Android 15 is coming and we already can’t wait. You can expect these new features for the new update.
Android 15 is now available in AOSP to try out, but no smartphones have received the update so far. Rumors suggest that Google Pixel devices will get the new features around mid-October. The beta version has been available for more than six months, so we’ve had plenty of time to find out what Google has in store for us.
We’ve gathered some cool insights for you on the most important new features of Android 15. These tricks you’ll definitely want to know before the new update comes out.
Android 15 is coming: these are 6 delicious new features
Android 15 is full of handy tips and tricks that will help you get the most out of your device. Here come our favorites.
#1 Set your favorite payment app as the default
Customization has always been a strength of Android, and with Android 15 it goes one step further. Whereas in previous versions you could set default apps for certain actions (such as opening PDFs with Google Drive or choosing your calling app), now you can also set a third-party payment app as your default wallet app.
And this is how you do zat: first, open your settings. Then tap Apps and scroll down until you see Default apps. Choose the Wallet app and select your preferred app as default.
Get your wallet out again. (Image: Unsplash/Emil Kalibradov)
#2 Charge even more sustainably
Android phones are lasting longer than ever. But it’s still important to keep your battery in good shape so you can get the most out of your smartphone. Android 15 makes that easier by adding an option that lets you limit charging to 80 percent. This is a lot better for the long-term health of your battery.
To enable charging optimization, open Settings and select Battery. Then tap Charging Optimizations. Enable the Use charging optimization option and then tap Limit to 80%.
#3 App archiving on Android
It’s 2024, but even the latest flagship smartphones, like the Google Pixel 9, still come with only 128 GB of storage. And that’s not nearly enough for many people. If you keep having trouble with storage and don’t feel like deleting apps, Android 15 has a handy solution for you.
Android 15 introduces app archiving. This allows you to remove an app from your phone while keeping all your data. This way you free up space without actually deleting the app. If you need the app again later, just reinstall it and you can pick up where you left off.
To archive an app, first open Settings and go to Apps. Then tap View All Apps and select the app you want to archive. On the app info screen, tap Archive. If you want to restore the app later, just tap Restore.
Your favorite smartphone (Image: Unsplash)
#4 App pairing for split-screen
One of the most useful features of Android smartphones is that you can use multiple apps at the same time, something you still lack on other platforms, such as iOS. Before, you always had to manually launch apps on a split screen. Android 15 makes that easier, as you can now save app pairs. That way, you can open your favorite apps in split-screen view with a single tap.
To open two apps in split screen view, tap the app icon and select Open in split screen view. Then tap the area between the two apps and choose Save App Link. This creates a shortcut on your home screen so you can open both apps in split-screen mode with one tap.
#5 Take screen shots of one app
Screen recording is hugely useful on Android, but many people often forget to hide private information or notifications while recording. When you switch between apps, things can just pop up that you’d rather not share.
Android 15 addresses this problem with a new feature that lets you record only a specific app. Even if you switch to another app, only that selected app will be recorded.
To use this feature, tap the Screen Recording tile in the Quick Settings menu and select Record One App. Then you’ll see a list of apps on your device. Choose the app you want to record, and it will record only that app.
Your information stays under lock and key (Image: Unsplash)
#6 Your Android can sense when it is being stolen
Getting your smartphone stolen is always a nightmare. Fortunately, Android 15 comes with new security features to better protect your device.
If your device is stolen, Android 15 ensures that the thief cannot reset or set up the phone with a new account. During installation, your phone will ask for the original lock screen access code or to log into your Google account to proceed.
In addition, Google has added an extra layer of protection. Your phone can now detect if it is being snatched. Thanks to sensors and AI, the device notices when it changes hands and is stolen, instantly locking the screen and requiring you to use an access code to unlock it.
This feature is not only for Android 15, but also works on devices running Android 10 and higher. You can activate it in the Security and Privacy section of settings.
