Google has just rolled out the new version of its system for smartphones and tablets, Android 15. The new products section is not very stocked. For now, only Pixels benefit from some welcome functions.
It will not have escaped fans that this year, Google’s new Pixel smartphones, the 9 series, were released earlier than usual and without the new version of the system, Android 15. Just to cut the hassle the rug is under Apple’s foot with its iPhone 16, Google has in fact shaken up its schedule a little to deliver its mobiles in the middle of August, while the new version of Android was not yet finalized. Google has since stuck to its usual agenda and has started to deploy Android 15 on its own mobiles since October 15, 2024, which remains – this is a habit that does not change – always on a first-served basis. For smartphones from other brands, you will still have to wait, and sometimes for several months. With Android 15 (code name Vanilla Ice Cream), Google is not revolutionizing its mobile operating system but is improving a few aspects here and there.
Which smartphones are compatible with Android 15?
For the moment, the latest version of the system only concerns certain Google devices, namely:
We also know that other major brands of Android smartphones are also working to adapt Android 15 to their devices. Samsung is preparing to exploit it with its OneUI 7 overlay which will be released towards the end of 2024. The beta version of the system was also compatible with models of Xiaomi (14 and 13T Pro), Nothing (Phone 2a), OnePlus (12 and Open), Honor (Magic 6 Pro and V2), Realme (12 Pro Plus), Oppo (Find N3) or Live (X100). However, the rollout schedule is not yet official for these brands. It remains very likely that, as usual, the new version of Android will be deployed on recent devices throughout 2025.
Finally, let us point out that even if Android for smartphones and tablets, Android TV (with Google TV) for televisions, Chromecast and multimedia boxes and Android Auto for cars, share a common base, the deployments of new versions for all these devices are not simultaneous. So don’t try to update your brand new TV to Android 15, this is not planned at the moment.
What’s new in Android 15?
With Android 15, Google is refining its system first for its own smartphones. This is why there are now functions already in place with other brands. But Pixels also benefit from functions specific to them, the famous Feature drops that Google releases several times a year.
A confidential space. This is a feature that Samsung device owners are familiar with. The private space It allows you to define a folder in which it is possible to “hide” applications from everyone’s view. Accessing it requires authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition or code). The firm even recommends using a different Google account for apps grouped in the private space (email, social networks) so that they cannot be accessed otherwise. By default, 7 apps are placed there (camera, Chrome, Contacts, Files, Photos, Pixel Buds and Play Store) but it is of course possible to add those of your choice. Finally, the private space can also be hidden rather than appearing at the bottom of the app drawer. You will need to perform a search with the term “private space” to reveal and access it.
Satellite messages. Already in place on iOS with iPhones, the ability to send and receive messages by satellite when no network connection (3G/4G/5G/Wi-Fi) can be established.
Theft protection. Google wants to fight against snatching. With this in mind, you will find within the settings, in the Security and privacy section > Device unlocking, a new Theft protection option. Once activated, the Pixel activates all its sensors to detect when the smartphone is brutally “kidnapped”. It then locks automatically in the same way that the screen locks shortly before the device disconnects in order to protect the data it contains.
Multitasking made easier. On the Pixel Tablet as on the Pixel Fold and 9 Pro Fold, the applications bar at the bottom of the screen can remain visible or not. A new feature that greatly facilitates navigation when an app occupies the entire screen.
A more flexible astrophotography mode. Fans of night sky photos will appreciate it. The Pixels allow you to manage the astrophotography mode more freely. It is possible to switch to manual mode and establish the exposure time before triggering the shot. Practical.
If your Pixel smartphone or your Pixel tablet has not offered you the update to Android 15, a little manipulation is necessary. Access the Settings and choose System Then Software updates.
On the page that appears, tap System Update. Your device may tell you that it is already up to date even if the latest change simply claims the September 5 security patch. Tap the Check for updates button at the bottom of the screen. Several tries are sometimes necessary before the app detects the presence of a new update. And if the security update has not already been carried out, it must first take place for the migration to Android 15 to be possible.
Please note, the file to migrate to Android 15 still weighs 1.5 GB. Be patient, the operation can sometimes last more than an hour between downloading and installing the new system. Also make sure that the download does not pause, which happens frequently, further extending the duration of the operation.