Android 15: release date, new features, how to install it, everything you need to know

© Unsplash/Marie Dehayes/Lemon peel

Already available in test preview for developers (we are, at the time of writing, only at the Android 15 beta 1.2 version), the next major version of the Android system ;#8217;operation should be formalized in more detail within a few weeks.

In this file, we invite you to know everything about this operating system which should equip the first smartphones by the end of the year or early 2025 .

For now Android 15 is only in the very early stages of beta (Android 15 1.2 at the time of writing this article) – it is reserved for the strict use of developers (and still remains incomplete in terms of APIs and other essential components).

These preliminary betas (Preview) will continue between now and the summer when the operating system should reach the &#8220 phase ;Platform Stability”. That is to say the stage at which no new API or functionality will be added.

Around the month of July, at On the occasion of the Google I/O developers conference, the firm should unveil the final and definitive version of Android 15 and subsequently offer a more stable and general public beta.

The next few months should be mostly about fixing bugs – and develop, on the manufacturers' side, overlays corresponding to their current and future devices.

As for the name of dessert – established as a quasi-tradition since the first versions of the system – we know that Google engineers call this version “Vanilla Ice Cream”, in other words vanilla ice cream. Let's hope it doesn't melt on the circuits of your next smartphone!

The first of the new features concerns performance . The system offers a set of APIs, called Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF), which makes it possible to better monitor and adjust the operation of devices. Or to better control the heat dissipation of the chip.

Android 15 should also save storage spaceby “archiving” automatically applications that you use infrequently.

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There is also a question of security with a better version of the component Privacy Sandbox. But also, an API aggressively checking the integrity of files and applications, or even detecting (and blocking if necessary) screenshots.

We can also take partial captures (including video), allowing us to avoid showing everything that is displayed on the screen.

©MishaalRahman

Android 15 now supports satellite connectivity on all third-party smartphones. Suggesting the arrival of this functionality among many manufacturers – with undoubtedly additional subscriptions (but this remains to be confirmed).

Third-party applications will be entitled to a better, much more complete interface for taking photos and videos.

We are also seeing new features appear to better support foldable smartphones and other “exotic” formats. With in particular better management of the external screen and continuity when switching to the internal screen.

Or even the persistence of a taskbar in XXL format. The design has evolved slightly, also with new options to control everything more quickly on your device.

This includes a new bluetooth popup, to connect your accessories faster, better volume management, or even much clearer unified control of haptic feedback.

For the moment, at the time of writing, only Pixel smartphones dedicated to development are compatible with Android 15. Google gives this list of versions. eligible devices:

• Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel Tablet
• Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

However, we can assume that practically all premium smartphones released recently will benefit from this update by 2025 – in particular the largest sales volumes on the market: Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola and much more.

We will update this content with available models as soon as manufacturers will make announcements to this effect.

If you're not afraid to use an operating system that's currently under development… which might make sense if you're an app developer… it is already possible to install the very first betas of Android 15.

To do this, there are two options: install a Preview ROM on a Google Pixel, or on the Android Emulator which is part of the development suite.

Install Android 15 on a Google Pixel smartphone

To do this, nothing could be simpler:

• Register your Pixel smartphone in the beta program by clicking here.
• Check for updates to receive the rom Preview in your device settings.

You can exit the program at any time. When the stable version is available, it will normally be possible to switch to the latter without erasing the contents of the device. However, we recommend that you do not leave too important data, codes and applications there.

Test Android 15 via Android Emulator (SDK suite)

For this:

• Install the latest Preview version of Android Studio by clicking here.
• Go to Tools > SDK Manager and select the latest version of Android Emulator.
• Go to Tools > Device Manager and click Add a new device > Create new device.
• Choose a device, then select the Android 15 system image codenamed VanillaIceCream then click on Download.
• Once the download is complete, select the image and click on Next.
• Finalize all the device settings according to your needs then click Finish.
• Start the emulator by clicking Start.

This method is probably the best to get an idea of ​​Android 15 at this stage without sacrificing your smartphone of all days for that!

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