Android 15: Everything New in the Final Beta
Privacy Revolution, Satellite SOS & Battery Health Tools
1. Privacy Overhaul
Auto-Reset Permissions: Apps you haven’t used in 90 days lose all permissions (location, mic, camera) automatically.
Partial Location Sharing: Grant apps approximate location (e.g., weather apps) instead of precise GPS.
"Privacy Dashboard 2.0": Real-time map showing which apps accessed sensors (mic/camera) and when.
2. Satellite Connectivity
Emergency SOS via Satellite: Send texts/share location during disasters (no cell signal needed).
Carrier Support: Works with T-Mobile, Verizon (US), Jio (India), and Vodafone (EU).
How It Works: Point phone toward sky → connect to satellites → send compressed texts in 15 sec.
3. Battery Health Tracking
Degradation Analytics: Shows battery capacity vs. original (e.g., "93% health after 300 cycles").
AI Charging Tips: Learns your habits → suggests "Charge to 80% for longer lifespan".
Manufacturer Data: Tracks health for all Android 15 phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.).
4. Other Key Features
App Archiving: Auto-freeze unused apps (save 60% storage) but keep data.
Notification Cooldown: Mute repeat spam from apps (e.g., 10+ promo alerts in 1 hour).
Enhanced Foldable Support: Taskbar drag-and-drop for foldables like Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Rollout Timeline
Final Beta (Beta 4): Available now for Pixel 6/7/8, Xiaomi 14, OnePlus 12.
Stable Release: August 2024 (Pixel 6+ series first).
Other Brands: Samsung (Oct), Xiaomi (Nov), OnePlus (Dec).
Why Android 15 Matters?
Privacy First: Tighter controls than iOS 18 (no "retroactive" permission revamps).
Satellite Democratization: Free emergency use (vs. Apple’s $11/month plan).
Battery Transparency: Forces brands to reveal health data (like EVs).
Bottom Line: Android 15 isn’t a flashy update — it’s a foundational shift toward user control, safety, and hardware longevity.
Quick Facts:
Size: 1.2GB (Beta 4)
Security: "Themed icons" now work with 3rd-party launchers.
Easter Egg: Space-themed (satellite orbit animation).