As we move further into 2024, excitement is building around the next iteration of Google’s mobile operating system and the new Android 15 featured.
After a comprehensive overview at Google I/O 2024, we now have a clearer picture of the features and improvements expected with this release.
What are the confirmed and leaked Android 15 features?
Here’s a detailed look at everything we know about Android 15 features, from enhanced privacy controls to improved accessibility options.
1. New security features
Enhanced security hub
Android 15 features an upgraded Security Hub designed to centralize privacy and security settings. This hub will provide users with a comprehensive overview of their security status, guiding them in setting up features like two-factor authentication, managing app permissions, and checking for security updates. The new “Security Checkup” tool will offer tailored recommendations based on user habits and settings, promoting better security practices.
Secure app sharing
Building on the platform’s commitment to privacy, Android 15 will introduce Secure App Sharing. Those Android 15 features will allow users to share apps without granting full access to sensitive data. Users can choose specific app functions to share temporarily, enhancing security while still allowing collaborative use of applications.
2. Cloud search support for photo picker
A notable addition coming to Android’s Photo Picker is cloud search support. Announced during Google I/O 2024, the new Android 15 features will enable users to search for photos stored both locally and in the cloud. The rollout is expected later this year, making it accessible to all devices running Android 11 and newer, and even some older devices through Google Play Services. This enhancement will streamline photo management and sharing, providing a unified search experience.
3. Enhanced confirmation mode
Android 15 will build upon Android 13’s Restricted Settings by introducing Enhanced Confirmation Mode. This new feature checks an allowlist of trusted packages that can install apps without the usual restrictions on accessibility and notification listener services. By closing a loophole from the previous version, this improvement reinforces app security while maintaining user convenience.
4. Accessibility enhancements
New screen magnification gesture
Android 15 introduces an intuitive new method for screen magnification: a quick two-finger double-tap. This will complement existing magnification options, including the on-screen accessibility button, volume key gestures, and the triple-tap feature. By streamlining the activation process, Android aims to enhance accessibility without compromising device performance.
Customizable mouse pointer
For users connecting their Android devices to keyboards and touchpads, Android 15 will offer new options for customizing the mouse pointer. Android 15 features will include different fill and stroke styles and a pointer size adjustment slider, allowing users to tailor their pointing devices to better suit their preferences.
5. Smart home integration
Thread network stack
As smart home technology becomes more prevalent, Android 15 will include a Thread network stack for devices equipped with a Thread radio. This enhancement allows Android phones to communicate directly with other Thread-enabled devices, eliminating the need for a separate Thread border router. This integration promises faster smart home actions and enhanced local control.
Bedtime mode APIs for third-party apps
Google is opening up Bedtime Mode APIs to third-party developers, enabling greater customization for users looking to manage their digital wellbeing. Apps will be able to dim wallpapers, minimize color saturation, and toggle Do Not Disturb modes, providing more flexibility in creating personalized routines.
6. Do not disturb mode improvements
Priority mode
Android 15 is set to enhance the Do Not Disturb (DND) feature by introducing Priority Mode. This new mode will allow users to create personalized DND schedules with custom icons, triggers, and display settings. The revamped UI will incorporate new toggles for grayscale mode, always-on display options, and dark themes, all leveraging the new ZenDeviceEffects API.
7. Health connect enhancements
During the “What’s new in Android Health” session at Google I/O, Google announced exciting updates for Health Connect. Users will soon be able to access their entire health data history, as the 30-day limitation for app data access will be removed. Additionally, the introduction of background reads will enable apps to sync data while running in the background. These Android 15 features come with new runtime permissions that users can manage, further enhancing user control over health data.
8. Backup and restore features
Health Connect will also introduce backup and restore capabilities, allowing users to back up their health data to preferred cloud storage providers. This feature will ensure that health information remains secure and accessible while giving users the flexibility to choose how they store their data.
9. Project mainline updates
Android 15 may introduce a new Project Mainline module called WebViewBootstrap, which will handle the core framework APIs that integrate WebView into applications. This shift aims to reduce reliance on OEMs for updates, allowing Google to manage updates more effectively and minimize fragmentation.
10. Privacy and security enhancements
New location privacy HAL
Android 15 will introduce a new radio HAL API, providing users with more control over how their location data is shared with carriers. This feature is crucial for enhancing location privacy, particularly in non-emergency situations.
Proactive alerts for insecure connections
In a bid to improve user awareness, Android 15 will notify users when a cellular network collects sensitive information like their IMSI or IMEI. It will also alert users if the network attempts to create an insecure connection, thus enhancing overall security.
Support for 16KB page sizes
To support evolving hardware technologies, Android 15 will provide OS support for devices with 16KB page sizes, making Android page-size agnostic. This change will facilitate better performance and compatibility across a range of devices.
Has Android 15 been released?
Android 15 release date is here as Google’s new OS has officially started rolling out to Pixel devices today, as confirmed by an early post on Google’s German Pixel Community forum that was quickly deleted.
This rollout is set to reach all supported Google Pixel devices currently running Android 14, with users receiving notifications based on their mobile carriers throughout the week. Additionally, this update is expected to coincide with the October Pixel Feature Drop, meaning new Android 15 features could be part of the package alongside the stable release.
Featured image credit: Google
