Android 15 & Smartphone Expectations

October 30, 2024

A dawn of a new era for Android Users

Joseph Chisom Ofonagoro

Android

Introduction

In recent times, the two most popular smartphone operating systems, iOS and Android have adopted a consistent pattern of releasing a major version of their Operating Systems. This they do yearly. Last month, September, iOS 18 was released to the public with the launch of the iPhone 16 series, this month, Android 15 was released after the launch of the Pixel 9 devices.

Brief History Of Android 15

The Android 15 came in three stages, Beta 1.1, Beta 1.2 and Beta 2.0.

The first release stage went live on the 22nd of August 2024, days later, on the 29th of August, the second stage went live, then finally, on the 12th of September, the latest version of Android 15 was released with a build ID of AP41.240823.009

The Android 15 is preceded by the Android 14 which was the default Android version for most flagship and high-end phones that came after it starting with the Pixel 8 series

Android 15 Supported Devices

According to the release note of the Android OS, the following pixel devices will support the Android 15.

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

Aside these pixel devices, other devices are also expected to be eligible to receive the updated version, most of which are devices that already came out of the box with Android 13 and 14 and some high end devices that could receive Android updates up to 4 subsequent versions after its out of the box version–this means that for such devices to be able to receive the Android 15 upgrade, they must have had Android 12 or later as an out of the box OS version.

However, even after this new update, not all Android devices coming after the Android 15 will be eligible, it all depends on the OEM choice, especially budget friendly smartphones.

What’s New in Android 15 for Pixel Devices and Others?

The Android 15 comes with lots of new features, some of which may not be available on non-pixel devices as individual OEMs may decide to replace them with features from their Custom OS.

Advanced Theft Detection:

Data controls have been a thing in android devices for some time, but with Android 15, it has been taken to a whole new level. Now, not only can you control your data when your device is stolen, your phone can now detect when it has been snatched and automatically lock itself, preventing your data from being stolen.

It even gets better as Android 15 also shuts off your device if multiple attempts were made targeting settings often exploited by thieves, i.e. Removing Find My Device.

Volume with Style:

Imagine having to tune your phone’s volume up or down depending on the noise around you. With Android 15, your device utilizes the microphone to detect how noisy your current environment is and tune your phone’s volume to a volume that’s just loud enough for such an environment.

Auto Schedule Bluetooth:

The auto schedule bluetooth feature lets you schedule your bluetooth on and off times. If for instance you get home by 7pm everyday, you can schedule your bluetooth to turn on by 7pm and once it's on, it can connect to home bluetooth devices.

Long App Names? No Issues:

With the new Android 15, you can now see the full name of apps with longer names instead of the usual cutoff.

Enhanced Back Gesture:

If you have gesture navigation turned on your device, you can now have a sneak peep into the page you are about to enter even before you enter that page. It is like the way apps are shown with a backdrop background in the app tray when you minimize.

Ending Notes

These features aren’t one off, more would come with time, but one thing is certain, the future of the Android Operating System is getting more promising with each new OS addition, and Pixel Users? They are getting more cool features cooked up for them.