While Google I/O 2024, held on May 14, predominantly focused on the Google Gemini AI assistant, Android did receive multiple mentions. These brief insights hinted at what we can expect from the forthcoming software revision. For a detailed breakdown of the announcements from Google I/O 2024, you can refer to our live blog covering the event.
In the sections below, we compile all the latest news and speculations regarding Android 15, including anticipated features, a projected release timeline, and a list of smartphones likely to support the update. Make sure to revisit this article for the latest updates as new information about Android 15 becomes available.
During Google I/O 2024, held on May 14, while Android 15 was not discussed extensively, Google emphasized its goal to integrate Gemini AI prominently within Android. Additionally, the second beta for Android 15 is now ready for download.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? The next major version of Android
- When is it out? Expect the finished version between August and October
- How much will it cost? This will be a free update
Android 15: expected release date
Google has not disclosed a definitive release date for Android 15; however, we can estimate its arrival based on historical release patterns. Android 14 officially debuted on October 4, 2023, mirroring the October release of Android 12 in 2021. Conversely, Android 13 was made available on August 15, 2022. Given this timeline, it’s reasonable to project that Android 15 will be released between August and October of this year.
Meanwhile, the second beta version of Android 15 has been made available (the first beta was released in April, following two separate developer previews). This progression indicates that Google is in the final stages of refining the Android 15 package for a global launch later this year.
According to a Google blog post by Dave Burke in February announcing the first Android 15 developer preview, the company anticipates achieving platform stability by June 2024. Burke noted that developers would have “several months before the official release to conduct final testing.”
“Several months” after June suggests a timeframe extending into August, September, or October, aligning with our earlier prediction of an Android 15 release date.
Android 15: compatibility
Google’s Pixel phones were the first to receive the initial previews and betas of Android 15. Subsequently, the second batch of previews and betas has been released to a variety of devices from other Android partners, including Lenovo, Nothing, Oppo, Honor, and Xiaomi.
As we look ahead to later this year, it is expected that Google’s Pixel lineup—namely the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a—will be among the first to support Android 15. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that Google will soon extend Android 15 compatibility to a broader array of devices (more details below).
Additionally, there is a possibility that the Pixel 5a 5G will be eligible for Android 15, as it is slated to receive software updates until August of this year.
Google’s Pixel phones were the first to receive the initial previews and betas of Android 15. Subsequently, the second batch of previews and betas has been released to a variety of devices from other Android partners, including Lenovo, Nothing, Oppo, Honor, and Xiaomi.
As we look ahead to later this year, it is expected that Google’s Pixel lineup—namely the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel 8a—will be among the first to support Android 15. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that Google will soon extend Android 15 compatibility to a broader array of devices (more details below).
Additionally, there is a possibility that the Pixel 5a 5G will be eligible for Android 15, as it is slated to receive software updates until August of this year.
Android 15: rumored features
While we don’t know for sure what Android 15 will offer yet, a number of possible features have leaked, either via rumors or betas. You’ll find the most interesting potential features below.
Battery health percentage
In Android 15, a potentially valuable new feature we might anticipate is the inclusion of a battery health percentage indicator. This functionality would enable users to view the estimated capacity that the battery currently holds compared to its original state when new. Such insights would provide a clear indication of the battery’s level of deterioration.
This feature proves particularly advantageous when diagnosing increased battery drain, helping to determine whether the issue stems from a degraded battery or problematic software.
While this feature is already embedded in iOS, traces of an inactive version have been detected in an Android 14 update by sources such as Android Authority and Nail Sadykov, the editor of the Google News Telegram group. This discovery underscores that Google is indeed developing this feature, making it a strong candidate for inclusion in Android 15.
Lock screen widgets
Since Android 4.2, native support for lock screen widgets has been absent. However, this feature may see a resurgence in Android 15 with the introduction of a hidden ‘Communal Space’ feature identified in a recent Android beta. According to Android Authority, this underdeveloped feature would allow the addition of widgets to a communal area on the lock screen.
Yet, significant limitations exist. Presently, support is restricted to a few Google apps, namely Google Calendar, Google Clock, and the Google app, though it is anticipated that additional apps will be compatible by the time of the official release.
Moreover, the feature appears to be tailored exclusively for devices operating in Hub mode, which, at present, includes only the Pixel Tablet. Consequently, its availability could be quite limited.
Private Space
Android 15 is expected to introduce a native counterpart to Samsung’s Secure Folder feature, extending the capability to non-Samsung devices by offering a feature known as Private Space. This functionality allows users to conceal sensitive applications within a distinct, hidden section of the device.
