The new features of Android 15 at a glance

As always, Google’s Pixel smartphones and tablets will get the new Android version first. Samsung, Xiaomi and Co. will follow in the coming months – the exact schedule depends on the model series and age of devices. However, there are some features worth waiting for.

Among other things, some manufacturers need longer because they have to harmonise their user interfaces with Android 15. Regardless of the special features in these user interfaces, the latest Android update brings the following innovations.

1. Better preview in the dark and more control over the flash light

Android 15 is designed to improve the preview of a camera image on the display in the dark. This should make it easier for you to recognise what you’re recording. The update also gives you more control over the flash. If it’s too bright, you can adjust it in several stages.

2. New design for volume controls

Volume controls have been redesigned for Android 15. They take up more space, allowing for more precise movements for the various controls.

3. Private Space

Android 15 adds a «Private Space» to all devices. In simple terms, it’s an extra secured folder. To be able to see and start the apps installed there, you have to unlock it first. This can be a different code than the one used for the device itself. This is useful if you share your smartphone or tablet within the family, for example, but don’t want everyone to see everything. As soon as you lock this private profile, Android terminates the apps running there. Some other manufacturers already integrated similar functions into their user interfaces a while ago.

4. Increased theft protection

In Android 15, an AI will apparently recognise if your smartphone is stolen. If the right (or wrong) movement is detected, the device locks automatically. It’s supposedly also easier to lock a smartphone remotely. In future, devices can only be reset with access to the logged-in Google account. This will apparently make it more difficult for thieves to resell them.

5. Better multitasking for tablets and co.

On tablets and other large screens – especially folding smartphones – the taskbar can be permanently pinned in Android 15. It’ll stop disappearing, which is meant to make multitasking easier. This also applies to the new option of saving split-screen combinations for two apps and adding them to the taskbar.

6. More options for PDFs

PDFs become easier with Android 15. The operating system now supports annotations and searching in documents as well as password protection. You can also sign documents directly on the device. Previously, this was only possible via apps, but now the features are integrated directly into the system.

7. Record only a part of the screen

With the screen recorder in Android 15, you can capture only part of the screen – or more precisely, just one app. This should be particularly helpful for creating tutorials or instructions where you don’t need to see the entire screen. Other recording apps can also perform this function.

8. Predictive Back

This feature can best be described as a preview before you return to a previous page. If you swipe from the side of the display to go back one step in navigation, Android 15 shows you a preview of where you would go back to. If you don’t want to do this, you can always cancel the process.

9. More communication via satellite

This is probably only relevant for a few smartphones at present. Android 15 no longer only supports sending emergency messages via satellite. Provided you have the right hardware and a suitable connection, you can now also send SMS, MMS and RCS messages via satellite.

10. Improved widget preview

Widget preview is becoming more personal in Android 15. It gets access to your data and no longer just displays a sample picture. For example, you can also view one of your contacts.

11. Individual vibrations

With Android 15, you can set up different vibrations for different notifications yourself. Previously, this was only possible for apps – without further differentiating among notification types.

12. Better image descriptions with Talkback

Google is improving accessibility in Android 15 – at least on smartphones with Gemini Nano. Currently, this includes the Pixel 8 and 9, Galaxy S24 and Z Fold 6 and Flip 6. On them, the Talkback function, in combination with AI, provides more detailed image descriptions.

13. Better protection for one-time passwords

Android 15 no longer displays one-time passwords as a notification on the home screen. This is to prevent anyone from intercepting codes sent via text message or app – whether by looking over your shoulder or screen recording.

14. Passkeys: one screen less and easier movement

If you use passkeys – i.e. a biometric feature instead of passwords to log in somewhere – Android 15 saves you a screen. Google summarises the account selection and confirmation on one screen. It’s designed to make transferring stored data to a new smartphone easier.

15. A few things that’ll run in the background

Other new features of Android 15 may not be visible, but they might be noticeable. This is supposed to make video processing more efficient and improve the handling of running apps – especially when you aren’t actively using your smartphone. How exactly is less important than the promise that both will increase battery life.

New security measures are designed to prevent malicious apps from hijacking tasks handled by trusted applications. Health Connect will apparently be able to obtain more data from more apps over a longer period of time.