The first beta of Android 15 has been released, and that’s new

Google released the first public beta of Android 15 on Thursday evening. The company has been providing developer previews since February, but now Android 15 is ready for testing by the general public.

Android 15 currently available On a number of Google Pixel devices, starting with the Pixel 6. The stable launch of Android 15 is expected in August or September. It doesn’t appear to be a major update, but the beta version does contain some new features.

New, for example, is the App Archive in Android 15, which allows you to archive an app directly from Android via a button in Settings. Most of the data associated with the app will then be deleted, except for your personal data. If you want to restore the app back on your device, you can restore it from the About app page in Android Settings. You’ve been able to do this with some apps via the Google Play Store for some time, but now you can also do it manually in Android itself.

Edge-to-edge applications

Android 15 also supports universal apps automatically. These are apps that take up the entire screen, instead of leaving the space in line with the status and navigation bar empty. Edge-to-edge mode is still optional, but apps automatically fill the entire screen on Android 15.

According to Google, Android 15 should also make “smoother and more reliable” NFC contactless payments. Support for Braille displays will also be expanded.

Moreover, Android 15 allows you to use end-to-end encryption for ignition keys. This allows you to securely manage and verify others’ contact details. The system is also improving the feature that prevents malicious background apps from bringing other apps to the foreground.