Final Android 15 Beta 4 Update Released

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The final Android 15 Beta 4 update just rolled out to the public. This means, the next update will be the stable Android 15 release, initially for the Google Pixel lineup. All features have been implemented in the operating system. As for the developers, APIs and system behaviors are also final.

For those on the previous Android 15 Beta 3.1, it is highly recommended to update to the latest software update on your Pixel devices. The OTA should now be available by visiting phone settings > system updates > download OTA updates. The Android 15 Beta 3.1 update is now available for the following devices:

Pixel 6 and 6 Pro
Pixel 6a
Pixel 7 and 7 Pro
Pixel 7a
Pixel Fold
Pixel Tablet
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
Pixel 8a

Apart from Google Pixel, the HONOR, iQOO, Lenovo, Nothing, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, Sharp, TECNO, Vivo, Xiaomi devices have all received Android 15 Beta programs which can be downloaded here. Checkout all the Android 15 features in beta 3.1 as well as list of upcoming features in stable Android 15 below.

Android 15 Beta 4

As we approach the eagerly anticipated release of Android 15, Google has unveiled Beta 4 – the last scheduled update in the Android 15 beta program. This is a crucial phase for developers and consumers alike. Devs can fine-tune their apps and provide final feedback before the official launch. Let’s dive into the key highlights of this release and explore what it means for the Android ecosystem.

Platform Stability Achieved

Beta 4 represents the second Platform Stability release for Android 15. This means that all developer APIs and app-facing behaviors are now finalized. Developers can confidently integrate these features into their apps and even publish Android 15-targeted apps on Google Play.

Critical Changes

1. Legacy PNG-based Emoji Font removed

The legacy PNG-based emoji font file (NotoColorEmojiLegacy.ttf) are no more in Android 15. This shift primarily affects devices like Pixel, which will now exclusively use the vector-based file. Developers have several options to adapt:

Utilize platform text rendering
Ensure text libraries support COLRv1 fonts
As a last resort, bundle the legacy emoji font into the APK (though this adds about 10.1MB)

2. Enhanced Package Stopped State

Android 15 updates the behavior of the package FLAG_STOPPED state. Apps will now remain stopped until the user directly launches or indirectly interacts with them. This change aims to improve system resources management and user control over app activity.

3. Support for 16KB Page Sizes

For developers using the NDK (Native Development Kit), it’s crucial to note that Android 15 now supports devices configured to use a 16 KB page size. This may require rebuilding apps to ensure compatibility with these devices.

4. Introduction of Private Space

A new feature called Private Space allows users to create a separate, secure area on their device for sensitive apps. This additional layer of privacy and security is something app developers should be aware of and potentially optimize for.

Updates for Android App Developers

Android 15 introduces several new capabilities that developers can benefit from to enhance their apps:

Predictive Back Animations: Improved system animations for back-to-home, cross-task, and cross-activity transitions.
Low Light Boost: A new auto-exposure mode for better low-light previews and recordings in camera apps.
Variable Font for CJK Languages: The NotoSansCJK font file now supports variable font technology, opening up new typographic possibilities.
ApplicationStartInfo API: Gain deeper insights into app startup performance and behavior.
Screen Recording Detection: Apps can now detect when they’re being recorded.
Partial Screen Sharing: Users can share or record specific app windows instead of the entire screen.
Enhanced Credential Manager: Improved sign-in experiences through view-specific credential requests.
Edge-to-Edge by Default: Apps targeting Android 15 will draw edge-to-edge by default, encouraging a more immersive UI design.
Generated Widget Previews: App widget providers can now generate more accurate, live-content previews.

Android 15 feature list

Android 15 beta brings exciting new features:

Android 15 activates Satellite Messaging
Private Space offers the ability to hide apps on your device
Predictive Back Gesture
Redesigned Sound Panel and Spatial Audio
Wallpaper & Style App
Bluetooth Auto-On Feature
Revamped volume panel with sliders
Integrate Credential Manager with autofill
Integrate single tap sign-up and sign-in with biometric prompts
WebSQL deprecated in Android WebView
Gemini Nano
Circle to Search:
Private Space in Android 15:
Theft Detection Lock
Image Generation and Drag-and-Drop
RCS and Digital Passes
Google Find my device Network with offline tracking.

Here is the full list of feature from Android 15

Download Android 15 Beat 4

Android 15 Beta 4 is now available for Pixel devices, including the Pixel 6, 7, 8 series, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, and others. Developers can test their apps on this release to ensure compatibility before the final Android 15 launch. As per reports, the Android 15 beta builds are quite stable and can be daily driven.

The easiest way to get Android 15 on Pixel is to sign up for the beta program.

You can also get Android 15 on select Pixel devices by downloading the full Factory Images listed below and install them via the new Android Flash Tool portal. Simply sign in with your Google Account associated with your Pixel phone and follow the instructions.

You will need to enable USB Debugging (ADB access) and OEM Unlocking before flashing the Android beta 1.

Flashing Factory Images or flashing OTA files from Android 14 is another way to upgrade.

Important Links

Sign up for the beta program to get over-the-air upgrade
Android Flash Tool Files (Install)
Factory Image Files (Downloads)
Apply OTA images — can be installed without data reset and bootloader unlocking
Installation Instructions (Install)
Download Android 15 GSI (Generic System Image)

Final Android 15 Beta 4 Update Released