Google releases a new major version of Android every year, and that’ll be no different in 2024.
The Android 15 Beta Program confirms its existence, and an official launch is expected at Google I/O 2024, which now has a confirmed date.
So, what should you expect in terms of features and compatibility with existing phones? And when will the new software arrive on your device? Here’s everything you need to know about Android 15 at this stage.
When will Android 15 be released?
Google hasn’t confirmed when Android 15 will be released, but from the Beta Program, we know it’s on the way. As you can see from the last few generations, it usually begins rolling out in the second half of each year.
- Android 14 – October 2023
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
Going by this pattern, we’d expect the full release version of Android 15 to arrive around September or October 2024. It may debut on the upcoming Pixel 9 range, which may include three devices this year.
Our first in-depth look at Android 15 is likely to be at Google’s I/O developer conference, which takes place on 14 May. The keynote will begin at 10am PDT, which is 6pm in the UK.
Of course, even when Android 15 officially launches, it’ll take a while before it arrives on all compatible phones. The latest Pixel devices will be first in line, but a full rollout will likely take several months.
Before then, you can try out Android 15 ahead of time if you have a recent Google Pixel phone by downloading the public beta. On the device you want to use, simply go to the beta page, click ‘Become a tester’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
Which devices will get Android 15?
If you’re reading this section, you’re probably wondering whether your current Android smartphone will get Android 15.
So far, the only confirmed devices are recent Pixel handsets that are eligible for the public beta:
- Pixel 5a
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
Any Pixel 9 phones which launch later this year are likely to be running Android 15 out of the box.
Plenty of other devices will be eligible, though this will all depend on how long the manufacturer has said it will deliver OS (operating system) updates for. Many Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi phones offer four years, while Honor tends to get three and Asus only two.
If you’re unsure, there’s a useful Android 15 Update Tracker that monitors many of the most popular handsets.
But not all models are included, so it’s worth reading the full Tech Advisor review of your phone to see how long it’ll be supported for.
What new features will we see in Android 15?
In announcing the first public beta of Android 15, Google has confirmed that a few developer-specific features focused on usability and security.
Earlier developer-focused betas also revealed satellite connectivity (likely for messaging) support and better interaction with PDFs from third-party apps.
Important as they are, these aren’t the exciting features consumers will be wanting to try out. Here’s what else is rumoured to be added.
Lock screen widgets have been missing from Android since 2015, when they were removed with the introduction of Lollipop (version 5). But according to Android expert Mishaal Rahman, they could be about to make a return.
In an article for Android Authority, Rahman says he was able to activate a new ‘communal’ space in a beta of Android 14, but the feature never made it into the final version. Just like the current home screen, it would allow you to pin various widgets to the screen to see as soon as you wake the device.
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
Mishaal Rahman / Android Authority
As you can see above, the feature appears best suited to Android tablets. In fact, Rahman believes it may be limited to devices with larger screens, as opposed to smartphones.
App pairs
Many Android phone makers let you save pairs of apps that automatically launch in split-screen mode, but it’s not yet built into the core software on Pixel phones.
Given it’s already been available in an Android 14 beta, this seems very likely for Android 15.
Private Space
Android Police recently reported that it had found a work-in-progress feature in the Android 14 beta which is likely to be finished in time for Android 15. This is Private Space, which seems very similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder feature that has been around for several years.
With Private Space you can create a profile on your Android phone that separates data from the normal operating space. In essence, it’s a secure profile where you can protect information and apps from being accessible or even visible by anyone using your phone.
Private Space seems to offer the ability to use entirely different security log-in details to your phone, meaning you should be able to hand your device to your child or friend without them then being able to open up any apps or files that have private or sensitive information.
Easier NFC updates
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mishaal Rahman states that Google is preparing to make NFC updates separate from full Android system updates:
Essentially, this means that NFC updates would be handled via the Google Play Store once Android 15 launches. This could allow it to be used with accessories such as NFC trackers more easily, with the ability to quickly release NFC updates without a full system update.
If it arrives in Android 15, this could suggest that Google is working on a tracker to rival the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag.
Find your phone – even when it’s turned off
Back at its I/O developer conference in May 2023, Google announced its Find My Device network, an alternative to Apple’s Find My network for lost Android devices.
As Android Police reports, this has been delayed due to Google’s work with Apple to finalise the ‘unwanted tracker alert’ specification, which would allow Android users to be notified if an unknown Apple AirTag was travelling with them and vice versa. Apple wants to wait for this to become an ‘Internet standard’, which can take a long time.
Assuming Find My Device is available by the time Android 15 launches, it’ll make finding a lost Android device much easier. Usually, the device in question will need to be switched on, but a separate Android Police article suggests that won’t be the case on the upcoming Pixel 9 phones, which will also be findable when off.
Author Mishaal Rahman believes it’ll be added to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro with the Android 15 update, but may not come to other existing Pixel devices – including the Pixel Fold.
It doesn’t look like non-Pixel devices will be getting the feature for a while, but they will have access to the Find my Device network once it’s available.
New voice activations for third-party apps
Google might be adding support for third-party apps to take advantage of voice activation. At the moment, you can only activate your Android phone via the Google Assistant and the ‘Ok Google’ command.
But, according to a report by Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority, Google could make this a permission available to all third-party apps. It looks like Bard, Google’s answer to ChatGPT and Bing Chat, could partially or fully replace the Google Assistant soon, so this move would make sense.
Elsewhere, Rahman (via Android Authority) believes a new iPhone-like battery health settings page will be introduced. He also unearthed (via Android Police) a new pop-up Bluetooth dialog within the Quick Settings menu in a recent beta.
Improved desktop mode
Android has had a desktop mode since 2019, but it’s focused on developers and so not designed to replace anyone’s laptop or desktop PC. However, it could become a realistic option for that in Android 15.
Once again, Mishaal Rahman at Android Authority is the source here. He says there’ll be “significant changes to the desktop mode, focusing on better windowing capabilities”.
Much of this seems to be focused on better management of windows, bringing it closer in terms of functionality to Samsung’s DeX mode.
That’s all we’ve found so far, but as more details come to light we’ll be updating this article. In the meantime, if you think your phone won’t make the cut for Android 15 or just fancy a new handset to accompany the updated software, check out our guide to the best Android phones.
