Here’s everything new in Android 15 Beta 2 [Gallery]

Beta 2 of Android 15 is available today after Google previewed the major privacy, security, and theft protection tentpoles at I/O 2024.

Over the coming hours, we’ll dive into all of Android 15 Beta 2’s new features and every single change. (The newest updates will be at the top of this list. Be sure to check back often and tell us what you find in the comments below.) Android 15 Beta 1 screenshots appear on the left and Beta 2 on the right.

If you want to quickly install Android 15 Beta 2 on your compatible Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Tablet, Pixel Fold, Pixel 8, or Pixel 8 Pro, be sure to check out our step-by-step guide.

For reference, here’s everything new in Android 15 Developer Preview 1, DP2, and Beta 1.

Updating…

Haptic feedback when using volume slider + Volume panel on tablets

In addition to the new Volume panel, the slider vibrates when you make adjustments with your finger (instead of the physical rocker). This feedback is similar to the brightness slider.

‘System’ split into ‘Android’ and ‘Temporary system files’ 

• Settings > Storage
• Android: This includes your operating system and the files that are needed to keep your phone running smoothly. To protect their integrity, these files can’t be accessed.
• Temporary system files: This includes cache and other temporary files that are needed by your operating system. You may notice changes to the amount of storage used over time.

‘Save app pair’ also available on phones

Google only advertised this feature for tablets and foldables, but you can access it on smaller screen. There’s no “Save app pair” button in Recents multitasking, so you have to tap the side-by-side app icons.

Screen saver crashes on Beta 2

Passwords, passkeys & Autofill tweaks

• “Change” button instead of a settings gear

Cellular > Mobile network security tweaks

• Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy 
• Name of Settings page and descriptions tweaked 

Adaptive Vibration

Bluetooth: Automatically turn on again tomorrow

• Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth
• Enabled by default
• Presumably aid the Find My Device network

Redesigned authentication panel

• Beta 1.2 vs Beta 2
• Taller with the app icon appearing

Privacy reorg of Security & privacy

• Privacy dashboard elevated

Hearing devices QS Tile

Volume panel redesign

Color contrast

• Previously in Developer options without much of a UI

Predictive back live

• In Settings app
• Developer option toggle has been removed

Don’t suggest app

• Previously, you had to drag the app up as if you were deleting to stop the Pixel Launcher from suggesting it

Widget highlights + panel tweaks

• Essentials, News & magazines, Suggested for you

• App-based widget picker placed in a container

Android 15 SystemUI icon

Private Space

Settings > Security & privacy > Private space.

The “Private” Space appears at the bottom of your app drawer with the ability to unlock fingerprint or a separate password/code. When the space is locked, apps are Recents multitasking, settings, and more.

Known issues

• Creating a private space on a device for the first time removes app icons from the Home screen (or Home screens if more than one Home screen has been added). We expect to include a fix for this issue in a Beta 2 point release in the coming days. (Issue #340868295)
• Debugging with LLDB doesn’t work yet with 16 KB emulator system images.
• When an app window is transitioning to picture-in-picture (PiP) mode, the PiP window disappears if the device is rotated before the PiP transition finishes.
• An error page shows while adding an account during device setup.
• An “Android System Intelligence keeps stopping” message appears while creating a file in the Google Docs app.
• The Google TV app sometimes fails to initiate video playback and instead displays a “Play Movies & TV is temporarily unavailable” message.

Developer-reported resolved issues

• Fixed an issue where the top area of the long screenshot activity interface overlapped with the status bar, preventing the screenshot controls from being accessed. (Issue #334003755)
• Fixed an issue where the top area of the long screenshot activity interface overlapped with the status bar, preventing the screenshot controls from being accessed. (Issue #333943304)
• Fixed an issue where the top area of the long screenshot activity interface overlapped with the status bar, preventing the screenshot controls from being accessed. (Issue #334091555)
• Fixed an issue where the top area of the long screenshot activity interface overlapped with the status bar, preventing the screenshot controls from being accessed. (Issue #333981232)

Other resolved issues

• Fixed an issue where a “Google Play services keeps stopping” message appeared while setting up a device.
• Fixed an issue where the android.icu.lang.UCharacter APIs for Unicode 15.1 weren’t working.
• Fixed an issue where the viewfinder for the Android QR Code scanner is sometimes cropped or resized to a smaller size on some Android Virtual Devices.

Bluetooth resolved issues

• BLE Reliability:
  • Implemented a fix to prevent BluetoothGatt from getting stuck in a busy state when a characteristic write fails. (Issue #330663537)
  • Fixed a bug in BluetoothGattService that sometimes a SecurityException is thrown out when enabling notifications for a specific device. (Issue #317215071)
  • Addressed a critical Bluetooth connection issue affecting dual-mode devices with LE random address.
• LE Audio Enhancements:
  • Significant improvements have been made to LE Audio, addressing clock synchronization problems, pairing and bonding experiences, and packet drops for a smoother, higher-quality audio and hearing aid experience.
• Bluetooth API Refinements: – Extended Bluetooth Audio Classic (A2DP) stack to support vendor codec on the offload audio codec.
  • Also refined Bluetooth APIs for better developer experience and improved functionality. This includes fixes for GATT error handling, HID/HOGP switching, and enhancements to BluetoothDevice#getAddressType() accessibility. (Issue #220161109)