Google has already rolled out early versions of Android 15, which promise a more thrilling experience compared to the last two iterations. Key highlights include Private Space for safeguarding private apps and files, app pairing for enhanced multitasking, Theft Detection Lock, new Health Connect features, and more.
Android 15 is poised to be an exciting upgrade, though it won't be available for most Google Pixel phones. Check the list below to see if you'll need to upgrade your device to enjoy the latest features and improvements.
These Google Pixel Phones Aren’t Eligible for Android 15
- Pixel 5
- Pixel 5a 5G
- Pixel 4
- Pixel 4 XL
- Pixel 4a
- Pixel 4a 5G
- Pixel 3
- Pixel 3 XL
- Pixel 3a
- Pixel 3a XL
- And older Pixels
These devices are likely to miss out on the Android 15 update, based on a review of each Google Pixel device's software update policy.
Google Pixel’s Software Update Policy: The Good and the Bad
Google Pixels have been known for their excellent software update policies, and recent changes have made it even harder for users to consider other smartphones over Pixels.
Until the Google Pixel 7 series, the brand provided 3 years of Android updates. The launch of the Pixel 8 brought a surprising 7 years of OS updates, a move that astonished the smartphone industry.
While this is great news for Pixel 8 owners, older Pixel users are disappointed as Google didn’t extend OS upgrades for them. This means Android 16 might be the final OS update for the Pixel 7, but the Pixel 8 will receive updates until 2021.
Google was the first to announce 7 years of OS updates, and Samsung quickly followed by offering the same support for the Galaxy S24 series.
Android 15 Release Timeline
Google employs a three-step strategy for Android OS releases, applicable to Android 15 as well. The first phase is the developer preview, where early builds are released for developers.
The initial developer preview build for Android 15 arrived in February, followed by a second one in March. April marked the beginning of the second phase with the first beta release, making it available for public testing.
Multiple beta builds of Android 15 have already been released, with the latest being Beta 2.2. More beta releases are expected before the OS reaches the platform stability phase, preparing for the stable release.
According to the official timeline, platform stability should start around July-August. Although the timeline doesn’t specify the stable release month, it suggests that Google is following last year’s pattern, likely making Android 15 publicly available in October.
Top Features in Android 15
- Private Space: Adds an extra layer of security for sensitive files and apps, similar to the Secure Folder on Samsung phones. This feature creates a separate space hidden from the regular one.
- App Archiving: Enables unarchiving apps to save storage while retaining user data. Previously limited to Play Store apps, Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, allowing archiving/restoring of any apps, even those installed outside the Play Store.
- Theft Detection Lock: Automatically locks the screen when suspicious activities like theft or multiple failed log-in attempts are detected. This feature prevents the device from being set up with a different Google account unless the original credentials are known.
- App Pairs: Allows users to save their favorite split-screen combinations for quicker access. A shortcut is created on the home screen to instantly open both apps in split-screen mode.
- Improved Health Connect: Includes new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more. Beta 2 introduces skin temperature and training plans as additional data types.
- Partial Screen Sharing: Allows users to share or record a single app rather than the entire screen.
- Notification Cooldown: Prevents users from being overwhelmed by successive notifications from the same app by lowering the volume.
Which Google Pixel do you have? What are the Android 15 features you're most excited about? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
