Quick Answer
One of the biggest features coming in Android 15 is Private Space which lets you lock apps natively without using any third-party app. The other big feature is partial screen recording, which is not something you could do till now. In terms of security, Android 15 will come with theft detection lock that uses AI to detect theft and lock the device. Other cool features include App archiving and geospatial AR content in Google Maps.
Android 15, the next version of Google’s mobile operating system, will arrive later this year. However, thanks to the second Android 15 beta and some Android 15 previews from this year’s I/O, we already know what Google has in store for us.
Here are five exciting Android 15 features to look forward to.
Table of Contents
Private Space
For years, many OEMs have been offering a way to lock apps natively on their devices. However, stock Android users have always felt left out and had to rely on third-party app lockers to lock apps on their devices. This changes finally in Android 15, thanks to the introduction of Private Space.
Private Space, as the name implies, is a feature that allows you to create a separate space to keep apps secure from prying eyes. You can use it, for instance, to hide messaging or banking apps when you’ve to hand your device to someone. To lock the Space, you can either use the device lock or set up a separate lock, depending on your preference.
When you put an app into your Private Space and lock it down, all its data and notifications get isolated from the rest of your device, and it’s hidden from the phone’s Recents screen and Settings.
Partial Screen Recording
It’s been possible to record the screen on Android for ages. However, the recordings would often include extra elements, like the status bar or the navigation bar. As such, you’d have to edit the recordings to remove these elements before sharing them with someone.
Starting with Android 15, you’ll no longer have to do so, as Google is bringing the ability to limit screen recording to a single app. Thanks to it, the screen recorder will only record the screen on the specified app. Any notifications arriving on your device won’t get captured, nor will your accidental app switches or notification shade pull-downs.
Theft Detection Lock
Getting your phone stolen is a nightmare, not just because you lose a device but also because all your sensitive data goes with it, which increases the likelihood of someone misusing it.
Thankfully, Google now has a solution for the latter. It’s called Theft Detection Lock, and it uses AI to detect a device theft. The way it works is that if someone snatches your phone off your hands and tries to run away, it identifies it as a theft and locks down the device to keep your information out of their hands and prevent misuse.
Theft Detection Lock isn’t an Android 15 exclusive feature, though, as Google is said to be working on bringing it to older versions of Android, too. However, those on Android 15 will get an extra layer of protection, where the feature will ask for Google account credentials if the thief tries to factory reset the device.
App Archiving
Many of us have certain apps on our phones that we seldom use but don’t want to delete, perhaps because we might need them later or don’t want to spend data re-downloading them.
Starting with Android 15, Google will allow you to archive such apps to help reclaim storage space. When you archive an app, it’ll remove everything about the app, except for the elementary files and app icon. Later, if you need to use the app again, you can tap its icon on your phone, and it’ll be restored and ready to use.
App Archiving isn’t entirely new, though; we saw it in action first back in 2022. However, what’s changed is that the functionality was previously available through the Play Store app, but with Android 15, Google has made it more accessible by bringing it to the Settings app.
Geospatial AR Content in Google Maps
Earlier this year, Google announced that it’s collaborating with Qualcomm and Samsung to build an XR (Extended Reality) platform for the Android ecosystem.
We’re a few months in, and Google has laid the foundation for the XR platform by introducing geospatial AR content in Google Maps. Available in Street View on the Google Maps app, the feature gives you new and immersive ways to learn about a location. You can even share this experience with someone through a deep link URL or QR code if you want them to try it out.
Geospatial AR content in Maps is still in its nascent stage, and Google is currently testing it at certain locations in Singapore and Paris. We’re not sure when it’ll be available globally.
Android 15 is Still in the Works
Alongside the above features, Google is testing plenty of small (but meaningful) features and changes in Android 15, which could make their way to the final version. These include the new Sensitive Notifications feature, which prevents incoming OTPs from being read by malicious apps on the device; Adaptive Vibration that automatically adjusts your phone’s brightness based on your environment; and Notification Cooldown, which lowers the frequency of incoming notifications on your device; and many more.
In addition, the Predictive Back gesture is also likely to return in Android 15. Another nifty addition to the software is the ability to check battery charge cycles, which can help you decide when it’s the right time to replace your phone battery.
As of the time of writing, we’re only on the second beta of Android 15. We still have a few more releases in the cycle before the final version comes out, so you can expect Google to preview more features in the weeks and months to come.
