Android 15 is coming with some new features. Even though we are used to calling it by numbers like Android 12, 13, and 14, Android 15 has a special name. The letter for Android 15 is “V” and its code name is Vanilla Ice Cream.
Before talking about the features, let me tell you when it’s coming. Right now, we are testing Beta 2 of Android 15. The stable version will be released around August or September. So, you can expect the stable update on your phones by the end of August.If you bought a phone in the last year or so, I’ll tell you which phones will get this update. If you’re adventurous and tech-savvy, you can install it too. We’ll talk about the list of phones that can get this update. But first, let’s start with the main feature.
Android 15 Private Space :
These days, security and privacy have become very important. Even in UI design, many things are already good and working well. However, there are still issues with security and privacy. To address these, many new features have been introduced, including a private space.
If you look at One UI, Motorola’s Mi OS, or Hello UI, they already have a secure folder. But in Android 14, you will get a Private Space. This feature wasn’t available before. In this Private Space, you can hide and keep things private. You can lock it with your biometric data, PIN, or password.
Another good feature is that you can delete the entire Private Space without touching any other data.
Partial Screen Recording :
You can record your screen, which means whatever you open or do will be shown. Even if a notification pops up, it won’t show up in the recording. Only what you see on your screen will be recorded.You need to record the full screen like you did before. You can still do that, but now there’s another option where you can also record a specific part of the screen.
Enhanced Theft Protection :
Google is focusing on security and privacy features to prevent theft. Imagine you are walking with your phone, and someone snatches it from you. This happens a lot. To help with this, there’s a new feature in Android 15.
The gyroscope in the phone will detect if someone runs off with it. When this happens, the phone will lock itself. To unlock or reset the phone, you will need a special key code that only you know. This makes it much harder for thieves to use your phone.You might think you can just do a factory reset directly. But if you have Android 14, you won’t be able to do that either. This new feature will roll out to all devices from Android 10 to Android 14. However, the factory reset option will only be available in Android 15.
Webcam Mode :
A very useful feature has arrived. We use laptops, and you know how their webcams can be. Now, they have made it much simpler. With Android 15, you can use your phone’s camera as a webcam.
When you connect your phone with a USB or USB Type-C cable, three options usually appear: data transfer, MIDI, and charging. Now, there will be a fourth option to use it as a webcam.
Just connect the cable to your device or laptop. Your phone’s camera will work as a webcam for your laptop. This new webcam mode in Android 15 is very helpful!
Cellular Network Security :
There’s a new feature in Android 15 to help with scam calls. Scammers usually call when you are in an unencrypted area to steal your data. If your area is encrypted, it’s much harder for them.
Now, there’s a new setting called “Cellular Network Security.” If you enable this, even in unencrypted zones, scammers won’t be able to call you. This makes it much harder for them to trick you and steal your information.
Google Play Protect Live Threat Detection :
The Google Play Store has an app you can download. Sometimes, the app needs updates, but you don’t always know what the updates are. Now, there’s a new feature called “Live Threat Detection .”
When you go to the Play Store and want to install or update an app, Play Protect will scan it first. This scan checks for any issues to make sure it’s safe. Only after this scan will you be able to install or update the app.
App Pairs :
Now, for the first time, the new version of Android is also available on foldable devices. Earlier, this wasn’t the case. Only a few Pixel and Samsung flagship devices had it. But now, it’s available on many more phones. You can install the Android beta on several other phones too. There’s also a feature for larger screens, which you can use on smaller screens as well. This feature is called App Pair.
App Archiving :
If you look at my phone, you’ll see that in the last year and a half, I’ve installed many apps. But I only use about 10% of them. Some games are 300-400 MB in size.
Now, Android 15 has a new feature called archiving. If you haven’t used an app for 3-4 months, it will automatically archive it. This means that the 400-500 MB app will take up less space on your phone.
Predictive Back :
When you go deep into the settings, it can be hard to remember which screen you were on before. If you long-press the back button in navigation, it will show you the previous screens. This helps you know which screen you were on before.
If you want to install Android 15 right away, there are some phones you should consider. Brands like Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi have certain phones that can do this.
For example, you can install Android on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, 6A, 7, 7 Pro, 7A, Pixel Tablet, and Pixel Fold. For the first time, you can also install it on Beta Fold and Pixel 8.