Android 15 is thefifteenth major release and the 22nd version ofAndroid, the mobileoperating system developed by theOpen Handset Alliance and led byGoogle. The first developer preview was released on February 16, 2024,[2] the first beta was released on April 11, 2024,[2] and the final source code was released on September 3, 2024.[3] Android 15 was released forGoogle Pixel devices on October 15, 2024.[4]
As of August 2025[update], 28.5% of Android devices run Android 15, making it the most widely used version of Android.[5]
Android 15 is internallycodenamed "Vanilla Ice Cream".[6][7] The first developer preview (also known as DP1) for Android 15 was released on February 16, 2024,[8] while the second developer preview (DP2) was released on March 21, 2024.[9]
The first beta of Android 15 was released on April 11, 2024. It contained updates such as displaying apps as edge-to-edge by default, and app archiving.[10] The second beta launched on May 15, 2024, and came with features such as private space, improved widget previews, and improved picture-in-picture.[11] The third beta of Android 15 was released on June 18, 2024. It launched a slightly re-designed passkey and credentials manager.[12] The fourth and final beta of Android 15 was launched on July 18, 2024. The updates included predictive back animations, as well as app screen sharing (allowing users to share or record 1 app, instead of their entire screen).[13]
Android 15 was officially launched for Google Pixel devices on October 15, 2024.[14]
However, enthusiasts have discovered the existence of other under development features that may be released in later developer preview versions, such as the reintroduction of lockscreen widgets, which were introduced inAndroid 4.2 but later removed inAndroid 5.0.[15] Other such features include battery health determination, app archiving, voice activation, private space and app pairs[16][17] and an improved multi-tasking/windowing in desktop mode.[18]
The release of DP2 brought improved compatibility with satellite networks, improvements to the built-in PDF reader and support for app archiving.[19][20]
The release of DP2.1 brought apps being able to scale edge-to-edge and draw translucent system bars on the top and bottom of the screen, OS-level support for app archiving and unarchiving on third-party app stores, better braille support, end-to-end encryption for contact keys, and new developer features.[21]
Other improvements included a redesigned authentication panel, improved privacy and security settings, a new volume panel, Predictive Back andBluetooth audio fixes.[22][23]
Alongside platform stability, the Stable Version added a redesigned credentials manager and the deprecation ofWebSQL.[24]
Android 15 adds support forISO 21496-1 gain mapHDR image format standard, backwards compatible withSDR displays. It is encoded/decoded simultaneously with theUltra HDR standard. This format is also supported by Apple starting with iOS 18, allowing for true cross-platform HDR image compatibility between Android and iOS devices.[25]
Android 15 is based onLinux kernelversion 6.6,[26] although some devices still run earlier versions underneath (including versions 5.15 and 6.1 on mostGoogle Pixel devices).
^Burke, Dave (April 11, 2024)."The First Beta of Android 15".Android Developers Blog.Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 4, 2025.
^McCullough, Matthew (June 18, 2024)."The Third Beta of Android 15".Android Developers Blog.Archived from the original on December 20, 2024. RetrievedJanuary 4, 2025.
^McCullough, Matthew (July 18, 2024)."The Fourth Beta of Android 15".Android Developers Blog.Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. RetrievedJanuary 4, 2025.
^BOOT_OS_VERSION, setting (August 5, 2024)."android15-6.6 release builds".Android Open Source Project.Archived from the original on December 15, 2024. RetrievedAugust 25, 2024.
