What is New in Android 15?

Android 15 is the fifteenth major release and the 22nd version of Android. The first developer preview of Android 15 was released in February 2024, and the Android 15 source code was released on September 3rd, 2024. Android 15 was released for Google Pixel devices on October 15th, 2024. Android 15's internal Codename is Vanilla Ice Cream.

New Features of Android 15

Android 15 has officially arrived, bringing a host of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience, security, and productivity. This latest version focuses on making devices more efficient while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected. Here’s a detailed look at some of the most notable features of Android 15.

1. Private Space

Android 15 introduces a Private Space feature that allows users to create a secure area on their devices for sensitive applications, such as banking or health apps. This space is protected by an additional layer of authentication, ensuring that these apps are hidden from the app list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings when locked. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining privacy when sharing devices with others.

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Key Features of Private Space in Android 15

• Secure App Storage: Apps in Private Space stay hidden from the main app drawer.
• Separate Authentication: Use a different password or biometric for added security.
• Background Activity Control: Notifications are paused until Private Space is unlocked.
• Hiding Existence: You can make Private Space invisible when locked.

How to Setup Private Space?

• Open Settings > Security & Privacy > Private Space.
• Authenticate and follow prompts to create and manage your secure space.
• Add apps via the Private tab in the app drawer.

While it can't transfer apps or spaces between devices, Private Space is a great tool to enhance privacy.

2. Enhanced Satellite Connectivity

Android 15 expands satellite connectivity capabilities, allowing users to send SMS and RCS messages via satellite. This feature is especially beneficial in areas with limited cellular coverage, providing an essential communication option during emergencies.

Key Features of Satellite Connectivity

• Broader Platform Support: Android 15 allows devices with compatible hardware to send and receive messages via satellite networks. This ensures users can stay connected even without cellular signals.
• Improved User Interface: New UI updates provide a clear and consistent experience, helping users understand satellite connectivity status and manage communications outside of regular network coverage.
• Integration with Messaging Apps: Satellite connectivity now works with SMS, RCS, and carrier messaging apps, allowing users to send and receive messages even in areas without cellular infrastructure.
• Device and Carrier Support: Devices running Android 15 with compatible hardware can use satellite messaging if supported by their carrier. For instance, T-Mobile users can enable this feature via settings on eligible devices.
• Emergency Communication: The primary application remains emergency use, allowing users to send distress messages when conventional networks are unavailable—ideal for hikers, travelers, and disaster situations.
• Future Expansion: As more devices and carriers adopt satellite connectivity, its availability will expand, improving mobile communication in diverse environments.

The satellite connectivity feature in Android 15 is a significant leap in mobile communication. It ensures reliable messaging during emergencies and in remote areas, enhancing safety and accessibility. As adoption grows, this feature is poised to become a standard in modern mobile devices, making Android 15 a milestone release in advancing global connectivity.

3. Partial Screen Recording

Partial Screen Recording lets users capture video content from a single app rather than the entire screen. For example, if you're creating a tutorial for an app, this feature ensures no notifications or activities from other apps appear in the recording. It’s a convenient way to focus solely on the app you want to showcase.

How to Use Partial Screen Recording in Android 15?

Access the Screen Recorder

• Swipe down from the top to open the Quick Settings menu.
• Tap on Screen Record.

Choose Your Recording Option

• Select whether to record the full screen or a single app.
• Pick the app you want to record from your open applications.

Start Recording

• Press Start Recording to begin. A countdown will appear before the recording starts.

Recording Behavior

• If you switch apps while recording, the recording will pause or freeze on the last frame of the selected app.
• To stop recording, open the notification shade and tap Stop.

Review the Recording

• View the recording in your notifications or directly in your gallery.

Benefits of Partial Screen Recording

• Privacy First: Only the selected app is recorded, preventing accidental exposure of notifications or other apps.
• Focused Content: Ideal for creating tutorials, app demos, or sharing gameplay without distractions.
• Simple to Use: The process is straightforward, making it accessible to all users, regardless of technical expertise.

Partial Screen Recording in Android 15 is a game-changer for privacy and usability. Whether you're an educator, content creator, or casual user, this feature offers a seamless way to capture app-specific content while protecting your sensitive information.

