Google unveiled the second beta iteration of Android 15 at Google I/O 2024, bringing exciting new features for Pixel devices and many other brands, including Honor, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, Tecno, Vivo, and Xiaomi. This Beta serves as an “incremental Beta-quality release,” following the initial Android Beta Program update and subsequent patches. Let’s dive into the key highlights of Android 15 Beta 2:
1. Private Space: A Secure Haven for Your Sensitive Apps
Android 15 Beta 2 introduces a revolutionary feature: Private Space. Think of it as a digital vault on your phone. This isolated environment allows you to store apps you want to keep hidden and protected. Imagine keeping your banking or health apps out of sight, accessible only through fingerprint authentication or a separate passcode.
Here’s how Private Space operates under the hood:
- Isolated User Profile: Data and notifications from your private apps are kept separate from the rest of your phone, utilizing a distinct user profile.
- Enhanced Security: Apps within Private Space are hidden from recent apps, settings, and even other apps when locked.
- Seamless Sharing (Unlocked): When unlocked, the system allows sharing content across spaces using the share sheet and photo picker.
Important Note: Beta 2 encounters a known issue related to Private Space and home screen apps. Refer to the official Beta 2 release notes for more details. It’s advisable to wait for a future update before extensively testing private apps within Private Space.
2. Enhanced Multitasking with Saved App Pairs (Tablets and Foldables)
Calling all multitaskers! Android 15 Beta 2 introduces “Saved App Pairs,” specifically for tablets and foldable devices. Now, you can effortlessly create a split-screen view and lock your preferred app pairing for quick access on your home screen. This functionality complements the existing taskbar pinning feature.
3. Predictive Back: A Smoother Navigation Experience
The “Predictive Back” feature, previously hidden behind developer options in Android 14, is now readily available in Beta 2. This enhancement streamlines navigation by predicting your intended back action, whether it’s returning to the home screen, switching between tasks, or navigating within an app.
4. A Wave of Additional Features
Beyond the headline features, Android 15 Beta 2 boasts a range of improvements:
- Rich Notification Vibrations: Customize notification vibrations on a per-channel basis for a more granular user experience.
- Health Connect Expansion: Health Connect gains support for two new data types: skin temperature (wearables) and training plans (structured workouts).
- Gender-Inclusive Language: Android 15 empowers users to personalize their system language settings with a preferred grammatical gender (initially available in French, with plans for expansion).
- Smoother Picture-in-Picture Transitions: Enjoy a more seamless transition into Picture-in-Picture mode, particularly beneficial for apps with overlaid UI elements.
- Enhanced Widget Picker: Apps can now provide Remote Views to the widget picker, ensuring users see the most up-to-date content.
- Granular Media Permissions: Apps requesting partial media access can highlight recently selected photos and videos, improving the user experience.
- Minimum Target API Level Bump: Android 15 raises the minimum target API level required for app installation from 23 to 24.
5. Providing Feedback and Android 15 Beta 2 Installation
For Pixel device users, the Android Beta Feedback app is your one-stop shop for reporting bugs and providing valuable feedback to Google. You can access it from the app drawer or Quick Settings tile. Additionally, the Android Beta community on Reddit offers a platform to connect with other beta testers.
Android 15 Beta 2 (AP31.240426.022) is rolling out to the Pixel 6 (series), Pixel 7 (series), Pixel 8 (series), Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, and the Android Emulator, equipped with the May 2024 security patch. Most users will receive the update through the Android Beta Program. For advanced users, manual flashing or sideloading options are also available.
Already on Android 14 QPR Beta? If you’re using a compatible device and enrolled in the Android 14 QPR beta program, you’ll automatically receive the Android 15 Beta 2 update.
Need Installation Help? Our comprehensive guide to installing Android 15 is here to assist you.
