Google may not have announced anything yet, but the corporation is most likely working behind the scenes on the next version of Android.
So, what can you anticipate in terms of functionality and compatibility with current smartphones? And when will the updated software be available on your device? Here’s all you need to know about Android 15 at this point.
When will Android 15 be released?
There has been no official announcement from Google on Android 15, although the firm typically releases new versions of Android in the second part of each calendar year. Here’s when the last few generations debuted:
- Android 14 – October 2023
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
Following this trend, we may expect the complete release version of Android 15 to appear in September or October 2024. Before then, Google normally releases developer versions of the software, which will most likely come in the first quarter of 2024. This is beta software, therefore we don’t advocate using it on your primary smartphone.
Which devices will get Android 15?
If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if your current Android smartphone will support Android 15.
That depends on when your phone was introduced, as well as how long the vendor has promised to provide OS (operating system) upgrades. Many Samsung and OnePlus phones receive at least four new updates, although Google provides three or more and Asus only two.
To make things simple, we have a dedicated article on which phones will get Android 15. The Android 15 Update Tracker is also beneficial, as it tracks an even larger range of Android phones.
However, not all models are included, so check your phone’s complete Tech Advisor assessment to find out how long it will be maintained.
What new features will we see in Android 15?
It’s a little early yet to know what Google will introduce when Android 15 rolls out, but there have already been some rumours as to what might be in store.
A new name
Google no longer uses the dessert names it used to give Android publicly, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t still use them inside. With that in mind, we now know that Android 15 will be known as Vanilla Ice Cream (because the releases have reached the letter V in the alphabet). This will have no effect on performance or any other statistic, but we thought you would want to know.
Lock screen widgets
Lock screen widgets have been absent from Android since 2015, with the release of Lollipop (version 5). However, Android specialist Mishaal Rahman believes they are set to reappear.
In a blog for Android Authority, Rahman claims he was able to activate a new ‘communal’ place in an Android 14 beta, but the functionality was never included in the final version. It would be similar to the present home screen in that it would allow you to pin numerous widgets on the screen for quick access when you wake the device.
App pairs
Many Android phone makers let you save pairs of apps that automatically launch in split-screen mode, but it’s not yet built into the core software on Pixel phones.
Given it’s already been available in an Android 14 beta, this seems very likely for Android 15.
Private Space
Android Police recently revealed that it discovered a work-in-progress feature in the Android 14 beta that is expected to be completed in time for Android 15. This is Private Space, and it appears to be quite similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder function, which has been available for some years.
With Private Space, you may establish a profile on your Android phone that separates data from the main operating system. In essence, it’s a protected profile that allows you to prevent information and apps from being accessed or even seen by anybody using your phone.
Easier NFC updates
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mishaal Rahman states that Google is preparing to make NFC updates separate from full Android system updates:
Essentially, this indicates that NFC updates will be handled through the Google Play Store once Android 15 is released. This might make it easier to utilize with peripherals like NFC trackers, as NFC updates can be sent fast without requiring a complete system upgrade.
If it appears in Android 15, it might indicate that Google is working on a tracker to compete with the Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTags.
New voice activations for third-party apps
Google may be providing support for third-party apps to take use of voice activation. At the present, you can only activate your Android phone using Google Assistant and the ‘Ok Google’ command.
However, according to a claim by Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority, Google may make this permission available to all third-party applications. Bard, Google’s response to ChatGPT and Bing Chat, appears to be on track to partially or totally replace the Google Assistant in the near future, so this shift makes sense.
Elsewhere, Rahman (via Android Authority) believes a new iPhone-like battery health settings page will be introduced. He also unearthed (via Android Police) a new pop-up Bluetooth dialog within the Quick Settings menu in a recent beta.
That’s all we’ve found so far, but as more details come to light we’ll be updating this article. In the meantime, if you think your phone won’t make the cut for Android 15 or just fancy a new handset to accompany the updated software, check out our guide to the best Android phones.
