Google’s latest version of Android is finally here, and rolling out to Pixel devices right now. This is Android 15, known internally as Vanilla Ice Cream, and it has a ton of new features. In Android 15, there are upgrades for foldable and large screen devices, as well as plenty of new features for every device regardless of screen size.
Here are the top 15 best Android 15 Features.
Private Space
Arguably the most important feature in Android 15, is Private Space. This is similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder or Hidden apps in iOS 18. Essentially, you can hide sensitive apps in a separate part of your phone, which will require a password or PIN to unlock. You can even use a different password or PIN than what you use to unlock your phone. Adding even more security to your device. When Private Space is locked, apps are hidden from the Recents view, notifications, settings and even other apps. So, there’s no way for anyone to know that app is on your phone. This is good for banking apps or some dating apps that you don’t want your significant other to see.
Earthquake Alert System
While not necessarily new, the Earthquake Alert System is getting a nice upgrade with Android 15. Those in the US will get notifications about earthquakes thanks to crowd-sourced earthquake detection technology. It also will provide tips on what to do in the aftermath of an earthquake.
Additional Satellite Connectivity features
Satellite Connectivity isn’t new to Android, but with Android 15, it is getting some additional features. Google says that some RCS and SMS apps should be able to send text messages via satellite. Previously, this was limited to emergency use only. Google has also standardized the pop-ups and other UI elements to make it clearer that you are connected to a Satellite.
Wear OS gains Offline Maps
While navigating with your smartwatch may not be everyone’s favorite way of navigation, it can be very useful. And Google is aware of that, now adding offline maps capabilities to Wear OS. This means that if you go on a hike and have no service, you can still figure out how to get home. Essentially, any app that is downloaded to your phone, can be used on your wrist now.
Partial Screen Recording
Now, with Android 15, instead of recording the entire screen, you can choose to record a portion of it, like an individual app. Additionally, logins and one-time passwords are automatically hidden from remote viewers. This has been available on Pixels for a little while already, but now it is part of Android 15 and should make it to other devices.
Blocking Malicious Apps
Google has already done a pretty good job of blocking malicious apps on Android with Google Play Protect. But now, Google is adding several updates that will make it even harder for malicious apps to end up on your device. This includes preventing the exploitation of intents, which let you start an activity in another app by describing an action you’d like to perform, this is often times misused by Malware.
Theft Detection Lock
There’s a new Theft Detection Lock feature on Android 15 which uses AI to help keep your data safe. Essentially, if your phone senses that someone has snatched and is trying to run, bike or drive away, it will automatically lock your device. Remote Lock still works for quickly locking your device from using your phone number and a simple security check. This is actually a feature that is being made available for Android 10 and later devices.
With Android 15, Google is bringing additional protections here that will prevent thieves from guessing your passwords and accessing sensitive information. Google is adding authentication requirements for settings targeted by thieves, like removing your SIM or turning off Find My Device, and it will lock down your device if it senses multiple failed attempts for apps and settings.
Floating Taskbar on Android Foldables and Tablets
This feature is only for foldables and tablets, it lets you pin the taskbar to the bottom of the screen, instead of it going away when you open an app. This makes it simpler to multitask on these larger screen devices. Google lets you easily pin and un-pin the taskbar from your screen.
Free up space with App Archiving
A new feature coming in Android 15 is the ability to turn on App Archiving. This will allow you to free up space on your device by having apps and games you don’t use all that often, automatically archived. Your user settings and save data in games will still be on your device, so when you restore the app, it’ll be like you never left.
Better Low-Light Camera
Google is making a few changes to the camera app on Android 15. First up is Low Light Boost. This makes better previews in low-light conditions, so you can frame your nighttime shots better and scan QR codes when the light is extremely limited. Google is also giving users new options to give you finer control over the flash so you can adjust the intensity for both single flashes and continuous flashlight mode.
Enhanced Fraud and Scam Protection
Perhaps the biggest and most important update to Android 15. Google has made several updates to Android 15, which will help protect you from scammers and fraudsters. The search giant uses AI through Play Protect and on devices to scan for and flag suspicious behavior. Additionally, OTPs or one-time passwords, are now hidden from the notifications system, making it harder for apps to intercept them.
Improved Battery Life
This is a feature in every new version of an OS, but we do see improved battery life in Android 15. Google is putting more checks in place on foreground services and clamping down on apps that keep running in an active state. That is going to allow your phone to run smoother, and last longer on a single charge. This is also going to help make your phone faster, particularly if it is one with a lot of RAM – think 12GB or more.
Health Connect Data
Health Connect is an app that lets you pull all your health and fitness data from different devices and apps, making it easier to switch from Samsung Health to Fitbit, or another service. Now in Android 15, Google is adding two new data types: skin temperature and training plans. Which can now be downloaded and moved between apps.
Circle to Search that Tune
Circle to Search debuted earlier this year on the Galaxy S24 series as a quick way to search for things on your screen. Now, Google is expanding this once again. With Android 15, you can long-press the home button or navigation bar to activate Circle to Search. Then, tap on the music button to identify the song that is playing. With some songs, you can also get a link to their YouTube video.
Improved Audio Sharing
Google has improved Audio Sharing in Android 15, which will allow you to broadcast audio from your phone to other devices within Bluetooth range. This includes phones and earbuds of friends and family who can scan a QR code to join.
These are just some of the very, very many features that are new in Android 15. While it seems like this is a pretty small update, Android 15 has turned into a pretty massive one, even if you don’t use a Pixel device. Vivo is already rolling out Android 15, and Samsung is slated to launch their version early next year with One UI 7.
Rollouts of Android 15 should start any day now, as long as your device is slated to get the update to Android 15. In the meantime, we expect to see the first developer preview for Android 16 pretty soon since that release is moving up three months next year.
