Android 15 features: All what you want to know

 

Android 15 features: All what you want to know 

In this article, we’ll explore everything we know (and speculate) about Android 15! Given the depth of information covered, it’s a lengthy read, so we’ve included several indexes to help you navigate through the various features and topics. Let’s dive in!

Android 15: Name and Release Date

Google moved away from its tradition of dessert-themed names starting with Android 10, opting for a simpler version numbering system. As a result, Android 15 is officially known as Android 15, although its internal codename is Vanilla Ice Cream.

Currently, Google is in the testing phase with two developer previews and four beta versions released. The stable version for Pixel devices is expected to roll out in the coming weeks. The release schedule has progressed through several beta phases, reaching platform stability, which means no new features or APIs will be introduced. This allows app developers to start testing their applications against the public APIs. Future sub-releases will primarily focus on bug fixes and stability improvements.

Google has not provided a specific date for the stable release of Android 15. Initially, it was presumed that the launch would coincide with the Pixel 9 series on August 13, 2024, but the flagship devices debuted with Android 14. While Google opened up Android 15 beta testing for the Pixel 9 shortly after, the new OS was not mentioned during the launch event.

This suggests that Android 15 may follow the typical release pattern of previous versions but without the expected overlap with a new Pixel launch. However, an OTA screen indicated that the update is set to be available in October. A leak further suggested that Android 15 could roll out to Pixel devices on October 15, 2024, marking the stable release in line with Android's historical timeline.

It sounds like Android 15 is rolling out soon, especially for Google Pixel users! Those with recent Pixel devices will get the update first, while other OEMs will need some extra time to adapt their custom skins. It’s great that some non-Pixel devices can also join in the fun with beta updates, even if they’re not fully customized yet. Are you excited about any specific features in Android 15?

If you're feeling adventurous and want to install Android 15 yourself, that’s a great way to get a sneak peek at the new features! And it's good to know there's a way to leave the beta program without losing your data afterward. If you need help with the installation process or any specific steps to exit the beta, just let me know!

It sounds like you're talking about the upcoming Android 15 release, along with its key features, UI, and UX improvements! Once Android 15 is officially rolled out, OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) like Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc., will indeed run their beta programs to integrate their custom skins (such as One UI, OxygenOS, MIUI) with Android 15. This will be followed by the release of stable updates for their devices.

Here are some confirmed features, UI changes, and UX improvements that may be part of Android 15, based on leaks, early builds, and official announcements:

1. UI Changes:

• Material You Updates: Expect more customization options with Material You, allowing users to personalize their UI further. This might include new color palettes and themes that better adapt to users’ wallpapers.
• Enhanced Lock Screen Customization: Similar to iOS 16’s lock screen flexibility, Android 15 might bring new widgets, clock styles, and layout options directly to the lock screen.
• Redesigned Quick Settings Panel: A possible redesign of the Quick Settings area could offer a more intuitive and visually appealing layout, making key toggles and settings easier to access.

2. UX Improvements:

• Notification Center Tweaks: Android 15 could refine the notification shade with smoother transitions, better grouping, and smarter suggestions based on user behavior.
• Gesture Navigation Enhancements: More refined gesture controls and perhaps additional swipe gestures for faster access to features.
• Adaptive Battery and Performance Management: As part of Google's continued focus on extending battery life, Android 15 may come with improved AI-powered background process management to ensure better performance and efficiency.

3. Functionality Updates:

• Native Support for More Foldable Features: With foldable phones becoming more common, Android 15 might introduce enhanced support for multitasking and app continuity across different screen modes.
• Improved Privacy Dashboard: The privacy dashboard may gain more granular controls, giving users better insights into how apps are accessing data in real-time.
• Satellite Communication Support: Rumors suggest Android 15 could bring native satellite communication support, following the trend of emergency satellite connectivity in smartphones.
• Refined App Permissions: More control over app permissions, with one-time access options for specific resources like the camera, microphone, and location.

4. Performance & Security:

• Smarter AI-driven Features: Android 15 could further optimize AI and machine learning processes for tasks like voice commands, photo editing, and background app management.
• Faster OS Updates via Project Mainline: Project Mainline might extend to include more system components, allowing for even faster updates delivered through the Google Play Store.

