With the launch of the first public beta, the launch of Android 15 is one step closer. Only owners of a Pixel smartphone can get started with the new version.

Google has released the first public beta version of Android 15. This means that the new version of the operating system is available to “normal” users for the first time, after Google had already released two versions for developers. The beta is only available on Pixel smartphones. Installing and testing beta software always carries risks, so we advise against installing Android 15 on your landline device now.

New features of Android 15 are being released gradually, but we’re not much the wiser from this first beta version. In a blog, Google discusses some of the things added to this release. Applications now fill the entire screen by default to display content behind the top and bottom system bars. The following GIF makes this clear.

Google integrates application archiving at the operating system level so that third-party app stores can also use this feature. Android 15 will also bring more Braille support.

Hardware and software closer together

We could already deduce from the developer version that Google was also tinkering with Android behind the scenes. With APIs, Google wants to better adapt the software to your device’s hardware to limit the risk of overheating. Other possible innovations in Android 15 include the integration of satellite communication and the further development of the Find my device-Functions. We’ll have to make do with that for now.

The start of the beta version means that Android 15 is getting closer. The official presentation is expected to follow during Google I/O in May and we will also get more insights into what Android 15 has to offer. The new version will be available from autumn. When Android 15 becomes available on your device depends on the make and model of your device.