This emerging feature was initially identified in an early build of the Android 15 beta by Android Police, and has since been observed in a more advanced state in the second beta release. Private Space would necessitate authentication through a PIN, pattern, password, or biometric verification to gain access. This protected area would have its own Google Play Store instance, enabling users to download and store apps discreetly, without them being visible or accessible to others who might use the device.
Applications stored in Private Space would be exclusively visible within this secure compartment, making it an invaluable feature for those occasions when you need to hand your phone over to someone else.
Bluetooth Auracast
The latest update to Android 14 contains significant references to Bluetooth audio sharing, hinting strongly at the impending introduction of Bluetooth Auracast support.
This upcoming feature will enable users to share the audio playing on their phone—be it music, a podcast, or any other media—with multiple people in their vicinity via Bluetooth. It will allow several Bluetooth headphones or earphones to connect to the same audio stream, facilitating experiences such as listening to an album simultaneously with a friend.
Furthermore, the discovered code snippets suggest the integration of QR codes as a mechanism for others to join the audio stream, thus eliminating the need for the conventional Bluetooth pairing process.
Easy mode
If you’re perusing this, you likely don’t require a simpler Android interface. However, some individuals in your network who are less proficient with technology might benefit from one, and it appears that Google is developing a feature to address this need.
According to Android Authority, a concealed settings page for a new feature termed ‘easy pre-set’ has been discovered in a recent Android beta. Code strings indicate that this feature aims to optimize the Android user interface for “improved readability and ease of navigation.” This optimization would involve enlarging icons and text, adding contrast and bold elements, and incorporating navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen.
This feature stands to assist not only users less familiar with technology, but also those with impaired vision or dexterity issues. While this functionality is not yet operational, it is anticipated to be included in the forthcoming Android 15 release.
App archiving
Android 14 introduced an app archiving feature that allows the Google Play Store to automatically archive infrequently used apps, freeing up storage space. However, this feature is currently limited to the Play Store and does not provide users with the option to manually archive apps.
With the anticipated release of Android 15, users may gain the ability to select which apps to archive themselves. This process involves removing parts of the app without fully uninstalling it, thereby preserving the app’s icon on the home screen and retaining user settings for future use. This way, users can reclaim storage space without losing app preferences.
According to findings by Android Authority in Android code, there are strong indications that manual app archiving is being developed. While its inclusion in Android 15 is not guaranteed, the likelihood appears promising.
Saved app pairs
For those who frequently utilize split-screen functionality on their Android devices, pairing specific applications—like YouTube and Chrome—can significantly enhance productivity. This convenience may soon be streamlined with a new feature in Android, potentially allowing users to save these app pairs for automatic side-by-side launching.
This development is underway at Google, as evidenced by its discovery in a recent Android beta version analysed by Android Police. The functionality appears to be nearly operational, suggesting an imminent release. It’s plausible that this feature could debut in an upcoming update to Android 14 rather than waiting for the official Android 15 rollout. Nonetheless, if it doesn’t arrive sooner, we can confidently anticipate its inclusion in Android 15.
A DeX-like desktop mode
We’re uncertain whether this feature will materialize, but according to Android Authority, Google is developing a refined desktop mode that can be displayed on an external monitor via a USB-C connection. Additionally, the site has observed that display output through USB-C has been enabled on the Pixel 8 in a recent Android 14 beta release.
While this development does not yet deliver the anticipated polished desktop experience, it may represent a significant step towards achieving that goal with Android 15.
The ability to find lost offline devices
Android currently allows users to track phones and other devices when they are online. However, according to code discovered by Android Police, Android 15 might introduce the ability to track offline devices as well.
This functionality would be enabled by maintaining Bluetooth beacon signaling, even when the phone is powered off.
Satellite communications
Currently, Android has the capability to support satellite communications, although device manufacturers have not widely adopted this feature. Evidence, however, suggests that Google is actively working to enhance satellite communication support in Android 15. This development could indicate that the upcoming Pixel 9 may be launched with this capability.
Screen recorder alerts
The Android 15 developer preview introduces a feature that allows apps to detect when a screen recorder is active. This can potentially notify you if your screen is being recorded, helping to safeguard your privacy from unauthorized recording.
Better second screen support
In the Android 15 developer preview, a notable feature allows developers to optimize their apps for secondary screens, such as the cover displays on foldable phones. This enhancement aims to maximize the utility of these smaller screens, enabling a broader range of applications to take advantage of them.
Consistent volume
A new enhancement in the Android 15 developer preview focuses on refining volume control, aiming to assist users in “avoiding audio loudness inconsistencies” across different applications. Essentially, this means that the volume levels of various apps will be more uniform, requiring fewer manual adjustments from users.
