Android 15: release date, beta, compatibility
Although there is still no official release date, Android 15 is already available in its beta version and can be installed on compatible devices. We tell you what's new in this update and how you can download it.
When will Android 15 be available?
On February 16, Google announced a new update to its operating system, known as Android 15. Although there is no official release date, it is already possible to test the beta version as part of the testing program for developers and users who want to try this version, known as Android V or Android Vanilla Ice Cream.
What's new in Android 15?
In this first beta version of Android V it is already possible to see some of the main changes that are coming. This implementation gives you the option to manage the information used by apps to suggest ads.
- Security: The new version incorporates Privacy Sandbox 10, a series of measures that seek to improve the security and privacy of your device. It also incorporates a series of new APIs for applications. Regarding file integrity, it now implements the fs-verity function of the Linux kernel, which allows you to protect files by means of customized cryptographic signatures.
- Performance: you can now easily know the battery health status, something that was already present in iOS a few years ago. It also incorporates Performance Profiles, which allows you to optimize mobile resources when running applications, allowing you to switch from high to low-performance mode according to your needs. The energy efficiency mode will also allow high-performance games and apps to act more directly with the thermal and power systems to optimize the battery, avoiding overheating.
- Health: The Health Connect app is also revamped to bring new options, integrating 10 extensions compatible with other apps to make it easier to track your exercise data, nutrition, and more.
- Screen sharing: You can now display 2 windows on screen and record only one. Other options to make the most of this feature are likely to come later. It is also worth noting that Android goes to full-screen mode, forgetting the bottom of the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen and the status bar.
- Camera: New controls are also introduced for the Camera app, which will allow you to manually manage the flash intensity, brightness in the preview, and more options.
- Sound: Android 15 improves support for UMP (Universal MIDI Packages) to virtual MIDI apps, allowing you to control synthesizer apps as a virtual MIDI 2.0 device.
Which phones are compatible with Android 15?
These are the models that will be compatible with Android Vanilla Ice Cream.
Samsung
- Galaxy S family
- Galaxy Z Family
- Galaxy A Family
- Galaxy Tab Family
- Galaxy F Family
- Galaxy M Family
Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablet
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
Xiaomi
- Xiaomi 14, Pro and Ultra
- Xiaomi 13T and Pro
- Xiaomi 13, Pro and Ultra
- Xiaomi 12T and Pro
- Xiaomi 12, Pro and Ultra
- Redmi Note 13 Pro+ 5G
- Redmi Note 13 and Pro
- Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G
- Redmi Note 12 and Pro
- POCO X6 and Pro
- POCO X5 and Pro
- POCO F5 and Pro
Nothing
- Nothing Phone 2 and 2a
- Nothing Phone 1
How to download the beta version of Android 15
To download the beta version of Android 15, you need to have a Google Pixel phone, and then follow these steps:
- Log in from your computer to the Google website.
- Choose your device from the list and sign up with your details. Then you can download the file.
- Next, connect your mobile to your computer.
- Turn on your mobile in fast boot mode. To do this, turn off your phone completely and turn it back on by pressing and holding the buttons.
- Then, on your computer, open the command console and locate the directory where you unzipped the downloaded file with the system image.
- Run the flash-all script. Android 15 will start installing.