How to Check for the Update:

Once Android 15 is available, the Android 15 Update Tracker will help users monitor whether their devices have received the update. Typically, you’ll be able to check by:

• Going to Settings > Software Update on your phone.
• Checking your phone manufacturer's community forum or support page.
• Signing up for beta programs directly from OEMs like Samsung's One UI Beta or Google's Pixel Beta program.

Would you like to know more about any specific features or changes expected in Android 15?

The upcoming Android Automotive OS 15 (based on Android 15) is shaping up to include some significant enhancements for in-car entertainment and dashboard systems. While Google hasn’t formally unveiled the new features, some release notes have given us a glimpse of what's to come:

Key Changes and Features in Android Automotive OS 15:

1. Bluetooth Audio Streaming to Headsets:

   • One of the most exciting new features is the ability to stream audio from the car to a Bluetooth headset. This is useful for passengers who want to enjoy entertainment or make private calls without disturbing others in the car.

2. App Dock for Quick Launching:

   • Android Automotive OS 15 introduces an app dock that allows users to pin favorite apps to the bottom of the screen for easy access. This makes it more convenient to quickly launch frequently used apps like navigation, media, or communication apps.

3. Ambient View:

   • An ambient view feature will be added, allowing displays to switch to a more minimal or informational mode when idle. This could display things like time, weather, or basic car info when the dashboard is not actively in use, reducing distractions and energy consumption.

4. Wi-Fi Hotspot Persistence:

   • Android Automotive 15 brings persistent Wi-Fi hotspot support, meaning the car can maintain a Wi-Fi connection even when the vehicle is turned off or restarted. This is particularly useful for passengers using the in-car internet or for connected devices that need continuous internet access.

5. Improved Radio Support:

   • Enhanced radio functionality with support for HD and DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) radio standards. This will improve audio quality and offer better reception for digital radio stations, providing more reliable access to entertainment and information.

Other Potential Improvements:

• More seamless integration with mobile devices: As Android continues to develop, Android Automotive OS may further improve how it communicates with smartphones via Android Auto or through built-in features, making for a more unified in-car experience.
• Increased customization options: Custom themes and layouts for the dashboard or infotainment screens could be introduced, giving users more control over how their interface looks.

While these are some of the highlights mentioned in the release notes, further updates may be introduced as development continues. Would you like to explore more specific features or capabilities of Android Automotive OS?

Partial screen sharing

With Android 15, Google is expanding a significant new feature that allows users to share or record just a specific app window instead of the entire device screen. This functionality was initially introduced in Android 14 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2) on Pixel devices, and now, with Android 15, it will be made available more broadly across other Android devices.

Key Features of App Window Sharing and Recording in Android 15:

1. Selective Screen Sharing:

   • Users can now share just one app window during screen-sharing sessions in apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Teams. This helps enhance privacy by ensuring that only the chosen application is visible to others, avoiding accidental exposure of notifications, other apps, or sensitive information.

2. App-specific Recording:

   • Android 15 brings the ability to record only a specific app window. This is useful for tutorials, troubleshooting, or content creation, as users no longer have to worry about capturing unwanted elements like home screens, notifications, or other apps.

3. Enhanced Privacy Control:

   • This feature is designed to give users more control over what they share during screen recordings or streaming sessions. It ensures that notifications, personal messages, and other content outside the selected app remain hidden from viewers.

4. Wider Compatibility:

   • While Pixel devices were the first to enjoy this feature in Android 14 QPR2, Android 15 rolls out this ability across a wider range of Android devices, making it available to users of different manufacturers like Samsung, OnePlus, and Xiaomi.

5. Developer Optimizations:

   • Developers may now have the option to optimize their apps for better compatibility with this window-sharing feature, allowing smoother transitions and user experiences during screen sharing or recording sessions.

Use Cases for App Window Sharing:

• Presentations & Meetings: Share only relevant apps like slides or documents, without showing the rest of your phone's interface.
• Gaming or App Tutorials: Record or stream gameplay or app tutorials with a clean, focused view on the app alone.
• Privacy-sensitive Situations: Protect sensitive data from other apps or notifications that might otherwise pop up during screen-sharing sessions.

This feature marks another step toward improving user control and privacy during screen-sharing and recording activities on Android, making the process more user-friendly and secure across a variety of scenarios.

