Google has released the Android 15 Beta 4 update for eligible Pixel phones and tablets. This means that this new version of Android has reached platform stability and the next step for Google is to release the stable version in the coming days. This will allow Samsung to accelerate the development of One UI 7.0 for Galaxy phones and tablets.

Android 15 Beta 4 update brings platform stability

The Android 15 Beta 4 update is now available for Pixel smartphones and tablets. It also brings good news for Galaxy devices, as Samsung can use the latest beta build to develop One UI 7.0 with more confidence. Since Android 15 has achieved platform stability, there will be no changes to the APIs and app-centric behaviors. Developers can use the latest APIs introduced with Android 15 to add new features to their apps or games.

According to Google, stable Android 15 will be released sometime in August. We believe the company will announce the Pixel 9 series on August 13.

Samsung may push out the first One UI 7.0 Beta update late next month, starting with the Galaxy S24 series. The stable One UI 7.0 update could arrive in October or November of this year. Most eligible Galaxy phones and tablets could get the Android 15-based One UI 7.0 update before the end of 2024.

What’s new in Android 15?

Google has removed PNG-based emoji font files (NotoColorEmojiLegacy.ttf), so some Android devices will only have vector-based files. Starting with Android 13, the emoji font file format changed from PNG-based files to vector-based files. Google maintained support for PNG-based files for two years, but it has now been discontinued entirely on Pixel phones and tablets.

Android 15 introduces predictive background animations, Low Light Boost, a variable font file for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages, partial screen recording, and the ability for apps to know when they’re recording.

App developers can associate specific views (such as username or password) with Credential Manager requests, helping them deliver a customized sign-in experience. Widgets now serve live content during previews, so when you try to add a widget from the widget picker screen, you’ll see live content if you’re signed in to that app.

Android 15 also brings native support for satellite connectivity for calling and messaging when there’s no cellular network nearby. This is a great use case for emergencies. It also brings more control over camera hardware. For example, apps can get improved visuals and a brighter camera viewfinder in low light.

It also offers better support for controlling and joining Bluetooth Auracast-based audiocasts. Supported phones can have a high-quality webcam mode. Loudness control and color contrast settings for Material You colors are also better supported.

Foldable phones have better app continuity when users switch from the main screen to the cover screen or vice versa. Android 15 also brings better support for cover screens. There’s a persistent taskbar for large-screen devices like foldable phones and tablets. App pairs are now natively supported on Android.

The Health Connect system, jointly developed by Google and Samsung, now supports skin temperature and exercise plans. Bluetooth is automatically turned on the day after you turn it off. The volume control panel is now foldable. HDR is better controlled when one part of the screen is displaying HDR content and the other part is displaying HDR.

One UI 7.0 Features: What to Expect?

In addition to all the new Android 15 features, Samsung is adding even more features. Based on various leaks and reports, One UI 7.0 will bring extremely smooth animations and transitions. It will also bring brand new icons for some default apps. Samsung has completely redesigned the camera app to make it more usable with one hand.

The next major One UI version will reportedly feature a two-page Quick Panel, with one page displaying quick setting toggles, while the other page will display notifications. You’ll be able to switch between these two pages by swiping left and right. There will also be an improvement to Continuity features, allowing you to pass voice and video calls from one Samsung device to another.