Google releases a new major version of Android every year, and that’ll be no different in 2024.
Android 15 had its official launch at Google I/O 2024, and two public betas are now live – see how to get Android 15 beta now.
So, what should you expect in terms of features and compatibility with existing phones? And when will the new software arrive on your device?
Here’s an exhaustive list of everything you need to know about Android 15 at this stage, but we’ve also outlined our 10 favourite new Android 15 features, and which phones are likely to get the Android 15 update.
When will Android 15 be released?
According to user CalligrapherSingle21 on Reddit, Google has confirmed that Android 15 will arrive as early as this month, at least in Germany.
In an email they shared, addressed to the German Pixel Community, it read: “This month, all supported Google Pixel devices running Android 14 will receive the software update to Android 15.”
However, we don’t know whether this news is in fact true and, if it is, whether it applies only to Germany or to the global release of the update.
Here’s the full content of the email in question (translated):
Dear Pixel Community,
This month, all supported Google Pixel devices running Android 14 will receive the software update to Android 15. The update is already available for some users today. Over the next week, it will gradually be made available on the devices via mobile operators. You will receive a notification as soon as the system update is available for your device. We recommend that you check your Android version and update to the latest version.
For more information about this month’s security fixes, see the Android Security Bulletin: https://source.android.com/security/bulletin
Best regards The Google Pixel support team
On 3 September, Google sent the Android 15 code to the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), but has yet to release it for its Pixel devices.
Based on the timeline below, it’ll be sometime towards the end of the year.
As you can see from the last few generations, it usually begins rolling out in the second half of each year.
- Android 14 – October 2023
- Android 13 – August 2022
- Android 12 – October 2021
- Android 11 – September 2020
- Android 10 – September 2019
Going by this pattern, we’d expect the full release version of Android 15 to arrive sometime in October 2024. And, according to recent reports, that’s very likely to be true.
Back in September, Android Headlines claimed that the over-the-air update for Pixels was scheduled to start on 15 October, which aligned with the Reddit post (discussed above) that surfaced on that day.
The update, reportedly, will be available for the Pixel 6 and newer models, including the recently released Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which initially launched with Android 14 (also see our coverage of the best Pixel phone deals if you’re considering a new phone).
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Two public betas of Android 15 are already live, allowing you to try it ahead of time. And it’s not just Google Pixel phones that you can try it on – recent devices from Honor, Iqoo, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo and Xiaomi are all compatible.
If you want to try it yourself, here’s how. On the device you want to use, simply go to the beta page, click ‘Become a tester’ and follow the on-screen instructions.
Of course, even when Android 15 officially launches, it’ll take a while before it arrives on all compatible phones. The latest Pixel devices will be first in line, but a full rollout will likely take several months.
Which devices will get Android 15?
Here’s an official list of all Pixel devices that will receive the update to Android 15:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
You’re probably also wondering whether your current Android smartphone will get Android 15.
Besides the Pixel devices listed above, plenty of other Android devices will be eligible, although this will depend on how long the manufacturer has said it will deliver OS (operating system) updates for.
Many Samsung, OnePlus and Xiaomi phones offer four years or more, while Honor tends to get three and Asus only two.
If you’re unsure, there’s a useful Android 15 Update Tracker that monitors many of the most popular handsets.
But not all models are included, so it’s worth reading the full Tech Advisor review of your phone to see how long it’ll be supported.
What new features will we see in Android 15?
Across developer and public-focused betas, plus Google’s I/O developer conference, plenty has already been revealed about Android 15.
Here are the main new features in Android 15 to look forward to.
Private Space
A separate space within Android 15 for sensitive apps. Data and notifications can be isolated from the rest of the phone. It requires an extra layer of authentication to access, and can be hidden completely.
Add to Google Wallet via photos
Allows you to add any passes with a barcode or QR code simply by scanning them.
Theft Detection Lock
Uses AI to detect if your phone has been taken and someone has run, cycled or driven off with it. Your phone will be automatically locked down to prevent any personal information from being accessed.
Real-time app fraud protection
Uses AI to identify apps that might carry out fraud or phishing, by looking at how they’re using sensitive information in real time. If a threat is detected after being sent to Google for review, users will be warned or the app disabled completely, without collecting personal data.
Satellite messaging support
Allows you to send SMS and MMS messages even without any phone signal, using satellite technology. Unlike the iPhone, it can’t be used to make emergency calls yet.
Faster NFC payments
A new code means your phone will communicate with the payment terminal immediately, but not respond until you tap the screen to confirm the payment.
Easier Google Pay alternatives
If your phone has its own contactless payment app (other than Google Pay), simply head to the Default Apps settings and choose it. Previously, the option was buried in the NFC settings.
App-specific screen sharing
New ability to share only the app you’re using, rather than the whole display. This is already available on recent Pixel devices.
Better PDF viewing and editing
Improvements to the default Google PDF reader to ensure documents are displayed quicker and annotations such as form editing can be added. Also native support for password-protected PDFs.
Improved camera performance
Includes a new ‘Low Light Boost’ for better previews for night photography, plus more in-depth flash controls.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Audio equalisation
New ‘Loudness Control’ feature which monitors and adjusts media volume to ensure everything is roughly the same volume.
Notification Cooldown
Stops the same app from sending you lots of notifications in a short space of time. If you get too many within a few minutes, the app will be silenced by default.
Screen recording detection
Apps will be allowed to detect if the screen is being recorded while they’re in use, helping to prevent sensitive data from being seen.
New Health Connect app
Allows users to display health, nutrition and fitness data from various apps all in one place.
Better language recognition
Improved ability to recognise multiple languages at the same time.
If your phone won’t get Android 15 or if you just fancy a new handset to accompany the updated software, check out our guide to the best Android phones. All 10 handsets will get the update to the new software.
