Android 15

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Introduction

Android 15, codenamed 'Vanilla Ice Cream', is the upcoming major release of the Android mobile operating system.
The final version is expected to be released between August and October 2024.
The easiest way to get Android 15 on a supported Google Pixel device is to enroll in the Android Beta for Pixel program.
Android 15 will be a free update for eligible devices.
Key features include battery health percentage, lock screen widgets, Private Space, Bluetooth Auracast, and more.

Expected Release: Android 15 is anticipated to be released between August and October 2024.
Developer Previews: The first developer preview was released in February 2024.
Platform Stability: Google expects to reach platform stability in June 2024.
Past Releases: Android 14 launched on October 4, 2023, and Android 13 on August 15, 2022.

Supported Devices: Google Pixel models including Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a, 7, 7 Pro, 7a, Fold, 8, and 8 Pro.
Partner Devices: Devices from partners like Honor, Lenovo, Nothing, Oppo, and Xiaomi.
General Rule: Most mid-range or above devices less than two years old will likely get the update.
Pixel 5a 5G: May qualify for Android 15 as it is guaranteed software updates until August 2024.

Battery Health Percentage: Allows users to see the estimated percentage of charge the battery can hold compared to when it was new.
Lock Screen Widgets: Initially supports Google Calendar, Google Clock, and the Google app.
Private Space: A native version of Samsung’s Secure Folder feature for hiding sensitive apps.
Bluetooth Auracast: Lets users share audio with multiple Bluetooth headphones or earphones.
Easy Mode: Optimizes the Android UI for improved readability and ease of navigation.

Enrollment: Users can enroll their devices in the Android Beta for Pixel program to get Android 15.
Availability: The beta is available on handsets, tablets, and foldable devices from various partners.
Testing: The beta program allows users to test new features and provide feedback.
Updates: Multiple beta versions are released before the final version to ensure stability and performance.

Malicious App Protection: Prevents malicious background apps from bringing other apps to the foreground.
Foreground Services: New requirements for starting foreground services while the app is running in the background.
Permission Checks: New APIs perform permission checks on content URIs.
Safer Intents: Intents must have actions and match target intent-filters to prevent vulnerabilities.

16 KB Page Sizes: Support for larger page sizes to improve performance for memory-intensive workloads.
Vulkan Graphics API: ANGLE layer for running OpenGL ES on top of Vulkan for improved compatibility and performance.
Foreground Services Timeout: DataSync and mediaProcessing foreground services now have a ~6 hour timeout.
Modern Graphics: New functionality in Android's Canvas graphics system for efficient drawing of complex shapes.