Google has officially started rolling out Android 15 for its Pixel devices. The new Android update brings a new set of features and security updates further enhancing the user experience. Although the update doesn’t overhaul the system visually, it includes significant new tools, particularly around privacy and multitasking. If you’re a Pixel owner, here is a quick guide on how you can install the update and what to expect from the latest version of Android.
Updating your Pixel device to Android 15 is simple:
– First open the Settings app on your Google Pixel device.
– Next scroll down and tap on the System option.
– Within the System menu, you will find the Software update option. Tap on it.
– Press the Check for updates button. If Android 15 is available for your device, the system will notify you and start downloading the update. The new update is around 1GB, so the device will take some time to install it.
– Once the download is complete, Android 15 will install in the background. You can continue using your device while this happens.
– When the update is ready, you will be prompted to restart your phone. After rebooting, your Pixel will be running Android 15.
Notably, if you are unable to see the software update, do not worry. Google tends to roll out updates in stages, so it might take a few days to reach all users.
Pixel devices eligible for Android 15
Google is releasing the Android 15 support for recent Pixel devices. Older Pixel models, especially those powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips, are not part of this upgrade. The update is now exclusively available for Pixel phones powered by Google’s Tensor chipset.
Here is the list of Pixel devices eligible for the Android 15 update:
- Pixel 6
- Pixel 6 Pro
- Pixel 6a
- Pixel 7
- Pixel 7 Pro
- Pixel 7a
- Pixel 8
- Pixel 8 Pro
- Pixel 8a
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 9
- Pixel 9 Pro
- Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Note that Android 15 is the final major software update for the Pixel 6 series, which will continue to receive security patches for some time, but no further OS upgrades.
Android 15 new feature
Meanwhile, as for what’s new with the Android 15. The new OS might not look dramatically different from Android 14 at first glance, but it brings several functional upgrades to enhance usability and security.
Private Space: One of the highlighted features of Android 15 is Private Space. This new feature will allow users to lock specific apps behind an additional layer of security.
Predictive Back: Android 15 also introduces Predictive Back feature. This feature will give users a preview of the screen or app they will return to when using the back gesture, reducing confusion while navigating.
Revamped volume panel and widgets: The Android 15 update also revamps the volume panel with a sleeker design, making it easier to adjust sound settings. It also brings improvements to widgets and wallpapers add more customisation options, including a new Save app pairs feature that makes multitasking on tablets and foldable devices more intuitive.
Anti-Theft protection: In terms of security, Android 15 adds a feature called Theft Detection Lock, which will automatically lock a Pixel phone if it detects suspicious activity, such as someone trying to remove the SIM card.
Enhanced camera capabilities: Pixel users can also expect camera upgrades, including Low Light Boost and in-app controls that enhance photography, especially in difficult lighting conditions. For Pixel Fold and Pixel 9 Pro Fold users, Android 15 further improves multitasking with the ability to pin apps or app pairs in the taskbar, making app management more efficient on foldable screens.
Improved Connectivity: With Android 15, eligible devices will gain satellite connectivity for messaging in emergency situations.