Satellite connectivity support

With Android 15, Google is further integrating support for satellite connectivity, building on the groundwork laid by previous Android versions. This update enhances the platform's ability to interact with satellite networks, making it easier for users to stay connected in areas without traditional cellular coverage.

Key Features and Enhancements for Satellite Connectivity in Android 15:

1. UI Elements for Consistency:

   • Android 15 introduces new UI components that create a consistent user experience across devices that support satellite connectivity. These UI elements provide clear indicators when a device is connected to a satellite network, helping users understand the status of their connection.
   • These UI enhancements may include icons, status indicators, and notifications, ensuring users know when they are using satellite services versus standard cellular networks.

2. Satellite Detection APIs:

   • Android 15 offers new APIs that allow apps to detect when a device is connected to a satellite. This gives apps greater awareness of the network state, helping them adjust functionality accordingly.
   • For example, apps could limit certain data-heavy features or change how they operate if full network services are unavailable due to satellite-only connectivity. This is particularly useful for messaging apps, navigation tools, or emergency services.

3. Improved User Experience in Low Connectivity Areas:

   • With satellite support, users in rural or remote areas can still access critical services, like emergency communications or basic messaging, even when cellular networks are unavailable.
   • The new API support allows apps to manage user expectations, informing them when network services are limited or slower due to satellite usage.

4. Extended Coverage Beyond Cellular Networks:

   • By adding platform-level support for satellite connections, Android 15 helps close the connectivity gap for users who frequently find themselves in areas without traditional cell tower coverage, such as hikers, travelers, or those in remote locations.
   • Devices that support satellite connectivity will be able to seamlessly switch between cellular and satellite networks as needed, maintaining essential services like calling, messaging, and navigation.

5. Emergency Communication:

   • Satellite connectivity is particularly important for emergency services, as it allows users to reach out for help even when they are out of cellular range. Android 15 may also include UI prompts to assist users in using satellite networks for SOS or emergency features.

How This Impacts Developers:

• Developers can integrate satellite-aware functionalities into their apps using the new APIs. Apps that rely on real-time communication, data transfer, or GPS can adjust their behaviors based on network availability, offering users more optimized experiences.
• For example, a messaging app could switch to low-bandwidth mode when it detects satellite connectivity, ensuring messages are still sent even if the network is limited.

Potential Devices:

• While satellite support is still relatively new, future Android devices, especially those designed for rugged use or in regions with limited infrastructure, will likely adopt these features to enhance connectivity. Google’s Pixel devices or smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung, Qualcomm, or Huawei might incorporate this in future hardware.

This feature marks a big step forward in providing universal connectivity to Android users, particularly in regions that lack robust network infrastructure. Would you like more information on devices that are expected to support this feature?

With Android 15, Google is expanding satellite connectivity support to include SMS and RCS messaging apps, not just for emergency communications but for everyday use. This broadens the scope of satellite connectivity, enabling users to send and receive regular messages even when cellular networks are unavailable.

Key Features of Satellite Messaging Support in Android 15:

1. Satellite Connectivity for SMS and RCS:

   • SMS apps and preloaded RCS (Rich Communication Services) apps will now be able to leverage satellite connectivity in areas where cellular networks are unavailable. This allows users to stay connected with regular messaging services even in remote locations.
   • Unlike previous satellite features that were limited to emergency use, Android 15 enables standard text and rich media messaging via satellite, making it a more versatile solution for staying in touch.

2. Seamless Transition Between Networks:

   • Android 15 provides a seamless experience when switching between cellular and satellite networks for messaging. This ensures users can continue conversations without interruption, whether they’re connected via a traditional cellular network or a satellite.
   • Apps can now detect when the device is using satellite connectivity through new APIs and adjust their behavior, such as reducing bandwidth usage when necessary.

3. Support for RCS Features:

   • Preloaded RCS messaging apps will be able to send messages over satellite, meaning users can access features like read receipts, typing indicators, and rich media (such as images and videos) where satellite bandwidth allows.
   • This is significant because RCS, as an enhanced messaging standard, typically relies on data networks, and extending this to satellite opens up possibilities for more reliable communication in underserved areas.

4. Not Limited to Emergency Communication:

   • Previously, satellite connectivity was often reserved for emergency services, such as SOS alerts or basic messaging in life-threatening situations. With Android 15, satellite-based messaging extends to regular, non-emergency scenarios, making it a practical feature for daily communication when outside cellular range.

