Android 15 beta 1 released globally: Whats new, who can update?

Android 15’s first public beta version is now rolling out to Google Pixel devices globally. But what’s special about this rollout? Well, this is the first update for the public. Both the general public and developers can try it. So far, we have seen developer previews, which were meant only for developers. That said, if you are a Pixel user, you can now install the public beta and get a taste of the next big Android version early. Also Read: High-Risk Alert Issued For Google Chrome Users: Update Your Browser Now

Android 15 beta 1 is here: But what’s new?

Google has revealed some details about the first beta version of Android 15 in its blog post. However, the company hasn’t revealed any significant changes it’s bringing with the OS. That’s probably because we have already seen those changes in the developer previews. Let’s see what Android 15 beta 1 offers. Also Read: Gemini Nano Banana AI Image Editor Rolls Out To Google Search And NotebookLM: Here’s What’s New

Edge-to edge  Also Read: How To Create Unique Rangoli Designs For Diwali Using Gemini Nano Banana AI Tool: Check Prompt

Android 15 brings Edge-to-edge styling by default throughout the OS. What this means is that apps won’t open in windowed mode anymore, but rather in full-screen mode. This means no black system bars hindering the experience.

NFC updates 

With the public beta, Google is making the tap-to-pay experience more seamless and reliable. Apps on Android 15 can register a fingerprint on supported phones so that they can be alerted of polling loop activity, making NFC operation smoother with multiple NFC-aware apps.

App archiving 

App archiving will be supported by all app stores on Android 15. App archiving is a feature that lets users free up space on their phones by partially removing unused apps from the device while keeping the data. This was so far supported by Google Play Store and Android App Bundle, but now will open to all app stores.

Apart from these, there are some other changes such as App-manged profiling, improved Braille reading, improved end-to-end encryption, and secure background launches. You can read more about these features here.

Who can download Android 15 beta 1?

Google Pixel devices such as the newly launched Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and older ones like Pixel 7 lineup can now download and install Android 15 beta 1. However, since it’s beta, expect to see several bugs and glitches.

If you want a better Android 15 experience, you can wait for the stable update that will roll out to Pixel phones sometime during the launch of the next Pixel phones. As for other phones, you can check with your phone manufacturer if you will be getting Android 15 or not.

Google should shed more light on Android 15 at its Google I/O event set for May 14.