Google has already released early versions of Android 15, which reveal that the new OS is a lot more exciting than the last two iterations. For example, there’s Private Space to hide your private apps/files, app pairing for better multitasking, Theft Detection Lock, new Health Connect features, and more.
Android 15 is definitely going to be an exciting upgrade, but it won’t come to most Google Pixel phones. Go through the list below to find out if you’ll need to upgrade to a new model to enjoy the latest features and enhancements.
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 3XL
- Pixel 3a
- Pixel 3a XL
- And older Pixels
These devices are unlikely to get the Android 15 update. We’ve prepared the above list after reviewing the software update policy for every Google Pixel device.
Also Read: Get Google Pixel 8 (8GB + 128GB) for just Rs 55,999
Google Pixel’s Software Update Policy: The Good and the Bad
Google Pixels have had one of the best software update policies, and recent changes made it more difficult for users to consider other smartphones over Pixels.
Up until the Google Pixel 7 series, the brand offered 3 years of Android updates. Then, the Pixel 8 arrived with 7 years of OS updates. This announcement shocked the smartphone industry, as no one was expecting it.
It’s great for Pixel 8 owners, but older Pixel users are equally disappointed as Google didn’t announce an extended OS upgrade for them (not even one extra OS upgrade). This means Android 16 could be the final OS update for the Pixel 7, but the Pixel 8 will receive OS updates until 2021.
Google was the first to announce 7 years of OS updates, but Samsung quickly followed this up by offering the same software support for the Galaxy S24 series.
Android 15 Release Timeline
Google follows a three-step strategy for the Android OS release that also applies to Android 15. First is the developer preview phase, during which the brand releases a couple of early builds for developers.
The first developer preview build for the Android 15 arrived in February, and then the second one in March. In April, we entered the second phase when we had the first beta release. It was more of a public beta release, allowing anyone to download and test the new OS ahead of the public release.
Google has already released multiple beta builds of Android 15, the latest being Beta 2.2. We will likely see a few more beta releases before the OS reaches the platform stability phase for the final touches to prepare for the stable release.
According to the official timeline, platform stability should begin around July-August. The timeline doesn’t reveal the stable release month. However, it’s clear that Google is following last year’s pattern for OS release. Hence, we can expect Android 15 to be publicly available in October.
Read More: Exploring Google Pixel Cameras
Top Features in Android 15
1. Private Space: It protects your sensitive files and apps with an additional layer of security. This is similar to the Secure Folder on Samsung phones. This new feature creates a separate space hidden from the regular space.
2. App Archiving: It lets you unarchive apps to save storage while keeping the user data around. So far, this feature has been limited to apps installed from the Play Store, but Android 15 integrates this feature at the OS level, allowing archiving/restoring of any apps, even those installed outside of the Play Store.
3. Theft Detection Lock: It’s one of the most useful additions to Android 15. Whenever someone steals your phone and tries to run away, the phone senses that motion and immediately locks the screen. The phone will lock itself automatically even if it detects suspicious activities like multiple failed log-in attempts or constant attempts to disconnect the phone.
What’s more interesting is that this new feature prevents the device from setting it up again using a different Google account. So, unless they don’t have your Google account credentials, the phone is useless.
4. App Pairs: Android 15 will allow users to save their favourite split-screen combination for quicker access. A shortcut will be created on the home screen to instantly open both apps in the split-screen mode.
5. Improved Health Connect: The new OS includes new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more. Beta 2 brings skin temperature and training plans as additional data types.
6. Partial Screen Sharing: Another useful feature in Android 15 is the ability to share or record a single app rather than the entire screen.
7. Notification Cooldown: This new feature prevents users from getting overwhelmed by successive notifications from the same app by lowering the volume.
Which Google Pixel do you have? And what are the Android 15 features you’re excited about the most? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
