Android 15 is the fifteenth major release and the 22nd version of Android. The first developer preview was released in February 2024, the first beta was released April 2024, and the final source code was released on September 3, 2024.[2] Android 15 was released for Google Pixel devices on October 15, 2024.[3]

Android 15
Version of the Android operating system
DeveloperGoogle
OS familyAndroid
Source modelOpen-source software
General
availability
September 3, 2024; 3 months ago (2024-09-03)
Latest release15.0.0_r9 (AP4A.241205.013.C1)[1] / December 10, 2024; 9 days ago (2024-12-10)
Kernel typeMonolithic kernel (Linux kernel)
Preceded byAndroid 14
Succeeded byAndroid 16
Official websitedeveloper.android.com/about/versions/15/release-notes
Support status
Supported

History

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Android 15's Developer Preview logo

Android 15 is internally codenamed "Vanilla Ice Cream".[4][5] The first developer preview (also known as DP1) for Android 15 was released on 16 February 2024,[6] while the second developer preview (DP2) was released on 21 March 2024.[7]

Features

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The official DP1 release notes state that the following features will be introduced in Android 15:[6]

  • Privacy Sandbox
  • Health Connect
  • File integrity
  • Partial screen sharing
  • In-app camera controls
  • Dynamic Performance
  • Sensitive notifications
  • Notification cooldown

However, enthusiasts have discovered the existence of other under development features that may be released in later developer preview versions, such as the reintroduction of lockscreen widgets, which were introduced in Android 4.2 but later removed in Android 5.0.[8] Other such features include battery health determination, app archiving, voice activation, private space and app pairs[9][10] and an improved multi-tasking/windowing in desktop mode.[11]

The release of DP2 brought more new features to Android 15, including improved compatibility with satellite networks, improvements to the built-in PDF reader and support for app archiving, among many other developments.[12][13]

The release of DP2.1 came with new features, such as apps being able to scale edge-to-edge and draw translucent system bars on the top and bottom of the screen, OS-level support for app archiving and unarchiving on third-party app stores, better braille support, end-to-end encryption for contact keys, and many other new developer features.[14]

The source code brought additional improvements, including a redesigned authentication panel, improved privacy and security settings, a new volume panel, Predictive Back and Bluetooth audio fixes.[15][16]

Alongside platform stability, Stable Version added a redesigned credentials manager and the deprecation of WebSQL.[17]

Android 15 adds support for ISO 21496-1 gain map HDR image format standard, backwards compatible with SDR displays. It is encoded/decoded simultaneously with the Ultra HDR standard. ISO 21496-1 is also supported by Apple starting with iOS 18 between iOS 19... (which refers to the standard as Adaptive HDR) and therefore allows for cross-platform HDR image compatibility.[18]

Android 15 is based on Linux kernel version 6.6.[19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "android-15.0.0_r9". Git at Google.
  2. ^ "Android 15 is released to AOSP". Android Developers Blog. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
  3. ^ "What's new in Android 15, plus more updates". Google. 2024-10-15. Retrieved 2024-10-16.
  4. ^ Shahid, Furqan (2023-03-06). "Here Is What Android 15 Is Going To Be Called". Wccftech. Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  5. ^ Walia, Priya (2023-03-06). "Android 15 codename apparently revealed as 'Vanilla Ice Cream'". SamMobile. Archived from the original on 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-05-23.
  6. ^ a b Burke, Dave (February 16, 2024). "The First Developer Preview of Android 15". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  7. ^ Burke, Dave (March 21, 2024). "The Second Developer Preview of Android 15". Android Developers Blog. Archived from the original on 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  8. ^ Amadeo, Ron (2024-01-12). "Android 15 might bring back lock screen widgets". Ars Technica. Archived from the original on 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-05-06.
  9. ^ Siddiqui, Aamir; Grush, Andrew (2024-02-20). "Android 15 features: Everything you need to know". Android Authority. Archived from the original on 2024-02-25. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  10. ^ Vonau, Manuel (2023-11-09). "Android 15: News, leaks, timeline, and everything new in DP1". Android Police. Archived from the original on 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  11. ^ Rahman, Mishaal (April 3, 2024). "Android 15 preps better desktop mode with enhanced windowing capabilities". Android Authority.
  12. ^ Li, Abner (2024-03-21). "Android 15 DP2: App archiving integrated into Settings". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  13. ^ Li, Abner (2024-03-21). "Here's everything new in Android 15 Developer Preview 2 [Gallery]". 9to5Google. Archived from the original on 2024-03-21. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  14. ^ Johnson, Allison (2024-04-11). "Android 15's first beta release is out". The Verge. Archived from the original on 2024-04-11. Retrieved 2024-04-11.
  15. ^ Burke, Dave (May 15, 2024). "The Second Beta of Android 15". Android Developers Blog. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  16. ^ Vlad (2024-05-16). "Google releases Android 15 Beta 2 with Private space and better large-screen multitasking". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 2024-05-16.
  17. ^ "Android 15". Android Developers. Archived from the original on 2024-02-26. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  18. ^ Rahman, Mishaal (2024-10-29). "Google and Apple are making HDR photos work better on Android and iOS". Android Authority. Retrieved 2024-11-10.
  19. ^ BOOT_OS_VERSION, setting (2024-08-05). "android15-6.6 release builds". Android Open Source Project. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
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