Google Releases Android 15 Developer Preview 1

The first developer preview for Android 15 is now available, and it focuses on media, AI, battery life, app performance, and privacy and security.

“Android enables your apps to take advantage of premium device hardware, including high-end camera capabilities, powerful GPUs, dazzling displays, and AI processing,” a new post to the Android Developers Blog notes. “The demand for large-screen devices, including tablets, foldables, and flippables, continues to grow, offering an opportunity to reach high-value users. Also, Android is committed to providing tooling and libraries to help your apps take advantage of the latest advances in AI.”

Here are some of the key new advances in this first pre-release Android 15 version.

Privacy Sandbox. Android 15 includes the latest version of Google’s Privacy Sandbox, which seeks to balance the privacy needs of users with the monetary needs of advertisers.

Health Connect. Android 15 also includes the latest version of Google’s Health Connect platform, which adds an integrated version of the cross-service capabilities of the Health Connect app with support for new data types across fitness, nutrition, and more.

File integrity. The file integrity manager in Android 15 supports new APIs that allow files to be protected against tampering and corruption using custom cryptographic signatures.

Partial screen sharing. Android 15 supports partial screen sharing, which allows users to share or record an app window instead of the entire screen.

Premium camera features. New extensions support camera features like low-light enhancements and advanced flash strength adjustments.

Android Dynamic Performance Framework (ADPF). This set of APIs is being enhanced to support deeper integration with device power and thermal systems so that games and apps can utilize a new power efficiency mode, adjust CPU and GPU performance, and better engage thermal throttling.

Obviously, we can expect more in the way of new end-user features in future pre-release versions.

Android 15 Developer Preview 1 is available for Pixel 6, Pixel 7, and Pixel 8 series phones, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet, along with Android Emulator system images for Android Studio. Google recommends that developers use the latest preview of Android Studio Jellyfish (or better) for the best development experience.

Looking ahead, you can expect future previews and beta releases on the usual schedule, with platform stability in June and the final release in early Fall.