The testing phase, for Android 14 may still be ongoing with the Android 14 QPR beta. Google has already shifted its attention to Android 15 by releasing the developer preview. This upcoming version of Android is set to bring improvements in security, performance, and camera features across a range of Android devices.
While Google has unveiled some aspects of the version it seems they are keeping some surprises under wraps. Here’s a detailed look at what users can expect from Android 15 including information on its development timeline supported devices and features currently in the works.
Development and Device Support Timeline
Google has outlined the roadmap for developing Android 15 alongside the release of the developer preview. Following a pattern of releases there will be six stages leading up to the stable version launch. This includes two developer previews in February and March followed by four beta releases from April to July. The stable release is projected to come after July. Past versions like Android 12 and 13 were launched in August while Android 14 was made available for all Pixel phones in October. The launch window, for Android 15 could fall between August and October.
Key Features of Android 15
- Partial Screen Sharing: Android 15 brings in a feature, for sharing a portion of the screen enabling users to pick one app for recording while blocking out notifications and other apps automatically.
- Camera Enhancements: Google is working on enhancing the quality of photos and videos for third-party apps focusing on performance, in low light conditions and offering control over flash intensity.
- Virtual MIDI 2.0 Support: Following support for MIDI 2.0 USB devices in Android 13, Android 15 adds support for virtual MIDI apps, enabling composition apps to control synthesizer apps as virtual MIDI 2.0 devices.
- Privacy Sandbox Updates: Android 15 includes updates to Privacy Sandbox, Google’s alternative to third-party cookies, aiming to serve relevant ads while preserving user privacy.
- Health Connect Data Types: Android 15 integrates new data types across fitness and nutrition, building upon features introduced in Android 14 extensions 10.
- File Integrity Enhancements: Android 15 introduces new APIs for FileIntegrityManager, allowing apps to encrypt data with custom cryptographic signatures for enhanced protection against malware.
- Performance and Battery Life Improvements: Google introduces power-efficiency modes for background tasks and allows developers to optimize workloads and prevent thermal throttling for improved performance and battery life.
- Lock Screen Widgets: Android 15 might reintroduce lock screen widgets, offering a new “communal space” feature for tablets and multi-user devices.
- App Pairs: Android 15 could enable users to save app pairs on the home screen for convenient access.
- Easy Mode: A new “easy pre-set” mode may simplify Android usage for individuals who find smartphones complex.
- Native App Archiver: Android 15 may include a built-in app archiving feature accessible to all apps.
- Edge-to-Edge Content Drawing: Google may make edge-to-edge content drawing mandatory for apps targeting Android 15.
- Private Space for Sensitive Apps: Android 15 may introduce a feature akin to Samsung’s Secure Folder, isolating sensitive apps and requiring extra authentication.
- Battery Health Monitoring: Android 15 could offer detailed battery health information, including cycle count and degradation percentage.
- Bluetooth Improvements: Android 15 may support Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast sessions for seamless audio connections.
- Phishing Protection: Google could enhance phishing detection through Play Protect to address deceptive behavior in apps.
- NFC Decoupling: NFC components might become mainline modules in Android 15, facilitating easier updates.