5. Potential Carrier Tie-ins:

   • Leaks have suggested a deeper collaboration with T-Mobile for satellite connectivity features, but Google has not officially confirmed these details. It’s likely that T-Mobile and other carriers will offer satellite messaging as part of their plans, allowing users to send SMS and RCS messages via satellite when their devices are out of cellular coverage.
   • This could follow T-Mobile’s prior announcement of a partnership with SpaceX to provide satellite-powered connectivity, hinting at deeper integration with Starlink or other satellite services for messaging and data.

Benefits of Satellite Messaging in Android 15:

• Wider Communication Reach: Users can stay connected even in remote areas like rural regions, mountains, deserts, or during outdoor activities (e.g., hiking or camping) where cellular coverage is spotty or unavailable.
• Enhanced Reliability: Satellite messaging offers a backup option for communication when traditional networks fail due to weather, natural disasters, or infrastructure issues.
• Improved Messaging Flexibility: Both SMS and RCS apps will be able to leverage satellite connections, ensuring that users can send basic texts or take advantage of richer messaging features when possible.

Developer Considerations:

• App developers working on messaging services will need to ensure that their apps are compatible with the new satellite APIs in Android 15. This means enabling fallback options for low-bandwidth scenarios and optimizing apps for satellite networks.
• Carrier-specific features or agreements may influence how these capabilities are deployed, depending on partnerships like the rumored T-Mobile tie-in.

Outlook:

While Google has yet to reveal specific details about how it will partner with carriers or satellite service providers like SpaceX's Starlink, the expanded satellite connectivity support in Android 15 signals a future where global messaging becomes more accessible. This will have far-reaching implications for rural areas, travelers, and anyone who finds themselves frequently without traditional network coverage

New in-app camera controls

Android 15 is introducing new camera hardware control extensions, giving developers more direct access to certain camera functionalities on supported devices. These enhancements provide greater flexibility for developers to optimize camera performance, especially in challenging conditions like low light, and enable more fine-tuned control over how the camera's flash operates.

Key Camera Hardware Extensions in Android 15:

Low-Light Enhancements:

Android 15 introduces APIs that give developers the ability to boost brightness in low-light conditions during the camera preview. This provides:

Improved Visibility: Developers can increase brightness when previewing the camera viewfinder, allowing users to see clearer images in dimly lit environments before taking a shot.

Customization: Apps can adjust how much brightness to boost based on environmental conditions, making the camera preview more responsive to real-time lighting changes.

Night Mode Integration: This extension can be integrated with existing night mode or low-light photography features, improving the overall quality of images taken in dark settings.

Advanced Flash Strength Control:

Developers can now access more granular control over the intensity of the camera's flash, enabling the following:

Precision Flash Adjustments: Instead of simply turning the flash on or off, developers can control how strong or weak the flash is when taking a photo, making it adaptable to different lighting conditions. For example, in very dark environments, a strong flash might be needed, while a softer flash may suffice in moderately low light.

Enhanced Photo Quality: The ability to fine-tune the flash can reduce overexposure or harsh shadows that occur when using a flash in certain settings, improving the overall look and feel of photos.

Dynamic Flash Controls: Developers could build features that automatically adjust flash strength based on subject distance or ambient lighting, resulting in a more intelligent camera system.

Developer Flexibility:

These extensions provide finer control over the camera hardware, giving developers the tools to optimize the camera experience for their specific apps, such as camera-focused apps, social media platforms, or photo-editing tools.

By integrating these controls into their apps, developers can create custom low-light modes or flash modes tailored to the needs of their users, resulting in a more personalized photography experience.

Potential Use Cases:

Night Photography: Apps can leverage these new controls to create a more responsive and adaptive night photography experience, allowing users to take better pictures in dark environments without the need for post-processing.

Video Recording: For apps focused on video, the low-light enhancement API could be used to brighten the camera feed during live recording, ensuring better visibility when capturing video in poor lighting conditions.

Professional Photography Apps: Advanced flash strength control could appeal to professional or enthusiast photographers who need precise control over their lighting setups, including adjusting the flash strength for macro photography or portrait shots.

Impact on Users:

Better Low-Light Photography: Users will be able to capture clearer, more detailed images in low-light situations, thanks to the camera preview enhancements.

