If you’re an Android fan you’ve probably been carefully monitoring the news about the much-anticipated Android 15 update that Google is soon set to release. You might also be wondering when you can finally get your hands on the new operating system.
The answer to that is sooner than you’d think, but there’s a catch. In order to test out the new Android 15 software on all the best Android phones, you’ll need to sign up to be a beta tester. Android 14, which launched in October 2023 and coincided with the launch of the Pixel 8 series (arguably one of the best Google Pixel phones), so by now a lot of people are ready for a change.
Google has been testing out its next release, running numerous betas since the start of this year, with the current beta suggested to be the last part of the testing phase, ahead of the system’s launch. Here’s everything we know so far.
What is Android 15?
Just like Apple releases iOS updates for iPhone, Google does the same for Android, releasing new operating systems on a semi-regular basis. Android 15 is the most up-to-date release for Android users which, according to Google, will be available from October.
While no set date has been revealed as of yet, leaks have suggested that the release will occur in the middle of October. However, Google has yet to verify this.
In the meantime, if you don’t want to wait to get your hands on the new update, you’ll be pleased to know that Google has released a beta version of the update that Android users can sign up to test out and try.
How to download the Android 15 beta
If you’ve got an Android device you may be able to get your hands on the new Android 15 beta to test out.
So, how does being part of the beta program work? To be eligible to test out the beta version of Android 15, you must have one of the following
Google devices:
- Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL
Depending on your type of device, the following Eligible devices include. Certain models of the following non-Google devices are also eligible:
- Honor
- iQOO
- Lenovo
- Nothing
- OnePlus
- OPPO
- realme
- Sharp
- TECNO
- vivo
- Xiaomi
Here’s how to enroll in the Android 15 beta:
- Sign into your Google account.
- Check the list of devices that are eligible for the beta program.
- Select the device that you’d like to download the beta on to.
- Select the beta program that you’d like to enroll in.
- Accept the Android beta program Terms of Service.
- You can then download the beta onto your device.
If you opt to enroll in the program, Google warns that the beta may contain errors and defects that could affect how your device functions. It’s also important to be aware that if, after downloading the beta, you wish to revert to Android 14 you will need to wipe your device of all data and that you may encounter problems restoring a backup.
Android 15 features
So, what’s so special about Android 15? Android 15 comes with lots of new and exciting features, in addition to functionality updates for a number of existing features.
What new Android 15 features can you expect? We’ve done some digging and found that battery health percentage, a hard 80% charge limit, lock screen widgets, and the ability to create a private space for storing secure documents and data within your device, are all rumored to be part of the update.
Allegedly, Android 15 will include an easy mode for less techy users, Bluetooth Auracast, app archiving, screen recorder alerts, more consistent volumes, improved biometrics, and the ability to find lost devices even when they’re offline.
Check out our list of the best Android games for a few games to try on your phone. Our list of the best Android phones is also worth reading if you’re planning to upgrade your device in time for Android 15.