Google has released the first developer preview of Android 15, giving an early glimpse into the upcoming operating system update slated for fall 2024. The preview emphasises enhanced user privacy protections, tools for developers, and optimising performance.
What's new in Android 15 Developer Preview 1
Foremost among the privacy features is an upgraded version of Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative, which utilises anonymous data groupings instead of individual user data for ad targeting. File integrity checks have also been added using cryptography to prevent malware tampering. Users can now share select app windows during screen recording rather than their entire screen.
On the productivity front, Android 15 expands the Health Connect API introduced in Android 14 to integrate more health and fitness data types. This gives users a centralised hub to monitor workouts, sleep, and heart rate. The preview also enables MIDI 2.0 support for music composition apps over USB connections.
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For developers, the camera API delivers more granular control over imaging features like brightness and flash intensity. This aims to improve the app experience on premium camera hardware like Google's Pixel devices.
Performance optimisations come through the Dynamic Performance Framework for managing CPU, GPU, and thermal workloads. Apps can now prioritise power efficiency over peak performance when suitable.
What phones are eligible for Android 15 Developer Previe
The first preview is only available on select Google Pixel phones and tablets for testing. Incidentally, all these phones (and the tablet) are powered by Google’s Tensor SoCs.
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
When the stable Android 15 will release
Further beta releases are scheduled over the coming months before Android 15 reaches a stable launch. As the preview cycle continues, Google canvasses developer feedback to refine features and APIs. The company is targeting June 2023 for the Platform Stability milestone, signalling that key APIs and behaviours will be finalised by then. A stable release for Android 15 could happen in October later this year in time for the launch of the Pixel 9 series, while older Pixels will receive the update over-the-air.
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