All About Android 15’s Rumoured New Features
It’s an exciting time to be the owner of an Android smartphone because the Android 15 update (codenamed Vanilla Ice Cream) is getting close! It’s rumoured to be released mid- October for most, but it’ll be even closer for Google Pixel phones, which will be getting the update even earlier in late September.
Here, we’re diving into the biggest changes and coolest features Android 15 is rumoured to bring. We can’t wait to share the info coming from the current beta tests, leaks and announcements about a sleeker interface, enhanced privacy controls, faster performance, smarter apps, and some seriously impressive AI integration that’ll make your life so much easier!
Is my phone compatible with Android 15?
With any new update, you’ve got to wonder, “Is my phone going to get all the cool new features, or is it time to trade in my phone for an upgrade?” A good rule of thumb is this: if your phone is less than two years old by the time Android 15 rolls out, you’ll probably get the update. But don’t worry; some of the leaks have suggested older models will also be included, even as far back as 2021.
It’s important to remember, though, that the older your phone is, the less likely it will accept a new update, and the best way to enjoy its new features is with a brand-new phone designed for it. Here are some of the phones that will definitely be compatible.
Google Pixel: Lucky Pixel owners will be the first in line to receive the update, so get ready for the upgrade if you have any of these devices:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8 series
- And, of course, the shiny new Google Pixel 9!
Samsung Galaxy: The update will also be rolling out to a wide range of Samsung Galaxy devices; here’s a list of the ones confirmed:
- S23
- S22
- S21
- Galaxy Z Fold series:
- Z Fold 3
- Z Fold 4
- Z Fold 5
- Z Fold 6 (upcoming)
- Galaxy Z Flip series:
- Z Flip 3
- Z Flip 4
- Z Flip 5
- Z Flip 6 (upcoming)
- Galaxy A series:
- A24
- A54 5G
- A73
OnePlus: Fans of OnePlus can also enjoy the new update if you have one of these:
- OnePlus 12
- OnePlus 11
- OnePlus 10
Sony Xperia: Xperia users aren’t left out either, with these models likely to get the update:
- Xperia 1 V
- Xperia 5 V
Other phone models compatible:
- Xiaomi 13
- Motorola Razr Plus 2023
Android has had a great run with its updates lately, and the 13th and 14th are even making a big impression on iPhone users! Many Apple fans have struggled with the lacklustre iOS updates and have chosen to use our ‘sell my iPhone‘ service to switch to the other side.
So, whether you’re an Android enthusiast or you’re team Apple looking for a change, , what can you expect to experience when the update rolls out?
A fresh look with Android 15’s new design and UI improvements
Like any operating system update, there are shiny new features, UI improvements, and upgrades across the board. With so many upcoming changes, here are some of our favourites from the update beta.
Widgets are getting the glow-up treatment with new interactive features that make them more useful and fun to use. One example is a new feature called the Generated Previews API, which enhances the way widgets are previewed in the widget picker. Previously, developers had to rely on static images or layout resources to provide a preview, which often didn’t accurately reflect the actual appearance of the widget on the home screen. Whether you like keeping things simple or love customising every little detail, Android 15 gives you a lot more freedom on your phone.!
But it’s not just about looks—Android 15 also improves how you interact with your device. Gesture-based controls are now more intuitive based on feedback from users of the 14, so navigating through your phone feels more natural. Notifications are smarter, too. They’re easier to manage and have more interactive options for customising how they appear, when, and how they’re prioritised. You can do more right from your lock screen or notification shade. All these changes come together to make your phone use smoother, faster, and more enjoyable.
Protecting your data with enhanced privacy and security in Android 15
The updated privacy and permission system in Android 15 is like having a bouncer for your phone! Now, you can give apps one-time permissions, meaning they can only access things like your camera or location while you’re actively using them. No more worrying about apps snooping around when you’re not looking! Plus, if you forget about an app that still has access to your sensitive data, Android 15 will automatically revoke its permissions after two months of inactivity. This is a game-changer for anyone who values their privacy but might be a little forgetful.
One of the coolest new features is the Private Computer Core. This is where your most sensitive data—like passwords, biometric information, and personal preferences—gets processed directly on your device, never being sent over the internet. This means you get the convenience of smart features without compromising on privacy. It’s like having a personal vault for your data that’s always with you.
And here’s something exciting for those who aren’t Samsung users: Android 15 introduces a native version of Samsung’s popular Secure Folder feature, now called Private Space. This lets you hide any apps you want to keep private, all locked away behind a PIN, biometrics, or a pattern password. You can even download apps directly into this space from the Google Play Store, ensuring maximum privacy from the get-go. Whether it’s your online banking app, personal photos, or anything else you want to keep under wraps, Private Space has got your back.
Why is all this so important? Because in a world where our phones hold so much of our personal lives, privacy isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. Android 15 is designed to give you peace of mind, knowing that your data is protected, and that you have full control over who sees what.
Android 15’s AI and machine learning innovations
Get ready to see your phone get smarter than ever with Android 15’s AI and machine learning advancements! One of the most exciting updates is on-device AI processing. Imagine your phone handling complex tasks like image recognition, language translation, and predictive text, all without needing to send your data to the cloud. This means faster processing, better privacy, and a more responsive device.
The specific AI features will be different depending on your model phone. For example, if you’re a Samsung Galaxy user, especially with the flagship S24 Ultra, you’re in for a treat. The S24 Ultra is expected to come with AI-driven enhancements that take your camera performance to the next level, optimising scenes, improving photo quality, and even making your battery last longer. Plus, the AI will make interacting with your device smoother and more intuitive, turning everyday tasks into seamless experiences.
Google Pixel 9 series users are not left out. The new Pixel 9 is set to introduce features like Circle to Search, which will make finding information a breeze, and enhanced image processing that brings real-time adjustments and scene optimisation to your photos. But the real stand out is the new Gemini AI assistant, which you may have already seen on Google. This isn’t just any virtual assistant; Gemini competes with Alexa and Siri by not only answering your questions but also intelligently adapting to your habits, making your phone experience more personalised and efficient.
Trade-in your incompatible phone at Mazuma
Hopefully, this sneak peek into the potential new features coming with Android 15 has helped your curiosity about the new update. These are just samples of the huge collection of features that a new version of Android usually brings, so keep an eye out for more to be revealed as we get closer to the release date.
You can learn more about the latest compatible phones, such as the Google Pixel 9, in our other blogs, and if you like what you see, you can save yourself money getting a compatible one with our ‘Sell my phone‘ online service. Don’t miss out; get the most advanced Android device today.