Android 15 is arriving later this year, but we have already got glimpses of exciting new features and improvements, thanks to developer preview and beta builds, making us eagerly wait for the official release. As always Google Pixels will be the first devices to get the Android 15 update, but it’s only coming to a few of them.
Is your Google Pixel eligible for the Android 15 upgrade? Find out the answer below. In this post, we’ve also included the Android 15 release time and the best features discovered so far.
Google Pixel Devices Eligible for Android 15 Upgrade
Android smartphone brands don’t have a universal software update policy, and therefore, the device’s eligibility for the next OS update is always a topic of discussion. Fortunately, that’s not the case with Google Pixels, as we already have an official announcement regarding the same.
The oldest Google Pixels to get the Android 15 upgrade is Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. Naturally, this means the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7 series, and Pixel 8 series will also be getting the next Android update. The Google Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet will also join the party.
Except for the Pixel 8 series (and upcoming Google Pixels phones), which is promised to get a whopping 7 years of updates, older Google Pixels will only get 3 years of software support. This means no more Android updates for Pixel 5a and older devices.
List of eligible Google Pixel devices for the Android 15 upgrade:
- Google Pixel 8 Pro
- Google Pixel 8
- Google Pixel 7 Pro
- Google Pixel 7
- Google Pixel 7a
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
- Google Pixel 6
- Google Pixel 6a
- Google Pixel Fold
- Google Pixel Tablet
Also Read: 10 Amazing Features Coming to Android 15
Android 15 Release Timeline
Though Google hasn’t announced a release date for Android 15, the official timeline suggests that the beta phase will last until June. Around the same time, the new OS will enter the platform stability phase. This phase means resolving bugs and giving final touches to the new operating system before the public release.
Last year, Android 14 was released alongside the Pixel 8 series in October. We are highly expecting Android 15 to launch around the same time this year, alongside the Pixel 9 series.
Those who can’t wait for the stable release can install Android 15 beta on an eligible Google Pixel device.
Android 15: Top Features Known So Far
Satellite Connectivity Support
Ever since Apple released satellite connectivity for iPhones, Android users have been desperately waiting for it. Finally, it’s coming as a part of Android 15. Apps can use APIs to detect when a device is connected to a satellite.
Android 15 supports satellite connectivity for SMS apps and RCS apps for sending and receiving messages. This means satellite connectivity will not be limited to emergency uses only.
Partial Screen Sharing
If you share or record the screen in Android 14 or older versions, it will capture everything displayed on the screen. Android 15 makes it better by adding support for sharing or recording a single app rather than the entire screen.
Notification Cooldown
Too many successive notifications from a single app can be annoying, which Google has tried to resolve with the “Notification cooldown” feature. This feature lowers the volume of successive notifications coming from the same app.
Sensitive Notifications
Android 15 adds a strong layer of protection to your OTPs. The new sensitive notification feature will prevent malicious Android apps from reading your OTPs.
OTP fraud has been on the rise in recent years, and hence this feature could save people their hard-earned money if implemented correctly.
High-Quality Webcam
Android 14 QPR 1 for Google Pixel phones added a feature to use your Android phone as a webcam for a PC, but the output quality was basic. Android 15 resolves this problem by adding a high-quality webcam mode that disables power optimizations.
This feature has been spotted in Android 15 Developer Preview 2, where a new “HQ” symbol appears in the webcam preview. As it disables power optimizations, expect some battery drain.
Universal Keyboard Vibration Control
Android 15 will let you universally disable keyboard vibration. The new “keyboard vibration” toggle, when turned off, overrides individual keyboard app settings. However, you will be able to control the haptics of each keyboard app by disabling it.
More Android 15 Stories:
1. Android 15’s latest update brings satellite connectivity support at OS level
2. Android 15 lets you find your smartphone even when it is powered off
3. Android 15’s “Notification Cooldown” tackles notification overload
