Google has just released the highly anticipated third beta update of Android 15, a significant milestone that brings the software to the platform stability stage. This means the Mountain View giant’s latest operating system is just one step away from its stable final release.
Notably, the company follows a strategic release schedule, with developer previews in February and March, beta releases in April and May, and platform stability updates in June and July, leading to the final release. Let’s delve into what’s new in the Android 15 Beta 3 update.
Android 15 Beta 3 Now Available for the Pixel 6 and Newer Devices
As mentioned, the Android 15 Beta 3 update takes Android 15 to Platform Stability. This means that all developer APIs and app-facing behaviour are now final for developers to review. With this update, Android 15 compatible apps will appear on the Google Play Store.
The previous Android 15 Beta 2 update focused on productivity and enhanced privacy features. The latest Android 15 Beta 3 update does not bring much in terms of features. However, the official blog highlights a significant overhaul to the passkey UI in the operating system.
With the improved passkey UI, Google says users will perform one step instead of two. The Android 15 Beta 3 update links biometric authentication to passkey UI. Users can sign in to apps targeting passkeys using face unlock, fingerprint scanner, or password. If the passkey prompt to sign in is accidentally dismissed, they will see the passkey or other credentials manager suggestions in the autofill UI, like keyboard suggestions for drop-downs.
Besides the redesigned passkey UI, Google has also mentioned several new features. These include a new Private Space feature to lock certain apps behind extra authentication. Android 15 Beta 3 stops force-closed apps indefinitely until they are launched again. The latest update also brings predictive back animations and memory page size support.
Android 15 Beta 3 Availability
The Android 15 Beta 3 is rolling out to supported Pixel devices, as listed below.
- 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
The final release of Android 15 is expected to be around October, after the launch of the Pixel 9 series.
