Google has exciting news for all Android lovers! They have started rolling out the Android 15 Beta 3 update to Pixel devices. This update is a significant milestone as it brings Android 15 to Platform Stability. Let’s dive into what this means and explore the new features and improvements in this update.
What is Platform Stability?
Platform Stability means that the developer APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and all app-related behaviors in Android 15 are now final. This is great news for app developers because they can now review these changes and integrate them into their apps. Apps targeting Android 15 can be released on Google Play.
What’s New in Android 15 Beta 3?
Improved User Experience for Passkeys and Credential Manager:
One of the standout features in Android 15 Beta 3 is the improved user experience for passkeys and the Credential Manager. Users can now sign into apps targeting Android 15 using passkeys with facial recognition, fingerprint, or screen lock in a single step. If the sign-in prompt is dismissed, the passkey and other Credential Manager suggestions will appear in the keyboard’s suggestion row and the username/password dropdown menus. This makes logging into apps easier and faster.
WebSQL Deprecated in Android WebView:
Another important change is the deprecation of WebSQL in Android WebView. This means WebSQL will become nonfunctional on all Android versions within 12 months. Instead, developers are encouraged to use Web Storage API technologies like IndexedDB for web databases.
Other Highlights of Android 15 Beta 3
ForceClose Changes:
In this update, when an app is foreclosed, it will stop indefinitely until it is relaunched. Widgets for such apps will also be grayed out. This helps in managing apps more efficiently.
Memory Page Size Support:
Android 15 now supports devices with a maximum memory page size of up to 16KB, up from the usual 4 KB. This allows phones with larger RAM capacities to perform better.
Predictive Back Animations:
Predictiveback animations are now enabled by default. This feature helps in making the back gesture smoother and more intuitive, and developers are encouraged to support it.
Private Space Feature:
Android 15 introduces a Private Space feature, similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder. This feature allows locking certain apps behind extra authentication. Developers may need to adjust profile logic, and custom launchers must be updated to hide these apps from the home screen and app drawer.
Bug Fixes
Google has addressed several bugs in this update, including:
- Fixed an issue where disabling polling using the setDiscoveryTechnology method didn’t disable polling.
- It fixed an issue that prevented the system share sheet from loading in some cases.
- It fixed an issue that caused the system Settings app to crash when accessing screen saver options.
- Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the screen unlock icon to be displayed when notifications were on screen.
- It fixed an issue that prevented mobile network security settings from being changed.
- It fixed an issue with the Android Emulator that caused Simpleperf to crash when running a CPU profile.
- It resolved an issue where Bluetooth LE scans could persist in the system after an app crash.
- It fixed a bug in Bluetooth LE legacy advertising, where AdvertisingSet.setScanResponseData did not return ADVERTISE_FAILED_DATA_TOO_LARGE when scan response data exceeded the 31byte limit.
- Fixed a bug that caused LE connection failures on the GATT server by passing the address type from BluetoothGattServer.connect to native.
Availability
Android 15 Beta 3 is available as an OTA (OverTheAir) update for Pixel 6 and newer models enrolled in the beta program. The update can be manually checked under Settings → System → Software update → System update → Check for updates. It will be automatically applied to enrolled phones within five days. Alternatively, you can manually update using factory images or OTA files available online.
Release Details
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Build: AP31.240517.022
- Emulator Support: x86 (64bit), ARM (v8A)
- Security Patch Level: June 2024
- Google Play Services: 24.16.17
Supported Devices
Android 15 Beta 3 is available for the following devices:
- Pixel 6a, 6, and 6 Pro
- Pixel 7a, 7, and 7 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8a, 8, and 8 Pro
How to Download Android 15 Beta 3?
If you’ve enrolled your Google Pixel phone or tablet in the beta program, you should automatically receive an over-the-air update in the coming days. If you want to check for the Android 15 Beta 3 update manually, you can open the Settings app, then tap on System → Software update → System update → Check for updates. After the update is installed, you’ll need to reboot your device to complete the process.
You can also flash factory images of the Android 15 Beta 3 update to your devices or test the latest beta version in an emulator if you don’t have a Pixel device handy. Remember, beta updates are less stable than standard software releases, so it’s not advisable to install them on your primary device.
FAQ’s
How can I download Android 15 Beta 3 on my Pixel device?
If your Pixel device is enrolled in the beta program, you should receive an over-the-air update soon. You can also manually check for updates by going to Settings → System → Software update → System update → Check for updates. Alternatively, you can use factory images or OTA files available online to update your device.
Bottom Up
With Android 15 Beta 3, Google is moving closer to the final release, bringing new features and improvements that enhance the user experience. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the official launch later this year!