Android 15: What you need to know about Google’s latest smartphone OS

Android 15, the next major mobile operating system from Google, is set to arrive in October. While Google often releases its new Pixel devices with the latest version of Android, the new Pixel 9 line-up continues to run Android 14. They will be among the first devices to receive Android 15 update and with the source code being pushed to the Android Open-Source Project last week, it is only a matter of time.

Unlike past years, Android 15 is not a mobile software update that completely changes the smartphone experience. Instead, it brings minor changes that are meant to solidify the experience available with Android 14. It does bring several new features like sensitive notifications for 2FA codes, satellite connectivity to send and receive messages without cell service, and more. Here’s what you need to know about Google’s latest OS.

Who can get Android 15?

With every new release of an Android update comes the big question of whether my phone will support it. Well, Android 14 is expected to be powering only 30 per cent of Android devices being used right now, and even Google has now stopped proactively updating its distribution dashboard.

ALSO READ: Android 15 expected features: Satellite connectivity, partial screen recording and more 

However, we know that Google Pixel devices will be among the first to receive Android 15 when it becomes available.

Here is a list of Pixel devices that will receive Android 15: 

1. Pixel 9 

2. Pixel 9 Pro 

3. Pixel 9 Pro XL 

4. Pixel 9 Pro Fold 

5. Pixel 8a 

6. Pixel 8 

7. Pixel 8 Pro 

8. Pixel Fold 

9. Pixel 7a 

10. Pixel 7 

11. Pixel 7 Pro 

12. Pixel 6a 

13. Pixel 6 

14. Pixel 6 Pro 

15. Pixel Tablet

In addition to these Pixel devices, select smartphones, tablets and other devices from the likes of Samsung, OnePlus, Motorola, Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme, Oppo, Nothing and others should also get the update. If you don’t have a Pixel device, then the question will essentially be how soon will you get this update and for some, it could be a wait as long as a couple of months.

Android 15 OS: How to download the update on Pixel devices

If you have any of the aforementioned Pixel devices then you will be among the first to get the Android 15 update. As soon as the update becomes available, you should see a notification regarding the available update on your device. However, if you don’t see a notification, then here are the steps you can follow to update your Pixel smartphone to Android OS 15:

Step 1: Head to the Settings app. 

Step 2: Scroll down to ‘System’ and navigate to ‘Software updates.’ 

Step 3: Click on ‘Software updates’ and see if Android 15 is available for you. 

Step 4: If you don’t see the update, tap on the ‘Check for update’ option on the bottom right. 

Step 5: Once the update is available, tap ‘Download and install.’

The update will be rolled out gradually to ensure it doesn’t overwhelm Google’s servers and you may have to wait a bit before updating your device. Once Android 15 is downloaded, wait for your phone to automatically install the update, restart and boot to the newer version of Android.

Android 15 OS: Top features you need to know

From private space, satellite connectivity, and partial screen recording, here are the top features of Android 15 you need to know

1. Partial screen recording 

Google Pixel phones already support partial screen recording and with Android 15, Google has baked it into its mobile operating system Instead of recording or sharing your entire screen, you can share a partial screen without revealing the rest of your screen or incoming notifications.

2. Private Space 

Android 15 also brings a new ‘Private Space’ where you can separate your sensitive apps from other apps on your device. This feature has been available on other Android devices for years and now Google is bringing it to the core of the operating system.You can keep your sensitive apps behind a security code and protect them with the same password as your device.

3. Satellite connectivity 

Google is also adding satellite connectivity to Android 15 OS, allowing users to send and receive messages even without cellular connectivity. With the release of Android 15, some RCS and SMS apps will be able to send text messages via satellite. Though it will be limited to emergency use, Google has designed the OS to indicate when connected via a satellite.

4. Improved foldable experience 

Google is improving Android to automatically switch whatever action you’re performing on the cover screen when folding the device. This is already possible on rival foldable devices but Google is now baking it into the operating system itself.

ALSO READ: Android 15 may let you locate your smartphone even when it is switched off 

Google also adds an option for the cover screen to lock up when you fold the device, and has also improved how apps work on smaller cover screens of flip phones.

In addition to the above features, Google has also updated the operating system with Bluetooth improvements, malicious app blocking, enhanced theft protection, audio sharing, and improved PDF handling. Android smartwatch users can rejoice since Android 15 brings support for offline Maps on Wear OS devices as well.