With Android 15's focus on enhancing privacy and functionality, Partial Screen Recording is set to become an indispensable tool for anyone looking to share their mobile experience securely and efficiently.

4. Malicious App Blocking

Android 15 introduces several security upgrades to protect users from malicious apps. These features focus on safeguarding sensitive data, including two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, improving app permissions, and strengthening threat detection.

Key updates of Malicious App Blocking

Sensitive Notification Protection

• 2FA Security: Notifications with 2FA codes are now labeled as “sensitive,” and only trusted apps can access them.
• New Permission: The RECEIVE_SENSITIVE_NOTIFICATIONS permission limits access to system-trusted apps, blocking unauthorized apps from stealing critical information.
• Blocked Access: Untrusted apps see a "content hidden" message for sensitive notifications.

Improved Play Integrity API

• Screen Capture Detection: Developers can block apps that capture screens, adding security for banking and sensitive apps.
• Malware Checks: Ensures devices are malware-free and Play Protect is active before executing sensitive tasks.

Sideloading Restrictions

• User Consent: Apps installed from outside the Play Store now require explicit user approval for permissions, reducing risks from unauthorized data access.

Screen Sharing Enhancements

• Hidden Notifications: Android 15 hides sensitive notifications, like OTPs, during screen sharing to prevent data leaks.

Google Play Protect Upgrades

• AI Threat Detection: On-device AI now flags suspicious app behavior in real time.
• Automated Reviews: Apps flagged for malicious activity can be reviewed by Google, protecting users from potential threats.

5. App Archiving

Android 15 introduces App Archiving, a handy feature designed to help users manage storage without deleting their apps permanently. It allows you to free up space while keeping all app data intact, so you can restore the app later without losing settings or preferences.

Key Features of App Archiving

• Works with All App Formats: Unlike earlier versions, Android 15 supports archiving for all apps, including APKs and Android App Bundles, making it more versatile.
• User-Friendly Interface: Archiving is simple: long-press the app icon, go to App Info, and select Archive. The app icon will turn grey, showing it’s archived.
• Quick Restoration: Restoring an app is just as easy. Tap the greyed-out icon or go to App Info and hit Restore. The app will reinstall with all your data preserved.
• Automatic Archiving: Android 15 offers an optional setting for automatic archiving of unused apps. Enable this in settings, and the system will archive apps you haven’t used for a while.
• Improved Storage Management: Instead of uninstalling apps to save space, archiving lets you free up storage without losing access to important data.
• Third-Party App Store Support: App Archiving isn’t limited to the Google Play Store. Third-party app stores can implement it if they support the Android App Bundle format, expanding storage solutions across platforms.

How Does App Archiving Work?

When you archive an app, Android removes its installation files but keeps a small "archived APK" file. This file retains essential information, like the app icon and data for quick restoration from the Play Store or other sources.

The new App Archiving feature in Android 15 is a game-changer for managing storage. It’s perfect for users who frequently download new apps but want to maintain an organized device. By allowing apps to be archived instead of uninstalled, Android 15 ensures users can save space without sacrificing convenience.

6. Improved PDF Handling

Android 15 introduces user-friendly features to enhance PDF management, making it more convenient for work, study, or personal use.

Key Enhancements in PDF Handling

• Faster Loading Times: PDFs now open more quickly, even with large files, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency.
• Password Protection: Add passwords to secure PDFs directly on your device, ensuring sensitive files remain private.
• Annotations: Easily highlight text, add comments, or draw shapes on PDFs, simplifying collaboration and note-taking.
• Form Editing: Fill out forms directly within PDFs on your device, making it easier to complete documents without a computer.
• Improved Copying: Select and copy text from PDFs effortlessly for use in other applications, streamlining workflows.
• Enhanced Search: Quickly find specific words or phrases in PDFs with improved search functionality, saving time navigating lengthy documents.

These updates reflect Android's focus on productivity and user experience, offering a more seamless way to manage PDF files. Whether for professional tasks or personal use, Android 15’s new features simplify document handling and boost productivity.

7. Loudness Control

Android 15 supports the CTA-2075 loudness standard, which ensures consistent audio levels across different applications. This feature intelligently adjusts audio output to prevent sudden volume changes.

What is Loudness Control?

