Android 15 or Vanilla Ice Cream as it is called. It’s not expected to be ready until later this year. But several developer previews like betas have been released, giving us a early look at what to expect from Google’s next big Android update.
Google I/O 2024 happened on May 14. The keynote mostly talked about the Google Gemini AI assistant, but Google did mention Android a few times, hinting at what to expect from the new software.
In this blog, you will find out about all the latest news and rumors about Android 15, including potential features, the expected release date, and the phones that are likely to support it.
Android 15: Expected Release Date
Google hasn’t give a specific release date for Android 15 yet, but we can guess when it might come based on past Android release dates. Android 14 came out on October 4, 2023. Just like Android 12 in 2021, and Android 13 was released on August 15, 2022. So, it’s likely that Android 15 will come out somewhere between August and October this year.
The second Android 15 beta is now available (the first came out in April after two earlier developer previews), so Google is clearly getting the Android 15 package ready for its worldwide release later this year.
In a blog post announcing the first Android 15 developer preview in February, Google’s Dave Burke said that the company expects “to reach platform stability in June 2024,” and that developers will have “several months before the official release to do final testing.
May be after several months after could mean August, September or October, which fits with our aforementioned Android 15 release date prediction.
Android 15: Compatibility
Google’s Pixel phones were the first to get the Android 15 preview and betas. Later, the second batch of previews and betas was given too many devices from Android partners like Lenovo, Nothing, Oppo, Honor and Xiaomi.
So, the Google Pixel phones – such as the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a – will likely be the first devices to work with Android 15 later this year. But Google will likely make Android 15 work on many more devices soon after (more and these below).
There is also a chance that the Pixel 5a 5G will get Android 15, as that phone is promised software update until August this year.
For Samsung, the Samsung Galaxy S224, Samsung Galaxy S24 Plus, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S23 line, Samsung Galaxy S22 line, Samsung Galaxy s21 line should all of them get Android 15. As should Samsung’s Foldable phone from Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 onwards, including the yet-to-released Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.
Many Samsung Galaxy A models will also get Android 15, such as the Galaxy A24, A33, A34, A53 5G, A54 5G, and A73.
There are also some other companies phones brands who should get Android 15, with includes OnePlus 12, OnePlus 11, OnePlus Open, Sony Xperia 1V, Sony Xperia 5V, Xiaomi 13 and Motorola Razer Plus 2023.
It doesn’t mean all the phone we think will get Android 15. Usually, if your phone is mid-range or better and less than two years old when Android 15 comes out, it will likely get the update. Many older and cheaper phones will too, though.
You can also expect to see Android 15 on many Android tablets, like the Pixel Tablet and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series.
Android 15: Rumors or Expected Features
While we do not know the exact features of Android 15 yet, some possible ones have been mentioned in rumors or seen in test versions. Below are some of the most interesting possibilities might happened.
Battery Health Percentage and Management
One thing that might be really helpful in Android 15 is a battery health percentage indicator. This woild show users how much the battery has worn down compared to when it was new. It would help people understand if there battery is getting weaker over time.
This feature could be very useful if someone is having trouble with their battery draining too fast. It would help them figure out if the problem is because the battery is old or if there’s something wrong with the software.
A similar this is already in iOS, and a version of it was found in an Android 14 update by Android Authority and Nail Sadykov (who is in charge of the Google New Telegram group). So, it seems like Google is working on this feature, and its likely to be in Android 15.
New Widgets on Lock Screen
Android has not had support for lock screen widgets since version 4.2, but might come back in Android 15 because of a hidden ‘Communal Space’ feature found in a recent beta. According to Android authority, this unfinished feature would let users add widgets to Communal Space on the lock screen.
But, there are a few important points. Firstly, support is only for Google Calendar, Google Clock and the app right now, but more apps will probably be supported when it launches.
Secondly, this feature seems to be made only for devices with Hub mode, which, for now, means just the Pixel Tablet So, it might not be available on many devices.
Private Space for your Apps
Android 15 might also bring a native version of Samsung’s Secure Folder feature. It will let non-Samsung phones hide sensitive apps in a Private Space.
First, seen in an unfinished from by Android Policy in the first Android beta and then seen again in a more finished form in the second Android 15 Beta. Private Space would need a PIN, Pattern, Password or biometrics to open. It would have its own Google Play Store, letting you download apps you don’t want others using your phone to see or use.
These apps would only visible in the Private Space, making it helpful if you let someone else use your phone to keep those sensitive apps safe.
Bluetooth Aura-cast
Recently in Android 14 update mentioned of Bluetooth audio sharing, suggesting that Bluetooth Auracast support is being made.
This feature lets you share the audio you are listening on your phone, whether it’s music, a podcast or something else, which people around you over Bluetooth. It lets multiple Bluetooth headphone or earphone connect to the same audio stream, so you can listen to an album at the same time as a friend
You need to scan QR codes for other to join what you are listening to, so you don’t need the usual Bluetooth pairing process.
Easy Mode
If you are in touch with smart device, then you probably don’t need Android to be simpler, but some people might need it. Google seems to be making a feature to help with that.
A hidden setting page for a new feature called ‘easy pre-set’ was found by Android Authority in a recent Android beta. Code strings shoe that this feature would make the Android screen easier to read and use by making icons and text bigger, adding more contrast and bold and putting navigation buttons at the bottom of the screen.
So, this would help not only people who are less comfortable with tech but also people with vision problems or trouble using their hands. The feature doesn’t work yet, but it might be in Android 15.
Apps Archiving
Android 14 already does something where Google Play Store automatically puts away apps you don’t use much to save space. But, you can’t pick which apps to put away yourself.
In Android 15, there might be a chance for users to choose which apps to put away. This means part of the app gets take away without deleting it completely. The app icon stays on the home screen, and you don’t need to set it up again when you use it next, but it still saves space.
Android Authority found hints in Android code that this feature might coming. It’s not sure yet if it will be in Android 15, but there is a good chance it might have it.
Save your Apps in Pairs
If you often use split-screen on your Android, you probably have certain pairs of apps you use together, like YouTube, and Chrome. In Android 15, you might be able to save these pairs to open them together automatically.
Google is working on this feature found hidden in a recent Android beta by Android Police. Now, question is when it will come out. The site even got it working, suggesting it might be ready soon. It could show up in future version of Android 14 or in Android 15.
A Desk-like Desktop Mode
It’s not confirmed but the feature might release, Android Authority disclosed that Google is developing and enhanced desktop mode, intended for presentation on an external display when connecting your phone with USB-C cable. Additionally the website has observed the activation of display output through USB-C on the Pixel 8 in a recent Android 14 beta.
This feature might come in Android 15.
Ability to find lost Offline Devices
Android already lets you track phones and other devices when they are online, we might be able to track offline devices with Android 15. This would work by Bluetooth beacon signaling active, even when the phone is switched off.
Satellite Communications
Android already supports satellite communications, but device haven’t yet full prepared for this feature. However, there are rumors Google is working on it. Pixel 9 might launch with it.
Screen Recorder Alerts
Screen recording alerts are very important, this way you can potentially get alerted when your screen is being recorded, to ensure that no one is invading your privacy.
Improved Volume
Another modification in an Android 15 developer preview enhances volume control to help users “avoid audio loudness inconsistencies” across apps. In other world, the volumes of your various apps should be more consistent and require fewer adjustments.
Bug Fixes
A lot of bugs will be fixed in Android 15, and one of them that we have heard of address a scrolling experience by many Pixel users, and in particular users of the Pixel 8 Pro.
