The Android 15 launch may come sooner than you think

Victory Emmanuel -

With the release of the Pixel 9 and Android 14, there’s a growing anticipation among android users for Android 15. While rumours hint at an October launch, Google has also confirmed that Android 15 is ready for release. 

The update is set to roll out to Pixel devices first, followed by brands like Samsung, Motorola, OnePlus, and Xiaomi in the coming months. Samsung, in particular, has sped up its update process over the years, and we expect Android 15 to arrive as part of its November OneUI 7 update.

The journey to Android 15 began with the developer preview, released on February 16, 2024, a bit earlier than usual. Google also announced it’s moving away from a strict release schedule, pushing out updates when they’re ready.

Read on to find out when your device might get Android 15 and everything else you need to know about its features and rollout. We’ll keep you updated all the way through to Android 16!

What will Android 15 be called?

Google no longer uses dessert names publicly for Android versions, but internally, the tradition continues. Android 15 is referred to as "Android V" or Vanilla Ice Cream. This follows Android 14's Upside Down Cake and Android 13's Tiramisu.

Here are the most recent Android versions and their dessert code names:

  • Android 10: Quince Tart
  • Android 11: Red Velvet Cake
  • Android 12: Snow Cone
  • Android 13: Tiramisu
  • Android 14: Upside Down Cake
  • Android 15: Vanilla Ice Cream

It'll be interesting to see what dessert gets picked for Android 16 and the letter "W".

See Also: Which Android is the best for you? Android One, Android Oreo and Android Go explained

When will Android 15 be released?

Google has already rolled out Android 15 Beta 4.2, which is available for Pixel devices from the Pixel 6 to Pixel 9 series, as well as the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Several non-Pixel devices from OEMs like HONOR, OPPO, Xiaomi, and Nothing also support the Android 15 beta. Developers can access 64-bit system images through the Android Emulator in Android Studio.

As usual, Google follows a predictable release timeline for Android versions. They release developer previews and betas on a monthly basis until the final stable version is ready. The stable version typically rolls out sometime between August and October. For example, Android 14 was released in mid-October 2023, while Android 13 launched in August 2022. 

Here are the release dates for recent Android versions:

  • Android 14: October 2023
  • Android 13: August 2022
  • Android 12: October 2021
  • Android 11: September 2020
  • Android 10: September 2019
Google’s usual release timeline for Android versions.

For Android 15, Google made it available in the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) on September 3, 2024, about a month before the stable release is expected to reach Pixel devices. Rumours suggest the Pixel update could happen as early as October 15, 2024, but there may be delays if Google identifies any last-minute issues.

Android 15 stable update rollout

In other developments, Vivo and its sub-brand iQOO were the first to officially roll out the stable Android 15 update through their Funtouch OS 15. 

As of September 27, 2024, the update has been made available on the following devices:

  • Vivo X100 series
  • Vivo X Fold 3 Pro
  • iQOO 12

These high-end models were among the earliest to receive the update.

What devices will get Android 15?

As of now, we can confirm that Google's Pixel range, starting from the Pixel 6, will receive the Android 15 update. Here’s the current Pixel lineup on the schedule:

Google Pixel Devices

  • Pixel 6, 6 Pro, 6a
  • Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
  • Pixel 8, 8 Pro
  • Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold
  • Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet

Beyond Google's own devices, we expect several Android phones from other manufacturers to join the list, but this remains unconfirmed. Here's a look at the expected Android 15 devices from major brands:

Samsung

  • Galaxy S24 series, S23 series, S22 series
  • Galaxy Z Fold6, Z Fold5, Z Flip6, Z Flip5
  • Galaxy A73, A54, A34
  • Galaxy M55, M34
  • Galaxy F55, F54
  • Galaxy XCover7

OPPO

  • Find X7 Ultra, Find N3 Flip
  • Reno12 series, Reno11 Pro
  • OPPO A78, A58 5G, A38

Vivo

  • X100 Ultra, X100s Pro
  • Vivo V40 series, V30 Pro
  • Vivo Y58, Y200 Pro

OnePlus

  • OnePlus 12, 12R, Open
  • Nord 4, Nord CE 4, Nord CE 3

Xiaomi/Redmi

  • Xiaomi 14 series, 13 series
  • Redmi K70, K60 Ultra
  • Redmi Note 13 Pro+

Realme

  • Realme GT 6, 6T
  • Realme Narzo 70 Pro, Narzo 60x

Motorola

  • Moto Edge 50 Ultra, Razr 50 Ultra
  • Moto G85, G55

Sony

  • Xperia 1 VI, Xperia 5 V

Nothing

  • Phone (2), Phone (2a), CMF Phone 1

HONOR

  • Magic6 Pro, Magic V3
  • HONOR X7b 5G

ASUS

  • Zenfone 11 Ultra, ROG Phone 8

Tecno & Infinix

  • Tecno Camon 30 series, Pova 6 series
  • Infinix Zero 40, Note 40 Pro+

These are some of the likely candidates based on their update history and device specs, but we’ll need to wait for official confirmation.

