what you need to know
- Google has released the first beta of Android 15, which is available to eligible Pixel device owners and developers.
- The first beta of Android 15 helps improve the app experience on larger displays, app archive updates, and more help for braille displays.
- The first beta marks a milestone for Google’s Android 15 beta, and the company said it still plans to enter a “platform stability” phase by June.
Google released the first beta of Android 15 today (April 11), and with it comes some important features that registered testers should know about.
According to Google, the first Android 15 beta will be available for devices from the Pixel 5a to the latest Pixel 8 series. This also includes the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. The first beta of Android 15 brings more awareness to how apps can be experienced on larger displays (foldables/tablets). Google said it has enabled the software’s edge-to-edge features by default for apps.
This update mainly benefits developers as they no longer need to explicitly tell apps to enable such functionality. In addition, those creating applications will find Google’s Material 3 composables to provide additional help.
Android 15 adds additional support for app archiving. Google says the first beta version of the software shows OS-level support for archiving and unarchiving unused apps to benefit “all app stores.” The operating system will delete larger chunks of API and cache files, but leave user data behind.
As a result, Google says users will see the app remain in the device’s launcher, along with an icon highlighting its “archived” status.
The company continues to push for better security with Android 15, introducing “key management” with E2EE (end-to-end encryption). The beta version will provide such management at the operating system level for the contact button API. This, in turn, will allow users to easily manage and verify other users’ contact information.
Android 15 will be even more inclusive as the initial beta opens the door to testing of TalkBack’s support for braille displays. The software is only compatible with braille displays using the HID standard over USB and secure Bluetooth.
Google said it plans to achieve “platform stability” for its next major operating system release by June. The company is fully on track with its expected Android 15 development timeline. Users should look forward to beta releases in April and May before we finally move into the stable phase. We encourage those taking part in testing to provide feedback as the process continues.
The company’s second developer preview of Android 15 was released at the end of March and featured Google’s upcoming satellite connectivity. The company is gearing up to launch satellite functionality to allow users to conduct SMS/MMS and RCS chats without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. In addition, Google said it will continue to tighten controls on user security to enhance its capabilities in Android 15.