Android 15 Beta 3 update rolled out by Google: Details here
The release of Android 15 Beta 3 marks a significant milestone as we approach the final stable release later this year. With new features and enhancements, Google continues to improve the Android ecosystem, providing a robust and versatile platform for developers and users alike.
Google has officially rolled out a new Android 15 Beta 3 for its Pixel devices. With this latest update, the device has moved a step closer to the stable version which was expected to roll out later this year. This update will bring several new features and enhancements, refining the user experience and preparing developers for the final release.
Platform stability achieved
With Android 15 Beta 3, Google has announced that the platform will reach ‘Platform Stability’, meaning the developer APIs (API Level 35) and all the app-facing behaviour are now final. Developers can confidently start the final compatibility test and prepare for their apps.
Key new features in Android 15 Beta 3
Enhanced User Experience for Passkeys and Credential Manager
With the new update, users will be able to enjoy a more streamlined sign-in process in apps which are being run on Android 15 beta OS. The new OS will enable the user to use passkeys with facial recognition, fingerprint or screen lock in a single step.
If a sign-in prompt has been dismissed, Passkey and Credential Manager suggestions will conveniently appear in the keyboard's suggestion row and username/password dropdown menus.
Deprecation of WebSQL in Android WebView
WebSQL will be deprecated in Android WebView, in the new Android 15 beta OS, and it will not function for the next 12 months, aligning with its removal from Chrome.
Developers are further encouraged to transition to the ‘Web Storage API’ technologies, like ‘IndexedDB, which were recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
Other significant changes
Force-close behaviour update
When an app has been forced to close (in the new Android 15 beta OS), it will remain halted, until it is manually relaunched. This update also affects widgets associated with the app, which will appear greyed out when the app is force-closed.
Memory page size enhancement
Android 15 will also support devices with a maximum memory page size of up to 16KB- which is an increase from the standard 4KB (2KB hike). This change will further accommodate smartphones with larger RAM capacities, for enhanced performance and memory management.
Predictive back animations
Predictive back animations are also enabled by default in the new OS, which encourages the developers to support the new feature. It provides a smoother and more intuitive back navigation experience for users, states Google.
Introduction of private space feature
Just like Samsung’s Secure Folder, Android 15 beta OS will introduce the ‘Private Space’ feature which enables the users to lock certain apps behind extra authentication, for enhanced security.
Developers are said to adjust their app logic and custom launchers must be updated to hide these secured apps from the home screen and app drawer.
Bug Fixes
Google has further resolved several issues in this update, and has enhanced the overall stability and functionality:
- Polling Issue: Resolved an issue where disabling polling using the setDiscoveryTechnology method didn’t work. (Issue #341196917)
- System Sharesheet: Fixed a problem that prevented the system share sheet from loading in some scenarios. (Issue #340936670)
- Screen Saver Crash: Addressed a crash in the system Settings app when accessing screen saver options. (Issue #340917853)
- Screen Unlock Icon: Fixed a bug where the screen unlock icon appeared with notifications on the screen. (Issue #340923963)
- Mobile Network Security: Corrected an issue preventing changes to mobile network security settings. (Issue #335438231)
- Android Emulator: Resolved a crash in Simpleperf during a CPU profile on the Android Emulator.
- Bluetooth LE Scans: Fixed persistence of Bluetooth LE scans after an app crash.
- Bluetooth LE Advertising: Fixed a bug in legacy advertising that failed to return ADVERTISE_FAILED_DATA_TOO_LARGE when scan response data exceeded 31 bytes.
- GATT Server Connection: Addressed connection failures on the GATT server by passing the address type from BluetoothGattServer.connect to native.
Availability
Android 15 Beta 3 is rolling out as an OTA update for Pixel 6 and newer models enrolled in the beta program. To manually check for the update, navigate to:
- Settings
- Then go to System
- Now go to Software update
- Now tap on System update
- There, check for updates
The update will automatically apply to enrolled devices within five days. For those preferring manual installation, factory images and OTA files are available online.
Release Details
- Release Date: June 18, 2024
- Build: AP31.240517.022
- Emulator Support: x86 (64-bit), ARM (v8-A)
- Security Patch Level: June 2024
- Google Play Services: Version 24.16.17
Supported Devices
Android 15 Beta 3 is available for the following Pixel devices:
- Pixel 6a, 6, and 6 Pro
- Pixel 7a, 7, and 7 Pro
- Pixel Fold
- Pixel Tablet
- Pixel 8a, 8, and 8 Pro
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