After the successful run of Android 14, Android aim to deliver an enhanced update with upgraded features to users through the introduction of the Android 15 developer preview. This marks the initial phase of Android 15’s gradual rollout, involving multiple developer previews and betas leading up to the official release later this year. Wondering about the latest features, the official release date of Android 15, and whether you should download it? Here’s a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.
What’s New in Android 15?
In this initial developer preview that succeeds Android 14, Google emphasised the enhancement of user privacy and file security. Additionally, there is a focus on providing creators with expanded access to tools and hardware, such as in-app camera controls, as well as improving heat and power management for enhanced app and game performance. The latest release adopts the code name Vanilla Ice Cream, in line with the confectionery-themed tradition.
1. Privacy and Security
Being one of the major emphases of the new Android line update, Android 15 prioritises privacy and security by incorporating the newest iteration of Privacy Sandbox, a long-term initiative aimed at bolstering user privacy on Android. Privacy Sandbox enhances privacy in mobile advertising by restricting third-party access to data. Moreover, Android 15 introduces the capability for users to share a portion of their screen during screen sharing, rather than the entire screen.
In addition, Google are introducing additional fitness and nutrition data categories to their Health Connect platform, along with heightened security measures for files to provide greater protection against malware and unauthorised file alterations.
2. Enhancements in Camera Hardware
Google aim to provide developers and creators with enhanced control over camera hardware, enabling them to optimise premium hardware features such as the Pixel camera, GPUs, and AI processing. These extended controls empower users to increase the brightness of the camera preview, customise flash intensity, connect MIDI 2.0 devices via USB, and more.
3. Heat Management
The initial developer preview of Android 15 incorporates tools for managing heat and processing power, leveraging an enhanced Android Dynamic Performance Framework. These tools assist developers in optimising performance for resource-intensive apps and games, particularly those requiring significant graphics processing.
As additional developer previews and beta versions are released, Google will continually incorporate and enhance features based on feedback from all Android 15 users.
Also Read: Google Pledges 25 Million Euros to Boost AI Skills in Europe
Android 15 Developer Preview Release Date
Along with the introduction of the new features in the Android 15, many will be wondering about how to get Android 15. The Developer Preview 1 is accessible since February 16. Anticipate a second developer preview in March, succeeded by several beta releases from April to July. According to this schedule, the final release is slated for August or September. While delays are possible, this is the current projection.
More on Google: Google Unveils Gemini 1.5: Enhanced AI Model Upgrade Sparks Excitement
Which Phones Support Android 15 Developer Preview?
As usual, Google initially released early developer previews exclusively for their own devices, and the pattern continues with Android 15. Presently, Android 15 is available for download on the following Google Pixel phones and tablet:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
As the year unfolds, Android 15 will become accessible on additional phones and tablets. Alternatively, you can utilise the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.
Related: Google Pixel Event Complete Guide: Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2 and More
Is It Advisable to Download Android 15 Developer Preview at This Moment?
Considering the arrival of Android 15 Developer Preview 1, should you hastily install it on your device? Most likely not.
As implied by its name, Developer Preview 1 is primarily targeted towards developers and isn’t intended for regular usage. Developer previews frequently contain numerous bugs, particularly the initial release for a significant Android update like this one. Unless you’re a developer requiring testing of your apps with Android 15, it’s advisable to exercise patience — waiting either for the final release later this year or for the commencement of the public beta program around April or May.
Reminders Before Installing Android 15 Developer Preview
Before proceeding to download the initial Android 15 developer preview, it’s crucial to back up your supported device.
By default, your Pixel device should automatically back up whenever it’s connected to Wi-Fi and has been idle and charging for at least 2 hours. However, you can also manually initiate the backup process. Depending on the size of your phone back up and available space on Google Drive, you may require a Google One subscription for this function to operate smoothly.
To back up your Pixel phone, navigate to Settings > Google > Backup and tap on Back up now. The duration of this process may vary, depending on the last backup and the number of apps and files needing backup. Once your data is backed up, you’re prepared to proceed with the download and installation of Android 15.
Final Say
In short, the Android 15 developer preview is still in its initial stage and will continue to develop in the coming months with more beta modes and upgrades. As mentioned above, bugs and app crashes have a certain occurrence, thus officials highly recommend that daily users wait till a more better and comprehensively developed version is released for a stable experience. Besides the raised new features, there’s still much more excitement awaiting to be brought by the Android 15, and in the meantime of waiting, you might like to check out the other side — the new features of the highly anticipated iOS 18.