Android 15 beta 1 is available for download, everything that changes and how to install it

The next version of Android is available in beta for owners of Google Pixel smartphones. Here are the main new features revealed as well as the procedure to follow if you want to be one of the first to try it.

Android 14 may have been an update that lacked significant new features, but it was nonetheless well received by users. After more than 6 months of good and loyal service, now it’s time for Android 15.

Of course, this is not the final version, which should arrive around September or October this year, but the first beta version. Android 15 has already had two versions reserved for developers, and it is now the turn of the general public to be able to try this next update on their phone.

Android 15: only a few new features revealed today

This first version of Android 15 does not overturn the table and today only offers a few improvements and new features to get your teeth into. Google is probably keeping some announcements for Google I/O 2024, its conference dedicated to new software developments which will be held on May 14. The next beta versions, which will be released after this date, should therefore be more complete.

For now, the first version of Android 15 notably offers new Pixel weather widgets to install on the home screen. The latter are more visual and more in line with the current look of the interface of smartphones designed by Google. We can also note new security settings for the mobile network and Wi-Fi, and especially the possibility of hiding the name of the device for greater discretion.

More interesting, Google now offers with Android 15 the possibility of setting another default wallet, instead of Google Wallet. This novelty may be linked to the European DMA, which aims to regulate the practices of Web giants.

How to install Android 15 beta

Before offering you the two ways to obtain Android 15, we remind you that this first beta is only available on Google Pixels, from Pixel 6 and up to the very latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

There are two ways to install Android 15 beta 1. The first is to register on the Android Beta Program site by logging in with your Google account.

• Select your device from the list presented, then click on the “Opt-In” button;
• You will need to validate the conditions of use and confirm by clicking on the “Confirm” button;
• The update will then appear in the System > System Update section in the Settings app on your Pixel smartphone;
• It takes a maximum of one hour before the beta installation package is offered to you.

It is also possible to install this beta version from a computer, with the Android Flash Tool online tool. The latter works on a browser and allows you to install the update OTA, by plugging your Google Pixel into your PC.

Note that it is possible to go back to the latest public version of Android 14, but we advise you to back up your data before installing the Android 15 beta. Indeed, reinstalling Android 14 completely erases the phone’s memory.

Source : 9to5Google