After months of previews and testing, Android 15 has officially been released for developers. While it’s not yet available for end-users, Google promises that it will start rolling out to Pixel devices in a few weeks, with other brands like Samsung receiving the update in the coming months. As always, expect variations depending on your phone’s manufacturer.
Enhanced Multitasking
Android 15 brings improvements to multitasking, especially on tablets and large screens. Users can now pin the taskbar for a more desktop-like experience and save split-screen app combinations for future use. These app pairs can also be pinned to the taskbar for quick access.
Private Space
A new feature called Private Space allows users to lock away sensitive apps and their data. While Samsung’s Secure Folder offers similar functionality, this feature is now integrated into Android 15 for all devices. It creates a secure area in the app drawer that requires additional verification, such as a passcode or fingerprint, to access.
Predictive Back Gesture
This feature gives a preview of what you’ll return to when using the universal back gesture, such as a website or the home screen. The aim is to let users know what to expect before completing the gesture.
Partial Screen Recording
Android 15 introduces the ability to record only a portion of the screen, which is useful for creating tutorials or troubleshooting. This feature is available in Android’s built-in screen recorder and can be incorporated into third-party apps by developers.
Improved PDF Management
PDF handling gets a boost with support for annotations, password protection, and text search directly within the operating system, enhancing what was previously available through individual apps like Google Drive.
Enhanced Volume Slider
The volume control panel now occupies more screen space, making it easier to adjust media, alarm, and call volumes. You can also access connected Bluetooth devices directly from this panel.
Satellite Messaging
Building on the emergency SOS messaging in Android 14, Android 15 expands satellite connectivity to support SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging, adding a new layer of communication capability.
Widget Previews
When adding widgets to the home screen, Android 15 allows developers to include rich previews, so you can see how a widget will look with real content, like a contact name or image, before placing it.
Improved Low-Light Camera Experience
Android 15 enhances the camera preview for better visibility in low-light conditions, aiding in tasks such as framing shots or scanning QR codes. It also provides more control over flash intensity.
Custom Vibrations
Users can now set custom vibration patterns for different notification channels. This allows for personalized alerts, such as a single vibration for emails and double vibrations for texts.
Upgraded TalkBack with AI
TalkBack accessibility now includes more detailed image descriptions powered by the Gemini Nano AI model. This enhancement provides more comprehensive descriptions of on-screen images, even without an internet connection. This feature is available on Pixel 8, Pixel 9, Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6.
One-Time Password Protection
Android 15 enhances security for one-time passwords (OTPs) by preventing them from appearing on the screen, reducing the risk of interception.
Anti-Theft Measures
New anti-theft features include Theft Detection Lock, which uses AI to automatically lock the device if it detects rapid movement, extended disconnection from networks, or multiple failed authentication attempts. Additionally, a new feature prevents a device from being reset without Google account credentials, thwarting common theft tactics.
Simplified Passkey Management
Android 15 refines passkey support, merging the account selection and confirmation screens into one streamlined process. It also introduces a new restore feature for transferring passkeys to a new device more easily.
Additional Enhancements
Android 15 also brings minor but useful improvements, such as more efficient video processing, better management of foreground apps to boost battery life, enhanced security to prevent malicious apps from hijacking tasks, and extended data integration for Health Connect.
With these updates, Android 15 promises to offer a more refined and secure user experience, enhancing both functionality and usability across a range of devices.