Google has just released the first Developer Preview of Android 15, the next major version of its mobile operating system. We explain how to install it on your Pixel smartphone.
We expected a release yesterday, but Google has finally deployed the first Developer Preview version of Android 15 today. Android 15 launch planned for fall, but developers and the more curious among you can get a sneak peek at some of the new features and improvements that Google is working on. Here’s what you need to know about Android 15 DP1.
What’s new on Android 15 DP1?
Android 15 DP1 brings a number of changes and improvements to the Android platform, covering various aspects such as privacy, security, performance and user experience. Here are some of the main new features of Android 15 DP1:
- Privacy Sandbox : Android 15 comes with the latest version of the AdServices module, which hosts the Privacy Sandbox on Android APIs. The Privacy Sandbox is a set of web standards aimed at protecting user privacy while allowing online advertising. The Privacy Sandbox on Android APIs notably allows developers to access alternatives to third-party cookies and other tracking methods.
- Health Connect by Android : Android 15 also contains the latest version of the Android Health module, which integrates the Health Connect by Android functionality. This is a framework that allows users to share their health and fitness data with compatible apps and devices. The module supports version 10 of the Extension SDK, which adds support for new data types in healthcare domains.
- File Integrity Protection : The FileIntegrityManager class adds new APIs that allow applications to protect files with custom cryptographic signatures that can be verified via the new method to ensure they have not been tampered with or corrupted. This improves security by protecting files from unauthorized changes that could compromise application functionality or data.
- Partial screen sharing : Partial screen sharing allows users to share or record only an application window rather than the entire device screen.
- Camera2 API improvements : Android 15 adds a new Camera2 API that allows apps to increase the brightness of the camera preview. It also allows precise control of flash intensity in both modes and TORCH mode when capturing images.
- Support for Universal Midi Packages : Android 15 extends support for Universal Midi Packages (UMP) to virtual MIDI apps, allowing composer apps to control synthesizer apps like a virtual MIDI 2.0 device.
- Android Dynamic Performance Framework improvements : Android 15 improves the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (APDF) by adding a new energy efficiency mode that allows applications to better adapt their consumption.
These are just a few of the new features and improvements Google mentioned in its press release. There are likely other changes and improvements that have not yet been documented or discovered. We will therefore probably have to wait several more days to find out more.
How to download Android 15 DP1?
If you want to try Android 15 DP1, You must have a compatible Pixel device. The Developer Preview is currently only available for Pixel 6, 7, or 8 series devices, as well as Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet. You must also manually install the Developer Preview, as it is not available as an over-the-air update.
Remember that the Developer Preview is intended for developers only, and it is not recommended for use on your primary smartphonebecause it may contain bugs, or even worse, certain essential daily functionalities could be absent.
To download Android 15 DP1, you need to Go to the Android Developers website at the bottom of the article and download the appropriate system image for your device. You also need to install the Android Platform-Tools SDK on your computer. You can then download the system image to your device using the adb command line tool. You can find detailed instructions on how to flash the system image on the Android Developers website.
Once you install the Developer Preview, you will automatically receive future Android 15 updates. However, if you want to revert to the stable Android version, you will need to reset your smartphone and flash the factory image . So you have to think twice. Also remember that if you don’t have a supported Pixel device, you can also try Android 15 DP1 with the Android emulator in Android Studio. You can download the Android 15 system image from the SDK Manager and create a virtual device with the Android emulator.