Here’s everything we know about the Android 15 update that’s currently brewing. We therefore take stock of the dates to remember, the compatible smartphones and, obviously, the main new features.
The update to Android 15 is in the pipeline! Development is in full swing on Google’s side to refine this new version of the mobile operating system. Here’s everything we know.
Please note that the pastry name associated with Android 15 is “Vanilla Ice Cream“. A little appetizing detail which recalls those good times when these delicacies were fully part of the official name of the versions of the OS.
Android 15 update preview release
It all started on February 16, 2024. This is where the Developer Preview 1 of Android 15 officially saw the light of day. As a reminder, Developer Previews are very early versions of updates. They are primarily aimed at application developers who can thus begin to adapt their apps for the future version.
In March, Android 15 DP2 arrived with already some new features to reveal.
As shown in the official timeline above, Google is on schedule for the moment. The next step will take place in April with the release of the first beta version of Android 15. This is where the serious things can finally begin: the update will be a little more accessible to the general public and will be closer to its version stable.
Note that the second beta is scheduled for May, the same month as Google I/O 2024. Traditionally, this is a period that Google favors to unveil or test a large number of features on the future version of the OS. Finally, as with previous versions, we should expect a deployment of the stable version of Android 15 during the summer.
Compatible smartphones
Currently, only Google smartphones are compatible with Android 15 (in its Developer Preview). Here are the devices affected.
Add to that the Google Pixel Tablet.
Let us emphasize, once again, that the Developer Preview is not a version intended for a wide audience. Only people who are well informed and aware of the problems that such a ROM can cause should attempt an installation. Without taking sufficient precautions, you risk losing all your data. Caution.
What’s new in Android 15
Here are some interesting new features to watch out for in Android 15. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list.
Satellite connection
In its DP2, Android 15 goes a step further towards the use of the satellite connection. First thing, the interface will be better thought out with a clearer indicator in the status bar and a type of notifications warning that the smartphone’s network has automatically switched.
The changes particularly relate to the behavior of messaging applications. On Android 15, they will be able to use a new API which allows them to “detect when a device is connected to a satellite, allowing them to better understand why complete network services may be unavailable», Explains Google.
Thus, you will be able to continue to send and receive SMS and MMS via the satellite connection on Android 15 — as long as your smartphone is compatible. On the other hand, only messaging apps “pre-installed» will be able to use the RCS functions in this type of situation. That is to say, Google Messages will have an advantage.
PDFs in the spotlight
Things are also moving on the PDF side on Android. Applications capable of opening a PDF will have more capabilities. It will be possible to open password-protected files, make annotations on the document, fill out forms and use search and selection functions with copy.
To put it another way, applications fully dedicated to PDF will be a little less essential for these interactions that we sometimes want to do quickly on our smartphone.
To unlock these new features, Google has redesigned the PDFRenderer tool dedicated to developers. This becomes a module managed directly via Google Play. This means that its updates will no longer depend on the version of Android installed on the phone.
Folding clamshell smartphones (Flip)
Google believes in folding smartphones and wants to improve the experience on those who have opted for a Flip format, with a clamshell. These devices always have a small external screen which they take advantage of more or less. This is a small challenge since the small format of these tiles can complicate the use of an application.
While waiting to resolve these concerns, Android 15 includes a feature allowing developers to more easily offer their apps on these external screens of foldable flip smartphones. It’s up to them to take advantage of it or not, but it is not impossible to see more apps working in this configuration. The display problem will persist regardless.
This is reminiscent of the benefits of Samsung Good Lock on the Galaxy Z Flip 5. However, with Android 15, there would theoretically no longer be a need for this type of tool to force the display of applications on devices. external screens.
Better sound volume management
From its DP2, Android 15 adopted the CTA-2075 intensity standard. This ensures better consistency of sound volume when you switch from one application to another. This applies to earphones and headsets as well as speakers.
Better use of equipment
It’s still quite vague and we’ll have to wait until we have a little more detail on this subject. However, Google has already indicated that it wants to ensure that application developers can better take advantage of smartphone hardware. This ranges from flash intensity for apps using the camera, to adjusting GPU and CPU frequencies or even using AI capabilities.
A priorithese settings should mainly concern high-end smartphones.
Health Connect
Android 15 will also bring new features to the Health Connect service which centralizes health and physical activity data. Here, Google promises “support for new types of data around fitness, nutrition and more“. Hopefully the Mountain View firm will provide more precise information in the future.
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