Customizable Flash: The ability to fine-tune flash intensity means users can avoid overexposed or washed-out images, leading to higher-quality photos in varied lighting conditions.

Conclusion:

The new camera hardware control extensions in Android 15 represent a significant improvement for both developers and users. These features will allow developers to create more versatile and powerful camera experiences, especially in apps that rely heavily on photography or video recording. For users, this means enhanced photo quality in low-light situations and better control over flash intensity, making Android 15 an exciting update for smartphone photography.

Universal toggle for keyboard vibration control

In Android 15 Developer Preview 1, Google has introduced a new “keyboard vibration” toggle that allows users to control vibration feedback for the keyboard more universally across the system. This feature provides a more consistent and centralized way to manage keyboard haptics, rather than relying solely on individual app settings.

Sensitive Notifications

Android 15 is introducing a new sensitive notifications feature aimed at enhancing the security of two-factor authentication (2FA) by preventing one-time passwords (OTPs) from being intercepted by malicious apps. This addresses a significant vulnerability in the basic form of 2FA that relies on sending OTPs via text messages (SMS) or email, which are often targeted by attackers.

Bluetooth popup dialog

In Android 15, a new potential Quick Settings tile feature could offer users better control over their Bluetooth connections by allowing them to toggle individual device connections. This would make it easier to manage multiple Bluetooth accessories without having to navigate deep into the settings menu.

In Android 15, Google has enhanced the functionality of the Bluetooth Quick Settings tile, making it more versatile and user-friendly. Instead of simply toggling Bluetooth on or off, the tile now opens a popup dialog that allows for more comprehensive Bluetooth management directly from the Quick Settings panel.

Auracast focus: Audio sharing to nearby Bluetooth LE Audio streams

In Android 15, Google is building on the LE Audio features introduced in previous versions by enhancing support for Auracast, a Bluetooth LE (Low Energy) feature that allows devices to broadcast audio to nearby Auracast-supported devices without the need for traditional pairing. This functionality is intended to make audio sharing more seamless, especially for environments like public spaces, where multiple users might want to connect to the same audio stream.

It's exciting to hear that you managed to enable the “audio sharing” feature on the Pixel 8 Pro running Android 15 Beta 1.1, and successfully tested the Auracast functionality! This marks a significant leap forward in making Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast more accessible and functional for everyday users.

It’s great to hear that Android 15’s “audio sharing” feature on the Pixel 8 Pro includes advanced customization options for Auracast broadcasts! Being able to manually set the broadcast name, password, and generate a QR code adds an extra layer of personalization and security to the audio sharing experience.

 That's correct! Auracast is designed as a one-way audio broadcast, meaning that while connected devices can receive and listen to the audio stream, they cannot control the media playback on the source device. This is a fundamental characteristic of how Auracast operates as part of the Bluetooth LE Audio standard.

It’s exciting to hear that Auracast stream discovery is already present in Android 15 through settings stubs, and it sounds like it’s on its way to becoming a full-fledged feature! The ability to find and connect to nearby Auracast streams via a dedicated Quick Settings tile would be a significant step forward in enhancing the Bluetooth LE Audio experience.

High-Quality Webcam mode

With the integration of webcam functionality in Android 14 QPR 1, using your Android phone as a webcam for your PC became a more streamlined process, eliminating the need for third-party apps. However, as you noted, the output quality was lacking, which can be a significant drawback for users looking for clear, high-quality video during calls or streaming sessions.

Android 15 Developer Preview 2 integrates a new High-Quality Webcam mode when you start the USB webcam feature on a Pixel device.

The introduction of the “HQ” symbol in the webcam preview for Android 15 is an exciting addition that allows users to take full advantage of their device’s camera capabilities. Here's a breakdown of what this feature entails, including its benefits and drawbacks

Changes for continuity features on foldables

The ability to control how apps behave on the front display of foldable devices is a valuable feature being introduced in Android 15. This enhancement reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to optimize user experience on foldable devices, allowing for more tailored interactions based on user preferences.

The new features in Android 15 related to foldable and large-screen devices highlight Google's commitment to improving usability and customization for these unique formats. Here’s a detailed overview of the features you've mentioned, including the "swipe up to continue" option, better cover screen support, and persistent taskbar functionality:

1. Swipe Up to Continue Option

• Enhanced Flexibility:

  • The "swipe up to continue" option allows users to continue using apps on the cover screen by simply swiping up on the lock screen after folding their devices. This flexibility is a notable improvement over the more restrictive "only games, videos, and more" setting.
  • Users can quickly interact with various apps without needing to unlock the device fully or unfold it, making it easier to manage notifications and quick tasks.