Loudness Control follows the CTA-2075 standard, addressing common audio issues users face when switching between apps or media types. The goal is to prevent sudden changes in volume that can disrupt the listening experience.

Key Benefits of Loudness Control

• Consistent Volume Levels: It automatically adjusts audio output to match the device’s characteristics, whether using headphones or speakers, ensuring smooth volume transitions.
• Dynamic Range Compression: It balances the audio by amplifying quieter sounds and lowering louder ones, creating a more even listening experience.
• Seamless Integration: Developers can easily integrate this feature into their apps with minimal changes, improving the overall audio experience without requiring major adjustments.
• User-Friendly: Users can enjoy a more comfortable listening experience across various apps like music, videos, and games without having to adjust the volume constantly.

How Loudness Control Works?

To use Loudness Control, developers must include loudness metadata in their AAC content. They can use the LoudnessCodecController to automatically apply volume adjustments based on the audio session ID.

Loudness Control in Android 15 enhances the audio experience by providing consistent and balanced sound across different apps. This feature improves media playback quality and user satisfaction, helping to make Android devices more enjoyable to use.

8. Camera Enhancements

Android 15 brings several exciting camera improvements that enhance the photography experience for users and provide developers with greater control over camera functions.

Key features of Camera Enhancements

• Low Light Boost: Android 15 introduces a Low Light Boost feature that improves camera performance in low-light conditions. It brightens the preview stream for better framing in dim lighting, making it easier to take photos or scan QR codes in dark environments. Unlike the traditional night mode, which captures multiple photos for one enhanced image, Low Light Boost provides a continuous stream of brighter images and automatically activates in low-light situations.
• In-App Camera Controls: Android 15 allows developers to have more control over camera settings with new extensions. This includes precise adjustments to flash strength in both SINGLE and TORCH modes, helping to manage lighting more effectively in different environments.
• HDR Headroom Control: This update lets developers better manage HDR (High Dynamic Range) settings. The setDesiredHdrHeadroom method helps optimize the balance between HDR and SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content, ensuring better brightness control for apps that display both types.
• High-Quality Webcam Mode: Android 15 enhances the webcam functionality of Android devices. The new High-Quality Webcam Mode improves video quality when using devices like Pixel smartphones as webcams. Users can activate this mode by tapping an "HQ" symbol, which disables power-saving settings that previously reduced video quality.
• Enhanced Camera App Options: Android 15 gives third-party apps more control over camera settings, enabling developers to add features that improve the overall user experience when taking photos or recording videos.

Android 15’s camera enhancements show Google’s commitment to improving mobile photography. Features like Low Light Boost, advanced flash control, and high-quality webcam mode provide better user experiences and give developers more tools to create innovative camera-based applications. These improvements are sure to elevate mobile photography for both casual users and professionals.

9. Taskbar Options for Large Screens

Android tablets and foldable devices now offer customizable taskbar options. Users can choose between a permanent or hidden taskbar and can pin their favorite split-screen app combinations for easier multitasking.

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Breakdown of the key updates

• Persistent Taskbar for Large Screens: For devices like the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold, Android 15 offers a persistent taskbar that stays visible at all times. This makes it easy to switch between apps without going back to the home screen. It also supports split-screen multitasking, allowing users to run two apps at once, boosting productivity.
• Compact Taskbar for Regular Phones: For regular smartphones, a new compact taskbar is introduced. This "mini" taskbar can be accessed with a simple swipe-up and displays four app icons along with a shortcut to the app drawer. It's designed to fit smaller screens while offering easy access to frequently used apps.
• Taskbar Customization: Android 15 provides customization options for the taskbar. Users can choose between a permanent taskbar that stays visible or a floating version that appears only when needed. There's also an auto-hide feature to maximize screen space when the taskbar isn’t in use.
• Enhanced User Experience: Switching between apps is now faster and easier, making multitasking more efficient. Additionally, users can save app pairs to launch in split-screen mode quickly, which is especially useful for tasks that require multiple apps.

Android 15’s taskbar updates improve multitasking, whether you're using a large-screen device or a regular phone. With features like persistent and compact taskbars, customizable layouts, and quick app switching, Android 15 enhances productivity and user experience. These changes reflect Google’s focus on optimizing Android for all device types, making it easier for users to manage tasks across multiple apps.

