Google is all geared up to release the next major version of its operating system in the coming months, Android 15. Code-named Vanilla Ice Cream, the much-anticipated update is making waves across the internet, and to get everything ready for their major release, Google has unveiled their initial developer preview, which showcases their new features that will ultimately improve the device’s performance and enhance the user’s privacy & security.
According to Dave Burke, who serves as the VP of Engineering at Google for Android, this first developer preview of Android will allow them to build a better Android experience, providing the end-user with new capabilities, minimizing battery impact, maximizing smooth app performance, and protecting user privacy and security.
Release Date For Android 15
Although the release date of Android 15 has not been formally confirmed by Google, but based on previous trends we can estimate the full release of the OS by August 2024, with the initial OS being off-loaded on its Pixel devices and soon to other tech giants such as Samsung. According to their official developer page, the complete timeline is broken down into four different sections, which include:
- Stage 1: Developer Previews (Feb 2024 – Mar 2024)
- Stage 2: Beta Releases (Apr 2024 – Jul 2024)
- Stage 3: Platform Stability (Jun 2024 – Jul 2024)
- Stage 4: Final Release (Jul 2024 – Aug 2024)
Stage 1 will see two developer previews rolled out each month, which will build the early baseline, focusing on developer feedback as well as incremental updates with additional features. Stage 2 will follow them diving into beta-quality releases with continued compatibility testings. Around June 2024, at Stage 3, they expect to achieve their first platform stability milestone, which will include final APIs and behaviors. Finally, in late July 2024 or August 2024, we can expect the final release of the much-awaited Android 15.
All New Features!
Google has not unveiled all of the features of the upcoming OS, but some leaks and rumors provide us with an insight into what’s to be expected. These features include and are not limited to:
- Privacy Sandbox: This innovative technology aims to enhance user privacy and provide customized advertising experiences for mobile apps. Enabling total privacy of the user data without compromising on their identity.
- File Integrity: This will prevent files from being tampered with or corrupted preventing any potential malware or unauthorized modifications.
- Partial Screen Sharing: The feature will allow users to share or record sole app windows rather than giving access to their complete device screen.
- Lock Screen Widgets: Widgets will now be accessible on the lock screen, enabling users to quickly check their pertinent information or perform their tasks without the need to open the phone completely.
- App Pairing: This feature will allow users to save and launch app pairs in split-screen mode, making multitasking easier and faster.
Compatibility Of The OS
The new OS will be compatible with a range of devices, but not all of them will receive the update at the same time. Google’s Pixel phones, including the Pixel 6 line-up and on-wards, are the first ones to receive the update. Regarding Samsung’s Galaxy phones, the company has recently enhanced its update schedule and guarantees that major OS updates and security patches will be available for the majority of its devices for at least three and four years, respectively. Based on this information, the following is the list of smartphones that are expected to get Android 15:
- Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Galaxy S24+
- Galaxy S24
- Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Galaxy S23+
- Galaxy S23
- Galaxy S23 FE
- Galaxy S22 Ultra
- Galaxy S22+
- Galaxy S22
- Galaxy S21 FE
- Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Galaxy S21+
- Galaxy S21
- Galaxy Z Fold 6
- Galaxy Z Fold 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Flip 5
- Galaxy Z Fold 4
- Galaxy Z Flip 4
- Galaxy Z Fold 3
- Galaxy Z Flip 3
- Galaxy A73
- Galaxy A72
- Galaxy A54
- Galaxy A53
- Galaxy A34
- Galaxy A33
- Galaxy A25
- Galaxy A24
- Galaxy A23
- Galaxy A15 (LTE+5G)
- Galaxy A14 (LTE+5G)
Stay tuned for more tech updates like these; this is your soon-to-be favorite friendly neighborhood techie Zayaan, Signing Off!