Android 15 is just around the corner, with a preview expected at Google I/O in May and a likely launch alongside the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold in August. While Android 15 is shaping up to be a refinement rather than a revolution, several new features are worth getting excited about. A public beta is already available, giving us a glimpse into what’s coming. Here are ten key features to look forward to:
1. Satellite Messaging for Emergency Communication
While Apple’s iPhone 14 offers satellite-based emergency calls, Android 15 takes it a step further with satellite messaging (SMS and MMS). This feature will be invaluable for adventurous users venturing off-grid, offering a crucial safety net. Hardware requirements are still unclear, but the potential is immense.
2. Faster and More Convenient NFC Payments
Android 15 streamlines NFC payments with improved code, making transactions quicker and smoother. Your phone will communicate with the NFC terminal but won’t process the payment until you confirm by tapping the screen. A small change, but a significant improvement for daily use.
Google Pay
3. Simplified Alternative Payment App Selection
While Android 14 allows using alternative contactless payment apps, the setting was somewhat hidden. Android 15 simplifies this by moving the option to the Default Apps section, making it much easier to choose your preferred payment method.
4. App-Specific Screen Sharing
Android 15 introduces app-specific screen sharing, previously debuted on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. This allows you to share only the active app, enhancing privacy and control during screen sharing sessions. This functionality should be available on all Android 15 devices.
5. Enhanced PDF Viewing and Editing
Significant improvements to the built-in PDF reader are coming in Android 15, promising faster rendering and expanded functionality. Annotations, form editing, and password protection will be natively supported, enhancing productivity and document management.
6. Improved Camera Performance in Low Light
Android 15’s beta versions reveal camera upgrades, including “Low Light Boost.” This auto-exposure feature improves night shot previews, giving you a more accurate representation of the final image. More granular flash controls also prevent overexposure.
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7. System-Wide Audio Equalization with Loudness Control
“Loudness Control” is a new system-wide feature that manages media volume levels for a consistent listening experience. This prevents drastic volume changes between different apps, ensuring a more comfortable and predictable audio environment.
8. Notification Cooldown for a Calmer Experience
Android 15’s “Cooldown” feature addresses notification overload by silencing repeated alerts from the same app in short intervals. This prevents constant interruptions and allows you to focus without being bombarded by notifications.
9. Enhanced Security with Screen Recording Detection
Security gets a boost in Android 15 with screen recording detection. Apps can now identify when the screen is being recorded while in use, protecting sensitive information from unauthorized capture, whether accidental or malicious.
10. Health Connect App for Centralized Health Data
The Health Connect app, previously in beta with Android 14, could become a system app in Android 15. This app consolidates health, nutrition, and fitness data from various third-party apps into a single, accessible dashboard.
Beyond these highlights, Android 15 also boasts improved SDR/HDR image differentiation, MIDI 2.0 support, enhanced multilingual recognition, and the usual performance and battery life optimizations. Google may unveil even more exciting features at I/O. Ready to upgrade? Android 15 will be available on a wide range of devices, including the best Android phones, not just Google Pixel models.