• Streamlined Experience:

  • This option streamlines the user experience by making it easier to access and utilize apps, particularly in situations where quick interactions are desired, such as checking messages or responding to notifications.

2. Better Cover Screen Support

• Developer Opt-In for Cover Screens:

  • With Android 15, app developers can declare a property that allows their apps to be displayed on the small cover screens of supported flippable devices. This feature acknowledges the unique limitations and potential of cover screens.
  • While full-fledged apps may not perform well on small screens, this new support encourages developers to create tailored experiences for cover displays, ensuring users can engage with key functionalities even on smaller interfaces.

• Improved User Experience:

  • By allowing developers to optimize their apps for cover screens, users will benefit from a more cohesive experience, making it easier to use apps like messaging or music controls without needing to open the device.

3. Persistent Taskbar for Large-Screen Devices

• Taskbar Evolution:

  • The taskbar has undergone various iterations since its introduction in Android 12L. Initially, it took up the entire width of the screen but was later modified to a smaller, transient form in Android 13.
  • In Android 15 Developer Preview 2, users are given a new option: "always show taskbar." This toggle allows users to choose whether they prefer a persistent taskbar or the previous transient version.

• Benefits for Multitasking:

  • The persistent taskbar option is particularly beneficial for users who heavily multitask, as it provides constant access to apps without needing to swipe up each time.
  • This change aims to improve efficiency, especially for users who rely on quick access to multiple applications while working on larger-screen devices.

The introduction of features that allow users to customize their experience on foldable and large-screen devices in Android 15 Beta 2 truly enhances the versatility of these devices.

 Circle to Search support with persistent taskbar

The introduction of the Circle to Search functionality in Android 15 Beta 3 is a significant enhancement for users of the Pixel Tablet, particularly regarding how they can interact with the taskbar.

The inclusion of a pop-up notification in Android 15 Beta 3 that guides users on how to invoke Circle to Search when using the persistent taskbar is a thoughtful enhancement that further improves usability.

Health Connect

The updates to Health Connect by Android in Android 15 represent a significant enhancement for users focused on fitness and wellness tracking. Here’s a breakdown of the new features introduced, specifically in Beta 2, including the addition of new data types like skin temperature and training plans.

Virtual MIDI 2.0 Devices

Android 13 added support for connecting to MIDI 2.0 devices via USB, which communicate using Universal MIDI Packets (UMP). Android 15 extends UMP support to virtual MIDI apps. This enables composition apps to control synthesizer apps as a virtual MIDI 2.0 device, just like they would with a USB MIDI 2.0 device.

HDR headroom control

In situations where you have some HDR content on your screen but more SDR content (for example, an HDR thumbnail while the rest of the content is in SDR), the HDR content can overpower the perceived brightness of the rest of the SDR content. Android 15 allows apps to control the HDR headroom, so they can avoid such situations.

Loudness control

Android 15 has officially introduced support for the CTA-2075 loudness standard that helps app developers avoid loudness inconsistencies and ensures users don’t have to constantly adjust volume when switching between content. The Android system leverages known characteristics of the output devices (headphones, speaker) along with loudness metadata available in the AAC audio content to “intelligently adjust the audio loudness and dynamic range compression levels.”

Edge-to-edge apps by default

Android allows apps to use the entire height and width of the display to showcase their content, but many apps do not take advantage of this. Android 15 forces apps to go edge-to-edge by default, but Google also quietly added a way for developers to opt out of this change.

Predictive Back

One of Android 14’s highlight features was supposed to be the new predictive back gesture, but the feature remained gated behind Developer Options. Google is finally graduating the feature beyond Developer Options, so system animations such as back-to-home, cross-task, and cross-activity will appear for apps that have properly migrated to this feature.

Predictive back provides a smoother, more intuitive navigation experience while using gesture navigation, leveraging built-in animations to inform users where their actions will take them, to reduce unexpected outcomes.

