Google preps latest Beta of Android 15

Google has announced the second beta of Android 15, the next major version of Android, which is due for official release in the autumn.

A number of features for the planned release have been highlighted by Google, including the use of Private Spaces, improved large screen multitasking, Picture-in-Picture (PiP) changes, security measures to make intents safer, and some new fonts (CJK Variable, Hentaigana).

Other areas involve Android’s Canvas graphics system (Matrix44 and clipShader), more efficient AV1 software decoding, changes in the handling of foreground services (which keep apps in an active state), and changes to Android’s GPU access (includes ANGLE as an optional layer for running OpenGL ES on top of Vulkan).

Finally, Android 15 will also increase the minimum targetSdkVersion required to install apps from 23 to 24, building on the previous minimum target SDK change from Android 14.

“Outdated apps often lack the latest security protections, making devices and data vulnerable,” writes Google. “Requiring apps to meet modern API levels helps to ensure better security and privacy.”

As well as Google Pixel phones the Android 15 beta can also run on handsets and tablets from Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi.

You can find more information about Android 15 – including the beta, including the SDK and Android Studio, and the release timeline – on this dedicated Google developer website.

The beta was announced as part of the recent Google I/O event.

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