Google has released the Android 15 Beta 4 update to eligible Pixel phones and tablets. This means that this new version of Android has reached platform stability, and the next step for Google is to release its stable version in the next few days. This allows Samsung to speed up One UI 7.0 development for Galaxy phones and tablets.
Android 15 Beta 4 update brings platform stability
The Android 15 Beta 4 update is now available for Pixel smartphones and tablets. It also brings good news for Galaxy devices, as Samsung can use the latest beta release to develop One UI 7.0 more confidently. As Android 15 has reached platform stability, there will be no changes to the APIs and app-facing behaviors. Developers can use the latest APIs introduced with Android 15 to add new features to their apps or games.
According to Google, stable Android 15 will be released sometime in August. We think the company will announce the Pixel 9 series on August 13.
Samsung might release the first One UI 7.0 Beta update sometime late next month, starting with the Galaxy S24 series. The stable One UI 7.0 update could be released in October or November of this year. Most eligible Galaxy phones and tablets could get the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 update before the end of 2024.
What is new with Android 15?
Google has removed PNG-based emoji font files (NotoColorEmojiLegacy.ttf), so some Android devices will only feature vector-based files. Starting with Android 13, the emoji font file changed from PNG-based files to vector-based files. Google maintained support for PNG-based files for two years, but it is now completely retired from Pixel phones and tablets.
Android 15 introduces Predictive Back Animations, Low Light Boost, a variable font file for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages, partial screen recording, and the ability for apps to know when they are being recorded.
App developers can link specific views (like username or password) fields with Credential Manager requests, which helps them offer a customized sign-in experience. Widgets now offer live content during previews, so when you try to add a widget from the widget picker screen, you will see live content if you have signed into that app.
Android 15 also brings native support for satellite connectivity for calling and messaging when there is no cellular network nearby. This is a great use case for emergencies. It also brings more control over camera hardware. For example, apps can get enhanced images and a brighter camera viewfinder in low-light conditions.
It also provides better support for managing and joining Bluetooth Auracast-based audio casts. Supported phones can have a high-quality webcam mode. Loudness control and color contrast settings for Material You colors are also better supported.
Foldable phones have better app continuity when users switch from the main screen to the cover screen or vice versa. Android 15 also has better support for cover screens. There is a persistent taskbar for large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets. App Pairs are now natively supported on Android.
The Health Connect system, co-developed by Google and Samsung, now supports skin temperature and training plans. Bluetooth turns on automatically the day after you turn it off. The volume control panel is now collapsible. HDR is better controlled when one part of the screen displays HDR content while the other displays HDR.
One UI 7.0 features: What should you expect?
In addition to all the new Android 15 features, Samsung is adding even more features. Based on several leaks and reports, One UI 7.0 will bring smoother animations and transitions. It will also bring brand-new icons for some stock apps. Samsung has redesigned the camera app completely to make it more usable with one hand.
The next big One UI version will reportedly bring a two-page Quick Panel. One page will display quick setting toggles, while the other will display notifications. You can switch between those two pages by swiping left and right. There will also be an improvement to continuity features, letting you transfer voice and video calls from one Samsung device to another.
You can expect One UI 7.0 to have even more features, and they could be revealed sometime next month.