What features is Android 15 bringing?

Android 15 is primarily designed for developers and OEMs to enhance their apps and devices. but there are plenty of exciting features in store for everyday users as well. Here's a sneak peek into what you can look forward to:

  • Built-In Archiving: Similar to the iPhone offload feature, Android 15 will automatically archive apps you don’t use often, freeing up space while keeping your apps ready for use whenever you need them.
  • Find My Device Tracking When Powered Off: There’s a better chance of retrieving your missing device with the security enhancement in Android 15. Find My Device feature now has the ability to track your device even when it’s powered off. 
  • Multitasking with App Pairs: Android 15 introduces App Pairs so you can quickly open two apps in split-screen mode with just one tap. You can easily launch your email alongside your calendar, making productivity smoother than ever.
  • Circle to Search Music: Google is adding the ability to search music using Circle to Search in Android 15. Whether in-app or music on a speaker nearby, just long-press the home button or navigation bar, and the system will recognize song titles and artists instantly.
  • Privacy and Security Focus: As always, Google is prioritising your privacy. With the Privacy Sandbox integrated into Android 15, along with new file integrity measures and partial screen sharing options, there’ll be a more secure user experience.
  • Support for Creators: Content creators will rejoice as Android 15 introduces better in-app camera controls, enabling smoother operation of high-end cameras and tools for virtual MIDI apps, enhancing creativity on the go.
  • Smart Gallery Search with Photo Picker: No more scrolling through endless photos or being able to see your recent photos and videos. With the new Photo Picker now available in Android 15 Beta 2, you can easily search your gallery for specific images
  • Accessibility Improvements with TalkBack: For users with visual impairments, TalkBack is set to become even more invaluable. Thanks to the integration of Google’s advanced Gemini models, you’ll receive detailed audio descriptions of images, transforming the way you interact with your device.
  • Offline Google Maps on Wear OS: If you’re a smartwatch user, Android 15 will allow you to download offline maps on your phone for easy access on your smartwatch. This means you can navigate through new cities without needing a constant internet connection.
  • Customizable Visual Experience with New Contrast Settings: Android 15 introduces a hidden “colour contrast” settings page that allows users to adjust the visibility of text, buttons, and icons. You can select from “default,” “medium,” or “high” contrast levels, and toggle the “maximise text contrast” option to enhance readability.
  • Private Space for Sensitive Data: Android 15 introduces the “Private Space” feature, which lets you hide sensitive apps and data. Notifications from these apps will also stay hidden, ensuring privacy when sharing your device. Setup requires authentication, ensuring only the primary user can create it.
  • Streamlined Navigation with Predictive Back Gesture: The predictive back gesture, previously limited to Google apps, will now support a broader range of applications. This improves overall user experience and reduces the number of taps needed to return to previous screens.
  • Immersive Apps: With the edge-to-edge API, developers can now create apps that utilise the entire screen space, allowing for a more immersive experience. For the user, this means that your favourite games and videos will stretch from corner to corner, and place the content behind the default and system bars that will be transparent or translucent.
Android 15 Accessibility features

How to upgrade to Android 15

If your device is currently running Android 14, just relax and ensure that automatic updates are enabled in your settings. When Android 15 becomes available for your Pixel, you'll receive a notification to install it immediately or schedule it for a later time.

For those on the Android 15 beta, transitioning to the stable version requires a bit more attention. Wait for the official release, then install the stable version. After that, you can opt out of the beta program without needing to reset your device. Alternatively, if you prefer a fresh start, you can reset your device to Android 14 and restore your data from a backup. Just remember to back everything up first!

When Android 15 is publicly released in October, here’s how to update your software:

  1. Plug your device into a power source for a smooth update.
  2. Go to Settings > System > System Update.
  3. Look for “Android 15” and tap Install Now.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to enjoy your upgraded device.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, Android 15 arguably offers more than iOS 18, which was just announced and will hit iPhones later this month. So why isn’t there more buzz around it? 

Well, Google missed an opportunity to showcase it properly at the I/O 2024 keynote. Take partial screen recording, for example, which lets you share just what you want without exposing everything on your screen. 

Not to mention the quality-of-life upgrades like better multitasking on large screens, more AR content in Google Maps, and the ability to add passes and tickets to Google Wallet from a photo. 

Android 15 clearly deserves more attention. So, while we wait for Google to catch up on the marketing side, it’s time to explore everything this update has to offer. 

What feature are you most excited about?