Android 15 to arrive October 15 bringing fresh upgrades to Pixel devices

Android 15 is expected to launch on October 15 for Pixel devices, bringing new features like battery optimization, lock screen widgets, and an enhanced Private Space for app security. Other Android manufacturers, including Samsung and OnePlus, are likely to follow with updates soon after Google’s release.

Advertisement

Google’s Android 15 operating system is rumored to launch on October 15 for Pixel 6 and later devices, according to a new report. This anticipated release follows a 42-day gap after the operating system’s source code was uploaded to the Android Open-Source Project (AOSP), marking the longest delay between the AOSP release and its availability to users. The extended wait is expected to result in a more polished and stable version compared to previous Android launches, including Android 12, which had a 15-day delay.

Android 15 will offer some significant improvements that users are eagerly anticipating. A standout feature is the improved efficiency in battery usage. Devices running Android 15 can reportedly switch to low-power doze mode around 50% faster than those on Android 14, extending battery life by up to three hours in some cases.

Another notable change coming with Android 15 is the return of lock screen widgets, a feature last seen in Android 4. This update may also introduce a Communal Space, which could allow multiple users to access specific apps directly from the lock screen. Initially, this feature might be limited to a few apps such as Google Calendar and Google Clock, though the delay between AOSP and Pixel releases might allow more services to support the feature at launch.

Advertisement

Android 15 also promises to enhance user security with the introduction of a Private Space. This is similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder and will allow users to hide apps behind a PIN, password, or biometrics. Apps within this folder will be completely hidden from those without the proper credentials. In addition to these features, Android 15 will see upgrades to Google’s Gemini AI. The Ask Photos feature will let users find old pictures using natural language commands, while Gemini Nano, a new on-device version, allows users to access AI-driven services without needing to share data with the cloud, making it a more private and secure experience.

While Pixel devices will be the first to receive the update, other Android brands like Samsung and OnePlus will also roll out Android 15 for their devices soon after. With the extended delay since the AOSP release, non-Google phones may see a quicker rollout of Android 15 than previous versions.