share only a portion of your screen, such as an individual app, without exposing the rest of your screen or incoming notifications. Login credentials and one-time passwords (OTPs) are automatically concealed from remote viewers. This feature was initially available on Pixel devices, but Google has now integrated it into Android.
Blocking Malicious Apps
Android 15 includes several updates aimed at preventing malicious apps from causing harm. Malicious apps can no longer hide behind other apps or overlay themselves invisibly. Additionally, changes have been made to reduce the misuse of intents, which are often exploited by malware to initiate actions in other apps. These behind-the-scenes improvements help enhance user safety.
App Archiving
With Android 15, if you haven’t used an app or game in a while, you may be prompted to archive it instead of deleting it. App archiving allows you to offload most of the app while keeping your user settings or game save data. This feature, first introduced last year, is now available systemwide, providing an option to auto-archive apps when storage is low.
Enhanced Vibration Controls
Android 15 introduces systemwide control for keyboard vibrations, allowing users to turn them on or off without needing to delve into keyboard settings. A new toggle in Settings > Sound and vibration > Vibration and haptics also lets users adjust haptic feedback intensity. Additionally, rich vibrations have been added, enabling users to distinguish between different types of notifications without looking at the screen.
Audio Sharing Simplified
A new settings page in Android 15 focuses on simplifying audio sharing using Bluetooth LE and Auracast. Although the feature was not functional in the last beta, Android Authority managed to test it on a Pixel 8 Pro. This feature allows you to broadcast audio from your phone to other devices within Bluetooth range, enabling friends and family to join by scanning a QR code.
Improved PDF Handling
Working with PDF files on Android has often been cumbersome, but Android 15 brings several enhancements. PDFs should now load more smoothly, with added support for password-protected files, annotations, form editing, and copy selection. You can also search within PDF files, making it easier to find specific information.
Volume Control Improvements
Switching between apps often results in jarring volume changes. Android 15 addresses this with support for the CTA-2075 loudness standard, which compares volume levels between apps and adjusts the audio accordingly, taking into account the characteristics of your speakers, headphones, or earbuds.
Better Low-Light Camera Performance
Android 15 introduces significant improvements to the camera app, particularly for low-light conditions. The new Low Light Boost feature provides better previews in dim lighting, helping you frame nighttime shots more accurately and scan QR codes when light is scarce. Additionally, new options in the camera app offer finer control over the flash, allowing adjustments to both single flashes and continuous flashlight mode.
Enhanced Fraud and Scam Protection
Several updates in Android 15 aim to combat fraud and scams. Google’s AI, used in Play Protect and on devices, scans for and flags suspicious behavior. Messages containing one-time passwords (OTPs) used for two-factor authentication are now hidden from the notification system, making them harder to intercept. Restricted settings are also expanded for side-loaded apps—those not downloaded through the Google Play Store.
Task Bar Customization
For Android tablets and foldable phones, Google has modified how the task bar dock operates. Initially fixed, it was later made transient, and now you can choose between the two options. This is particularly useful for docked tablets, where you might want the task bar to be permanently visible. Additionally, you can pin your favorite split-screen app combinations. Android 15 allows apps to display edge-to-edge, maximizing screen real estate even with a task bar or system bar at the bottom.
Improved Battery Efficiency
Android updates typically include efficiency tweaks to extend battery life, and Android 15 is no exception. The update places more restrictions on foreground services and limits apps that remain active unnecessarily. Devices with ample RAM will benefit from faster app and camera launch times with reduced power consumption, thanks to support for larger page sizes.
Enhanced Theft Protection
Several new security features in Android 15 are designed to deter thieves. Automatic locking when a phone is snatched and remote lock options will be available on devices running.
