We expect to finally hear more about Android 15 when Google I/O will debut in May — but we already know a lot about what the recent operating system will mean, thanks to Google’s Android Developer Program, which has been giving developers access to Android 15 on select devices over the past few months.
The most vital of the changes coming in Android 15 is the addition of several recent UI and UX improvements. Each of the options listed below has been highlighted by Google itself or showcased in the Android 15 release.
Novel features available in Android 15
Notification cooldown time
Google will now let you control the number of notifications the app can send you. This should lend a hand reduce the number of spammy notifications from games and other social media apps, while still allowing you to receive vital notifications. Based on the settings you see in the screenshots, you have a few different options you can apply here, including applying the cooldown to calls only or all notifications.
Partial screen sharing
Android 15 will also let you select specific windows you want to record, giving you more privacy when recording something you can show off. This feature was first enabled on Pixel devices with Android 14 QPR 2, but will become a common Android feature in Android 15.
Satellite communications
Google continues to work on better satellite connectivity, and Android 15 will bring more options. Apps will now be able to apply APIs that detect when your device is connected to a satellite, which will lend a hand your phone more easily determine which network you’re connected to.
Universal keyboard vibration switch
You will also now have the option to turn off all keyboard vibrations via a universal option in settings.
Novel camera controls
Google is changing the way it controls the camera in Android 15. The appearance of the camera app is changing slightly, and the recent extensions will provide greater control over low-light gains, as well as more precise control of flash intensity.
High quality webcam mode
Android 15 will now bring a higher quality mode to apply your phone as a webcam. This feature was first released in Android 14, but it resulted in needy quality footage. Hopefully this recent setting will address these quality concerns.
Better security for sensitive notifications
Many applications still apply text messages to deliver authentication codes. While this isn’t the most secure option, Google is at least trying to make it a bit more secure by blocking third-party apps from reading incoming text notifications when they may contain sensitive information like one-time passwords (OTPs).
Better continuity in foldable structures
Android 15 will also bring more continuity features to foldable phones, making it easier to reopen apps when you close the device.
Bluetooth tile with many accessories in Quick Settings
Using many Bluetooth accessories can be frustrating on Android devices because you often have to go to settings to work with them. However, in Android 15, you’ll soon be able to access all your Bluetooth devices from the Quick Settings tile, making it easier to work with multiple accessories.
Easier audio sharing with Auracast
Auracast will also receive an update in Android 15. You will now be able to share and connect to nearby Auracast-enabled devices without having to completely pair them.
Toggleable taskbar for immense screen Android devices
Google is also updating its fixed taskbar on some devices with larger screens. The taskbar was first introduced in Android 12L, but was made smaller in Android 13. Now you will be able to decide whether the taskbar will be eternal in Android 15 if you want it to be available all the time.
Updated title screen support
Phones running Android 15 will also have better home screen support, allowing apps to push data more consistently to flip phone cases like the Z Flip.
Virtual MIDI 2.0 support
Google is also adding support for virtual MIDI 2.0 devices in Android 15. This is a huge improvement over the initial support for connecting MIDI 2.0 devices via USB that Google introduced in Android 13. This will now allow users to control synth apps as virtual MIDI 2.0 devices like this same as a standard USB MIDI 2.0 device.
Health Connect updates
Android 15 will also get some recent Health Connect updates, though Google hasn’t yet specified exactly what will change or improve. What we do know is that it will support recent data types for nutrition, fitness, and more.
Improved volume control
In Android 15, Google is officially introducing support for the CTA-2075 volume standard, which will lend a hand developers avoid volume inconsistencies. This should lend a hand reduce the amount of constant switching between volumes when moving between different types of content, whether using speakers or headphones.
Novel performance features
Google is modernizing the way Android provides access to the Android Lively Performance Framework (ADPF), which developers rely on for games and more demanding applications. This allows applications to have more direct access to the device’s thermal and power systems. With updated ADPF features, Android 15 will provide a recent energy efficiency mode, as well as GPU and CPU uptime reporting, and even the option to adjust GPU and CPU frequencies to meet recent workload demands. Google is also introducing recent thermal reserve thresholds in Android 15 to lend a hand with possible thermal throttling.
Ability to archive applications in Settings
Android 15 will feature a recent archiving option that will give the user more control over how archives are handled across apps. Currently, Google only supports archiving via the Google Play Store. However, this recent setting allows you to archive and restore apps directly from your phone’s settings.
Privacy Changes
Google is also updating privacy features in Android 15, updating them to the latest version of the Privacy Sandbox, as well as adding a recent file integrity feature that helps keep files running smoothly. Android 15 will now also detect screen recording, which will lend a hand reduce the number of malicious apps trying to capture your screen without your consent. You will also now need to authenticate your identity using biometrics or a password when changing the USB mode on your phone. This will lend a hand protect you from malicious computer commands.
Of course, as Google I/O approaches and the eventual release of Android 15 later this year, more features that users didn’t notice in Android 15 will likely be revealed.
