Android 15 Beta 1 is being released today for Pixel devices. This is the first beta version of the upcoming major update with features like Google Gemini. It comes out a month before the Google I/O 2024 event.
Android 15 Beta 1 is the first beta version of this cycle considered ready for testing. It’s now available for download as an over-the-air update for users who are part of the Android Beta Program.
We’ll have lots more to share as we move through the release cycle; stay tuned for more news and announcements around Google I/O on Tuesday, May 14th.
For users, “applications designed for Android 15 will show on the full screen by default on Android 15 devices.” Apps will extend behind the system status and gesture navigation bars.
Google has officially introduced support for app archiving and unarchiving with DP2. This feature deletes the APK and any temporary files while keeping user data safe.
Archived apps show up in the LauncherApps APIs as visible apps; they are marked in the user interface to show they are archived. When a user clicks on an archived app, a request is sent to the installer to restore it.
A new feature, E2eeContactKeysManager, helps with end-to-end encryption in Android apps by offering an operating system-level API to store cryptographic public keys.
In Android 15, TalkBack is compatible with Braille displays that use the HID standard. These can connect through USB or secure Bluetooth, similar to how mice and keyboards connect.
Also:
Apps can now register a fingerprint on devices that support this feature to receive alerts about polling loop activity. This helps them work smoothly with other NFC-enabled apps.
Android 15 introduces more changes to stop harmful background apps from moving other apps to the foreground, increasing their access, and misusing user interactions. This aims to safeguard users from harmful apps and give them greater control over their devices.
You can provide feedback using the Android Beta Feedback app on Pixel devices. Open it from the app drawer or through Quick Settings to report bugs in the Google issue tracker. There is also an Android Beta community on Reddit.
Android 15 Beta 1 (AP31.240322.018) comes with the April 2024 security update. It’s available for Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro, as well as the Android Emulator. Most users will install it through the Android Beta Program, but it can also be flashed or sideloaded.
If you are part of the Android 14 Beta Program — specifically QPR3 Beta 2.1 — or using Android 15 Developer Preview 2, you will receive the Android 15 Beta 1 update over-the-air today.
Here’s the list of devices:
- Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 8: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Tablet: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Fold: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA
What we think?
I think Android 15 Beta 1 will make my phone better and easier to use. The full screen apps will look cool, and being able to archive apps to save space while keeping my data is really handy.
I’m excited about the new security updates and the ability to connect Braille displays. It sounds like this update will make my phone more secure and user-friendly. Can’t wait to try it out!
