Google finally releases Android 15 to devs - here's when the public might see it

It's a little later than expected, but Android 15 (codenamed Vanilla Ice Cream) is finally here. Sort of. 

While it's not quite ready for the public just yet, Google announced today that it has released the latest version of its operating system, and the source code is available at the Android Open Source Project. This means developers for Google and other platforms can fine-tune the OS and bring it to other devices.

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An Android update started rolling out today, but that's still for Android 14.

Pixel phones, including the new Pixel 9 series, are first up and will get the OS "in the coming weeks." Most likely, that means sometime in October. Google says devices from Samsung, Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, realme, Sharp, Sony, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi will get Android 15 "in the coming months."

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In the announcement, Google highlights some of the developer-related changes the newest version of Android will bring, including private spaces to better protect sensitive information, sign-in using passkeys with a single tap, better support for large-screen multitasking, and improved battery life.  

Google also announced a new series called Spotlight Weeks, which dives into various Android-related technical topics. Naturally, the series begins with Android 15 and covers topics like Edge-to-Edge APIs that lay out apps for optimization on various-sized screens, a new foreground service type, passkeys, and picture-in-picture.

Other features set to debut with Android 15 include anti-theft detection, more Google Wallet support, and integration with third-party trackers in Find My Device. The new OS won't bring a huge performance bump, but apps may open more quickly depending on the device.

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If you have a supported Pixel phone, you'll get Android 15 via an update when it's available. If you'd like to try it out early, you can enroll your phone in the QPR beta program.