As it does every year, Google is working on the next iteration of its operating system for mobile devices, Android. In 2024, version 15 is expected for smartphones and tablets, with its share of new features and improvements. Here's what we currently know about Android 15.
The name of the new Android OS version
Still following alphabetical order and their traditions, the development teams have christened this new Android update with a dessert name. After Tiramisu for Android 13 and Upside Down Cake for Android 14, version 15 is codenamed Vanilla Ice Cream, according to information from freelance journalist Mishaal Rahman.
A likely reference to early versions of a project, often called vanilla, meaning that it's a raw original model to which no modifications have been made, which was the case for the first iteration of Android. Of course, this is a code name for development. The final version will be called Android 15 for the general public.
What's the release date for Android 15?
Google's roadmap for 2024 is no different from its usual schedule. The release of Android 15 should therefore take place at the end of Q3 2024, around August-September, or even early October, as was the case in 2023 for Android 14. Here's an overview of the roadmap shared by Google:
- Developer Preview 1: available from February 16, 2024,
- Developer Preview 2: March 2024,
- Beta phases: April to July 2024,
- Stability testing: June 2024 to final release,
The Developer Preview for Android 14 was available as early as February 8, 2023, 8 days earlier than this year. © Google
New features expected with Android 15
Every operating system update brings with it its share of new features, and of course, Android 15 will be one of them. Between Google's first announcements, insider information, and rumors, it's already possible to sketch the future face of Android 15. Here are the possible improvements expected:
- Partial screen sharing: this feature should enable users to share or save a single window or application rather than their entire screen.
- Return of widgets: abandoned on the lock screen since Android 5, widgets could make a comeback, again according to Mishaal Rahman. However, they could be limited to tablets and devices designed for multiple users.
- Health data and apps: version 15 will integrate Health Connect by Android by default, the secure, centralized platform for managing and sharing health and fitness data collected by different apps. The update will add fitness and nutrition data, among others.
- Improved accessibility: Google is said to be working on a simplified preset feature to improve readability and ease of navigation. It will enlarge icons and text, adjust contrast, add navigation buttons, and more. All are customizable to your needs.
- Native application archiving: already introduced in 2023 on certain devices, space-saving archiving of little-used or unused applications could be integrated natively into Android 15.
- Built-in phishing protection: a new Play Protect feature would scan apps for phishing, deceptive, or malicious behavior, improving Google Play Store security even after the app has been installed.
- Bluetooth LE audio sharing: Google could introduce Auracast, a proximity audio sharing tool using Bluetooth Low Energy. This should mean the addition of a new tab dedicated to audio sharing, with the option of activating it, getting a QR code to connect to a stream, etc.
- MIDI 2.0 devices: Android 15 will extend support for MIDI 2.0 devices to virtual MIDI applications, without the need for a USB connection.
- New performance indicators: Google will add an energy efficiency mode, GPU and CPU runtimes can be reported for frequency adjustment, and new thermal margin thresholds will limit usage if exceeded.
Other features are expected to be added by Google in this 15th version of Android, notably dedicated to the display and use of applications on foldable devices.
Smartphones and devices compatible with Android 15
Manufacturers usually take in turns to unveil smartphones and devices that will be compatible with the latest version of Android. We'll have to wait for the official lists from Samsung, Xiaomi, etc., to find out more.
Nevertheless, Google has already shared the list of Pixel smartphones compatible with Android 15:
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a,
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a,
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro,
- Pixel Fold,
- Pixel Tablet.
Information will gradually emerge between now and spring, before Google reveals more - and officially - at its annual Google I/O conference, most likely to be held in May 2024.