It appears that Google has a surprise for us all, as the company has just started pushing Android 15 Beta 1 for all supported Pixel devices. The new update is coming a month before the Google I/O 2024, so if it is something that you have been waiting for, you can go ahead and update your Pixel device to the latest update.
Google gives Pixel users a surprise by releasing the first Android 15 beta
Google is saying that the first Android 15 beta is currently in "initial beta-quality release," which means that it should be safe to use for those who are looking to go ahead and get the full experience. You will get the update as an over-the-air package if you have already enrolled in the beta program. The company has also talked about how it will share more information when the event finally starts.
Moving on to the changes, the Android 15 Beta 1 brings some new things. For instance, apps targeting Android 15 are displayed edge-to-edge by default on Android 15 devices.” Apps are now going to appear behind the system states and gesture bars. In addition to that, with the latest update, app archiving and unarchiving is also officially available and part of the OS. There is also a new E2eeContactKeysManager that “facilitates end-to-end encryption (E2EE) in your Android apps by providing an OS-level API for the storage of cryptographic public keys.”
There are some more changes that you are going to get with the latest Android 15 Beta 1, which are listed below. Of course, we are going to do a separate post on how to install the beta and everything new in the beta, but for now, you can look at some other changes below.
- “…apps can now register a fingerprint on supported devices so they can be notified of polling loop activity, which allows for smooth operation with multiple NFC-aware applications.”
- “Android 15 brings additional changes to prevent malicious background apps from bringing other apps to the foreground, elevating their privileges, and abusing user interaction, aiming to protect users from malicious apps and give them more control over their devices.”
Android 15 Beta 1 (AP31.240322.018) with the April 2024 security patch is available for the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Android Emulator. If you are already enrolled in the Android beta program, then you should be receiving the update pretty soon. In addition to that, Google has a message for those who are trying to install the update, so be sure that you are fully aware of what you are getting into.
Devices running Android 15 DP1 (build AP31.240119.016) or Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 (build AP21.240119.009) are not able to sideload the images of the Android 15 Beta 1 build (build AP31.240322.018) due to a bug in the installed build. If you would like to sideload Android 15 Beta 1, first take the OTA update to Android 15 DP2 (build AP31.240223.016.A3) or Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 (build AP21.240305.005).
If you are interested in trying out the latest Android 15 beta, you can get all the relevant files from below for all supported devices. For more information on the beta, you can head over here.
- Pixel 8 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 8: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Tablet: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel Fold: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 7: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6a: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6 Pro: Factory Image — OTA
- Pixel 6: Factory Image — OTA
About the author: I have been tinkering with Android devices ever since the early days of the HTC Desire. Over time, I have grown a fondness for the ecosystem and now I cannot live without it. Although some might believe that I have sold my soul to Android, but I believe it is not the case. You can find me writing tutorials and posting guides on a number of different smartphones. When I am not writing here, I am wasting myself away in books, journals, or on Steam.
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