The early versions of Android 15 are already available, giving us an early look at the exciting features and improvements coming to our devices. However, it’s the stable build that will fully unleash the potential of the next Android version.
Google's Android OS release follows a three-step strategy, which applies to Android 15 as well. Initially, there are developer preview builds, followed by public beta releases, and finally, the stable build is released to the public.
Google has already outlined the Android 15 timeline, which is quite similar to the timelines for Android 13 and Android 14. Let's dive into the official timeline to see when the stable build will be available.
Android 15 Release Timeline
The initial phase, the developer preview, kicked off on February 16, 2024, giving us the first official glimpse of Android 15. The second build came the following month, revealing more details about the new OS.
These developer preview builds are aimed at developers, as they can be quite unstable and contain many non-functional features.
Following two developer builds, Google released the first beta in April, allowing anyone to try out the new features and changes before the official release. Multiple beta builds have already been released, with the latest being Beta 2.2, which went live on June 3.
According to the official timeline, Android 15 Beta 3 will be released this month, with Beta 4 expected to arrive around July-August. There will be several incremental beta releases in between. By the time Beta 4 is out, the new OS will be nearing its final testing phase before the official release.
Here's a quick overview of the important dates:
- Android 15 DP1 — February 16, 2024
- Android 15 DP2 — March 21, 2024
- Android 15 Beta 1 — April 11, 2024
- Android 15 Beta 1.1 — April 22, 2024
- Android 15 Beta 1.2 — April 25, 2024
- Android 15 Beta 2 — May 15, 2024
- Android 15 Beta 2.1 — May 20, 2024
- Android 15 Beta 2.2 — June 3, 2024
Google has not disclosed the month for the stable release of its upcoming OS. However, it is likely that Android 15 will follow last year’s pattern and could be released alongside the Pixel 9 series in October.
So, we’re still a few months away from the official release. However, smartphone brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and Realme are offering access to the Android 15 beta on select devices. We already have a detailed guide on how to install Android 15 beta on Android phones. Check it out if you want to get an early taste of the upcoming OS.
Don’t forget to check out all the eligible devices for the Android 15 upgrade to ensure you don’t miss out on the latest features and enhancements once the update rolls out.
Android 15 Rollout: What to Expect?
Google Pixels are usually the first to receive the latest Android OS update. They get the update as soon as the stable build is announced.
Other smartphone brands, like Realme, Samsung, Vivo, Oppo, and OnePlus, take additional time to fine-tune their custom skins to work smoothly with the latest OS. This can take a few days to weeks. Many of them are already offering Android 15 beta to select devices. However, the stable build is expected to start rolling out around November.
As usual, newer flagship phones will be the first to receive the latest OS, followed by mid-range and budget devices.
Android 15 Features
- App Archiving: This feature allows you to unarchive apps to save storage while keeping the user data intact. So far, this feature has been limited to apps installed from the Play Store, but Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, enabling archiving/restoring of any apps, including those installed outside the Play Store.
- Improved Health Connect: The new OS includes new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more. Beta 2 introduces skin temperature and training plans as additional data types.
- Private Space: This feature protects your sensitive files and apps with an additional layer of security, similar to the Secure Folder on Samsung phones. It creates a separate space hidden from the regular space.
- Partial Screen Sharing: This useful feature in Android 15 allows you to share or record a single app rather than the entire screen.
- Notification Cooldown: This new feature prevents users from being overwhelmed by successive notifications from the same app by lowering the volume.
- App Pairs: Android 15 will let users save their favorite split-screen combinations for quicker access. A shortcut will be created on the home screen to instantly open both apps in split-screen mode.
More on Android 15
- Android 15’s Instant Hotspot won’t work on Samsung devices
- Android 15 improves battery standby time by up to 3 hours with a faster Doze mode
- Android 15 adds audio sharing to multiple devices via Bluetooth Auracast
