Google has released the third beta version of Android 15, its upcoming mobile operating system. The update carrying the build number AP31.240517.022 is a major milestone as Android 15 has now reached its “Platform Stability” stage.
In simpler terms, Platform Stability means the core functionalities and how apps interact with the system are now finalized so that developers can now perform final compatibility testing for their apps before the official release later this year.
Beyond developer-focused changes, Beta 3 introduces a few minor user-facing tweaks. One is the integration of Credential Manager for autofill, which streamlines logging into apps and websites by leveraging saved passwords.
Users can also enjoy single-tap sign-up and sign-in using biometric authentication methods like fingerprints or facial recognition. Additionally, the update deprecates WebSQL in Android WebView.
Beta 3 also addresses various bug fixes reported in previous versions. Issues such as malfunctioning Bluetooth LE scans, connection crashes in the Android Emulator, and glitches with the system share sheet have been resolved. Below are all the fixes Google rolled out with Android 15 Beta 3:
- Fixed an issue where disabling polling using the setDiscoveryTechnology method didn't disable polling. (Issue #341196917)
- Fixed an issue that prevented the system sharesheet from loading in some cases. (Issue #340936670)
- Fixed an issue that caused the system Settings app to crash when accessing screen saver options. (Issue #340917853)
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the screen unlock icon to be displayed when notifications were on screen. (Issue #340923963)
- Fixed an issue that prevented mobile network security settings from being changed. (Issue #335438231)
- Fixed an issue with the Android Emulator that caused Simpleperf to crash when running a CPU profile.
Resolved an issue where Bluetooth LE scans could persist in the system after an app crash.
- Fixed a bug in Bluetooth LE legacy advertising, where AdvertisingSet.setScanResponseData did not return ADVERTISE_FAILED_DATA_TOO_LARGE when scan response data exceeded the 31-byte limit.
- Fixed a bug that caused LE connection failures on the GATT server by passing the address type from BluetoothGattServer.connect to native.Android 15 Beta 3 is available for several Pixel devices from the Pixel 6a to the newest Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. Users enrolled in the Android Beta Program will automatically receive the update over-the-air (OTA).
Note that Android 15 is still under development, so you might encounter compatibility problems with apps or other issues within the OS. Google recommends users report any issues encountered through the Android Beta Feedback app or the Android Beta community forum. While an official release date for Android 15 hasn’t been announced, it is expected to be available sometime in 2024.
