Google released the first beta version of Android 15 with improved use of screen space, app archiving and enhanced security measures.
The tech giant focused on optimizing Android 15 for larger screens, such as those on foldables and tablets, by enabling edge-to-edge app capabilities by default. This move will benefit developers because it eliminates the need to explicitly tell an app to turn on these features. In addition, developers will find support through Google’s Materials 3 composables, designed to facilitate the design and integration of applications.
A significant improvement in this beta version is application archiving. With this feature, the operating system will now support archiving and unarchiving unused apps in “all app stores,” according to Google. This process will remove non-essential API and cached files while preserving user data, further indicated by an “archived” status icon within the device launcher.
In its ongoing commitment to security, Android 15 introduces improved “Key management” for end-to-end encryption (E2EE), enabling more seamless management and verification of another user’s contact data at the OS level for the Contact Key API.
The beta also marks a step towards greater inclusivity, with initial testing now open for TalkBack’s support for HID-compliant braille displays over USB and secure Bluetooth. This is especially important for visually impaired users, as it offers improved accessibility options.
Google is on track with its Android 15 development timeline, targeting “platform stability” by June. A second public beta should be released in May before moving into a stability phase before the full release.
Namely, the company’s focus is not only on interface and accessibility improvements; in its second Android 15 development preview released in late March, Google highlighted the upcoming introduction of satellite connectivity for SMS/MMS and RCS chats in scenarios where Wi-Fi or cellular connections are not available. This, along with renewed efforts to improve user security, underscores Google’s comprehensive approach to Android 15 development.
You can register any supported Pixel device here to get this and future Android Beta updates over the air. If you don’t have a Pixel device, you can use 64-bit system images with Android emulator in Android Studio.
See also: GitHub updates the Innovation Graph with the latest development trends
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