Google is now rolling out the initial build of Android 15 (DP1), the upcoming major Android release. Although there are not many new features in this version, it should clear the path for further Developer Preview and Beta releases. All the information you require regarding Android 15 Developer Preview 1 is provided here.
Android 15 Codename
Google has posted a screenshot of Android Gradle plugin code which confirms the Android 15 codename. The Android 15 codename as “Vanilla Ice Cream”. Talks of this codename have been making rounds of the internet since last year itself. But, this is as concrete and official as it gets.
Android 15 Developer Preview 1 Changelog
Google’s main focus in DP1 is on Privacy and Security with features like the latest version of the AdServices module featuring Privacy Sandbox APIs, the FileIntegrityManager class adding new APIs from Linux Kernel’s fs-verity feature, and Partial Screen Sharing. Here’s a complete changelog of new changes and features in Android 15 DP1.
Privacy and Security Measures
- Privacy Sandbox: Upgrades Android AD Services to extension level 10, incorporating the latest Privacy Sandbox for personalized advertising experiences while prioritizing user privacy.
- Health Connect: Integrates Android 14 extensions 10, offering a secure platform to manage and share health data collected by apps.
- File Integrity: Introduces FileIntegrityManager with enhanced security features utilizing fs-verity to prevent unauthorized file modifications or malware attacks.
- Partial Screen Sharing: Supports sharing or recording specific app windows for improved user consent and privacy.
Support for Content Creators
- In-app Camera Controls: Offers more control over camera hardware and algorithms, facilitating low light enhancements and flash adjustments.
- Virtual MIDI 2.0 Devices: Extends support to virtual MIDI apps, enabling composition apps to control synthesizers effectively.
Performance and Quality Enhancements
- Dynamic Performance: Expands the Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF) with power-efficiency modes and thermal management capabilities.
Developer Productivity
Android 15 dp1 continues to enhance developer productivity by adding OpenJDK APIs and quality-of-life improvements, ensuring compatibility with over a billion devices running Android 12+.
Android 15 Timeline: Update Cycle and Release Date
The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and ecosystem will receive the final release of Android 15, along with Developer Previews and Beta releases in between, according to Google’s development plan.
- February: Developer Preview 1 (Early version for developer feedback, with new features, APIs, and behavior changes).
- March: Developer Preview 2 (Update with more features, APIs, and behavior changes).
- April: Beta 1 (First beta-quality release, available via over-the-air update to early adopters in Android Beta).
- May: Beta 2 (Incremental beta-quality release).
- June: Beta 3 (Marks Platform Stability milestone with final APIs and behaviors, and opens Play publishing).
- July, August: Beta 4, … (Near-final builds for final testing).
- Final release: Android 15 released to AOSP and ecosystem.
Android 15 – Developer Preview 1 Eligible Devices
The First Developer Preview of Android 15 is currently available for the following Pixel devices, exclusively catering to developers for testing purposes and not intended for daily consumer use:
- Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
- Pixel 7, 7 Pro and 7a
- Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 6a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
Google encourages developers to engage with the Developer Preview to provide feedback and prepare for the upcoming Android 15 release.