We’ve spotted a new animation for the predictive back gesture for keyboards in Android 15 QPR 1 Beta 1 that appears before the keyboard is minimized. This change is not expected with the stable Android 15 release, but could likely arrive with stable QPR releases in the future.

App Pairs to quickly launch split-screen app combos

Google is allowing large-screen device users to save their favorite split-screen app combinations for quick access. The press release does not name the feature, but the attached graphic shows a “Save app pair” option. Google also mentions it explicitly for large-screen devices and not for smaller-screen devices like phones.

From what we know, when you save an app pair, an icon is added to the home screen that shows the two apps in a saved pair configuration. Clicking on this icon will launch this app pair configuration.

New collapsible volume panel

Android 15 Beta 2 features much thicker, pill-shaped sliders in the expanded volume panel, the same that we discovered in previous builds. You can slide the slider to change volume, and you can also click on the extreme left of any pill to mute that stream or on the extreme right to raise the stream to maximum volume. This expanded volume panel also collapses, and you can do that by pressing the button next to the media stream.

Helpfully, the expanded volume panel now includes a persistent media output shortcut, which remains present there irrespective of the media playback state. There are also new animations, with the stream name text moving with the slider.

A beta release introduced buttons for active noise cancelation (ANC) and spatial audio, but subsequent betas removed those buttons. The lack of these buttons is apparently “intended behavior,” but Google could bring them back via a server-side switch. These buttons may work only for Google’s Pixel Buds, though.

Richer Widget Previews with Generated Previews

App developers can now add personalized previews for their app’s widgets with Android 15 Beta 2. This way, when a user is at the widget selector, they will see a widget that is more representative of what the actual output would be.

Bluetooth auto-on

Google is upgrading Android’s Find My Device network to leverage the wide network of Android devices. This upgrade relies on Bluetooth beacons from participating devices to locate other nearby devices. However, if participating devices have their Bluetooth switched off, the network will lose efficacy.

Android 15 Beta 2 includes a “Bluetooth auto-on” toggle. When selected, this temporarily pauses the Bluetooth radio and switches it back on the next day instead of disabling it until the next time the user toggles it.

On iPhones, toggling Bluetooth or Wi-Fi from the Control Centre (aka the quick settings panel) merely disconnects accessories until the next day. It does not disable the radios, and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi continue to remain available for Apple ecosystem features. To disable the radios, you need to toggle Bluetooth and Wi-Fi from the Settings app. So Google could have been partly inspired from here.

Adaptive vibration

Android 15 Beta 2 on Pixel devices includes a new Adaptive Vibration setting present in Settings > Sound & vibration > Vibration & haptics.

According to its description, adaptive vibration “automatically adjusts your phone’s vibrations based on your environment.” It does this by using your phone’s “microphone and other sensors” to “determine sound levels and context.” To preserve privacy, “no data is recorded.”

Android includes a helpful animation on the adaptive vibration page that explains what the feature does. The animation shows that, when the feature is enabled, your phone’s haptics will vibrate more intensely when your phone is on a couch and less intensely when it’s on a table. This makes sense, since the cushions on a couch can dampen your phone’s vibrations, so it needs to vibrate harder to compensate. On the other hand, your phone’s vibrations can cause other objects on a table to rustle, so reducing the intensity of the haptic motor might be necessary.

New color contrast settings

Android 15 Beta 2 adds a new “color contrast” settings page to Settings > Wallpaper & style. This page lets the user adjust the contrast of text, buttons, and icons to make them stand out more in apps.

Set Google Account photo as avatar

Android 15 Beta 2 includes a new Google Pixel Avatar App, an unbundled version of the existing avatar picker that is found in Settings > System > Multiple users. However, this app adds a new feature: the ability to use your current Google Account picture as your profile picture

When you select your Google Account picture as your Android profile picture, your current Google Account picture is shown in the top row next to the camera and gallery icons, and it’s distinguished with a “G” logo.

Lockdown mode prevents juice jacking

Lockdown mode was introduced with Android 9 Pie in 2018. When you enter lockdown mode, your phone’s notifications are hidden, and all forms of authentication except for the user’s primary authentication (PIN, password, or pattern) are disabled.

In Android 15, Lockdown mode helps prevent juice jacking by immediately disabling USB data access.

Home controls screensaver

Android 15 Beta 3 has added a screensaver called “Home Controls” that lets you control your Google Home devices when your device is idle and charging.

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