10. Health Connect Updates

The Health Connect platform now supports additional data types, such as skin temperature and training plans, allowing users to track more health metrics across various fitness applications.

Android 15 brings several improvements to the Health Connect framework, making it easier for users to manage and share their health data across different apps.

Key features of Health Connect

• Backup and Restore: One of the most anticipated updates is the Backup and Restore feature. It allows users to back up their health data to the cloud, with options for daily, weekly, or monthly backups. Users can choose their preferred cloud storage provider, and the data will be encrypted for security. However, local storage backups are not supported, and the data can only be restored from the cloud.
• Improved Data Management: The update offers better control over health data within the Health Connect app. Users can manage which apps have access to their health information and schedule exports of their data. The interface also allows for easy manual imports, making it simpler to transfer health data when switching devices.
• App Integration: Health Connect now supports a broader range of applications. It standardizes how different apps share and read health data, which reduces compatibility issues. New data types, such as fitness metrics, nutrition info, skin temperature readings, and training plans, are now supported.
• Privacy Enhancements: Privacy is a key focus in Android 15. Users can better control which apps access their health data, and the backup feature ensures that sensitive information is securely stored in the cloud, protecting it from unauthorized access.
• Access Across Devices: The new updates ensure users can access their health data on devices running Android 9 and above. The backup and restore feature also makes it easy to transfer data between devices, saving users from having to re-enter their information.

The Android 15 updates to Health Connect offer a more secure, user-friendly experience for managing health data. With better backup options, seamless app integration, and stronger privacy controls, users can more easily track and share their health metrics while keeping their data safe.

11. Enhanced Theft Protection

Android 15 includes advanced theft protection features that automatically lock the device if it senses suspicious activity (e.g., if someone snatches it). It also requires authentication for sensitive actions like removing the SIM card or disabling Find My Device.

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Key theft protection features in Android 15

• Theft Detection Lock: This feature uses AI and machine learning to detect possible theft. If suspicious activity, such as a device being grabbed or quickly moved, is detected, the screen automatically locks to protect personal information. It works by monitoring the device’s motion and orientation to identify potential theft attempts and locks the device if it’s unlocked.
• Offline Device Lock: If the device goes offline for an extended period after being stolen, this feature automatically locks it. This is helpful if a thief tries to disable tracking or erase data by disconnecting the device from the internet. The device will lock after losing connectivity for a set time, ensuring protection even when offline.
• Remote Lock: With the Remote Lock feature, users can remotely lock their stolen devices using just their phone number through the Android website. This works as long as the device is online and provides immediate protection while users work to recover access.
• Enhanced Authentication Requirements: Android 15 also adds stronger authentication for critical actions, such as removing the SIM card or disabling features like "Find My Device." This makes it harder for thieves to reset the device or sell it, offering better protection from theft.
• Private Space: The Private Space feature allows users to create a secure area on their device to store sensitive apps like banking or messaging apps. This area requires additional authentication to access and can be hidden from view, adding an extra layer of privacy and security.

Android 15’s theft protection features offer valuable tools to protect devices and sensitive data. With options like Theft Detection Lock, Offline Device Lock, and Remote Lock, users can feel more secure knowing their information is safeguarded. These updates are a crucial step in enhancing user privacy and security in today’s digital world.

12. Improved User Experience Features

• Predictive Back Gestures: This feature enhances navigation by providing smoother transitions when using gesture navigation.
• Sensitive Notifications: Android 15 prevents sensitive notifications (like OTPs) from being displayed on the lock screen or in notification previews.
• Universal Keyboard Vibration Control: A new toggle allows users to enable or disable keyboard vibrations across all applications.

Conclusion

Android 15 brings significant improvements that enhance user privacy, security, and overall functionality across devices. With features like Private Space for sensitive apps, expanded satellite connectivity, and enhanced multitasking capabilities on large-screen devices, this update aims to provide a more seamless and secure experience for users. As Android continues to evolve, these enhancements reflect Google's commitment to addressing user needs while incorporating cutting-edge technology into its mobile operating system.

For those eager to experience these new features, Android 15 will be rolling out on supported devices, including Pixel phones and select models from other manufacturers like Samsung and OnePlus in the coming months.