Android 15 gets its first developer preview: Here’s what’s new

While Android 14 still feels like the “new” Android version, months after its official release, Google has reminded us that it’s already working on the next Android version – Android 15. This was solidified late last week, when Google released the first Android 15 developer preview.

This early access version, (which is still, far from a stable version) is currently only available for developers and will only run on a handful of Android phones.

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While a stable version of Android 15 is still months away, the first preview build does give us a brief look at what to expect from the next major Android update. Here’s all that’s new with the build.

Privacy Sandbox

Each of the past few Android versions has had an emphasis on privacy and security, and Android 15 is expected to be no different. With the latest version of Privacy Sandbox on Android, the new operating system will help users keep a closer eye on apps that track you to offer more relevant ads.

Health Connect

With Health Connect by Android, users will have access to a secure, centralised platform that will let them better manage health and fitness data from the phone or a supported wearable. Health Connect will also support new data types like nutrition this time around.

File Integrity

Android 15’s new File Integrity manager comes with new APIs that will help files be protected by custom cryptographic signatures, helping users ensure that the files have not been tampered with or worse, corrupted.

Partial Screen Sharing

A feature that would come in very handy now that screen sharing has become a part of many important communication apps, is partial screen sharing. As the name suggests, partial screen sharing will allow users to share their screen but restrict the sharing to only particular window (instead of the entire device screen).

This will be similar to how you get the option on desktops when you make a video conference and share your screen via tools like Google Meet or Zoom.

Other features

Android 15 will also come with other features, some of which will be great for creators who use their phones as their primary recording devices. In-app camera controls will offer more control over camera aspects, while Virtual MIDI 2.0 support will allow composition apps to work better.

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Other additions include an expansion to the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) which should offer better thermal and general performance on smartphones.

Android 15 is expected to get two developer previews, and four beta versions before a final release will come to users like you. So, if you’re someone who likes to use the latest software on your devices, you will still have to wait a long while before you can use Android 15. It’s not all gloomy though, as Google is still releasing new features for those on current Android versions, like the recently released Android Safe Browsing feature.