Android 15 is here. If available for your device, you can find it by manually checking for software updates. This latest update was released later this year compared to previous Android versions, but there are still plenty of new features to explore, from theft detection lock to app archiving. In addition to features added in updates since Android 14 (like song identification with Circle to Search), Android 15 is a useful update for everyone.
Android 15 downloads are now available for the best Pixel phones, with phones from other Android manufacturers to follow. Learn about the Android 15 features that have the biggest impact on how you use your device.
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Android 15: My favorite feature isn’t flashy
Minor updates including welcome quality of life adjustments
9 theft detection lock
Protect your data when your phone is stolen
Android smartphones have a wealth of security features designed to make it nearly impossible for others to access your phone when it’s locked. However, none of this means anything if your phone is snatched while it’s unlocked.
The new Theft Detection Lock feature in Android 15 identifies unusual movements that occur when someone snatches your phone. Even if we don’t detect a snatch escape, your device will automatically lock if someone turns off the internet.
If you accidentally activate the theft detection lock feature, you can still unlock your phone as usual.
8 Record a single app without interruption
Reduce editing time and avoid displaying unnecessary information
When recording your screen on Android 15, you can only record with one app. This means that only that app’s frame will be visible during screen recording. Everything else, from opening the notification shade to switching apps, won’t show up in your final recording. This feature was introduced in Android 14 QPR2, while Android 15 introduced this feature in the stable release. This update also adds a new screen recording chip to your device’s status bar and improves functionality. This chip lets you know how long you’re recording and lets you stop recording with just a tap.
This saves editing time and reduces the fear of accidentally revealing personal data (such as widgets and elements in the notification shade). To turn on this feature, Record one app Select an option from the drop-down menu when you open the screen recording window.
7 Open two apps at the same time
Jump directly to split screen mode
This new feature in Android 15 lets you save pairs of apps on your device’s home screen. Tapping on a pair of apps will open both apps simultaneously in split-screen mode.
The app layout is the same as when you created the app pair. Create an app pair by tapping the space between two apps you’re viewing in split-screen mode.
6 Predictive “back” gesture
Let’s see where it ends up
Predictive back gestures have been available since Android 14, but were locked behind developer settings. Android 15 enables this feature by default for all users. This feature minimizes the current screen to a window when you swipe back to the previous window. This allows you to cancel the action and see at a glance which window will open when the “back” gesture is completed.
5 Recognize songs with Circle to Search
Recognize when you hum, sing, or play a song nearby
In August 2024, we introduced a new way to use Circle to Search. A song notes icon now appears when you tap and hold your phone’s navigation bar and enable search in circles. Tap this icon to see what song is currently playing or hum the song you’re thinking of.
Once Circle to Search identifies the song, Google search results will open showing the song title and artist. This is a useful tool that makes Circle to Search even more useful for all users.
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4 App archive
Saved data saved in apps you don’t use often
Archive apps you rarely use instead of deleting them. This feature saves the app’s data but deletes the app. If you want to use it again, please re-download it from Play Store.
Once you archive an app, you will need an active internet connection to use it again. However, when you redownload it, the app imports your saved data, so it looks like you haven’t uninstalled the app.
3 Use a third-party wallet app for NFC payments
Google Wallet is no longer required
Most actions on Android allow you to set a default app (like opening a PDF), but until Android 15, the default wallet app for tap-to-pay transactions was locked to Google Wallet. You can now set third-party apps as your default wallet app.
Changing your default wallet app also changes the app that opens when you access your payment methods from the quick settings menu or lock screen. Here’s how to change your default wallet:
- Open. setting App.
- tap app.
- Scroll down and tap default app.
- tap wallet app at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the wallet app you want to be the default.
2 Bluetooth auto-on toggle
Helping Google’s Find My Device network work
Google’s Find My Device network is struggling thanks to a series of privacy features. Many of the key elements that make up the Find My Device network are opt-in. This means that many targeted devices cannot be found.
One of these elements is Bluetooth, which is necessary to determine the location of other devices. Android 15 introduces a new toggle that automatically reactivates Bluetooth the day after you turn it off. So if you forget to turn on Bluetooth, your phone will automatically turn it on to find other devices.
See exactly what your widget looks like
In Android 15, widget previews are personalized. If you scroll through the widgets available on your Android smartphone, you’ll notice that the final result looks better. For example, a widget in the Contacts app can display a preview of the actual contact, not just a placeholder image from the developer.
Android 15 is packed with useful features
Many of the features introduced in Android 15 are simple changes that can have very positive effects (like protecting your data with an anti-theft lock), so be sure to install them as soon as they’re available on your device. please. If the full release of Android 15 isn’t available on your Samsung device, you can explore and get excited about all the features you’ve come to expect with One UI 7.
