After months of beta testing, Google has officially released the stable version of Android 15 for its Pixel devices, starting with the new Pixel 9 series smartphones. Alongside this release, the company has announced its October Pixel Drop, which includes several new features available only for Pixel.
Key Features in Android 15 on Pixel Devices
Google has outlined several updates that Android 15 brings to Pixel devices, focusing on increased security and convenience.
Theft Detection Lock: Using AI, this feature determines if a Pixel device is stolen, and then proceeds to lock it. Users can also lock down their devices from another device after identification. To enhance the privacy of the user data, Pixel demands a PIN to remove the SIM card or turn off the Find My Device feature.
Private Space: Android 15 brings Private Space, which is intended to blur the apps that the user doesn’t want to show to others. When launched, applications in this area are removed from the app list, recent apps, settings, and notifications, which creates a new level of privacy.
Enhanced Support for Tablets and Foldables: Android 15 also improves the Pixel Tablet and Foldable devices experience. It is now possible to pin and unpin the taskbar for desired layouts and saving split-screen app pairs for multitasking.
Satellite Communication: Android 15 lets carrier messaging apps to use satellite connectivity, making messaging possible without a mobile or Wi-Fi connection.
Other changes include User Interface changes, Password improvements, and Third Party Camera enhancements. Google’s October Pixel Drop brings even more enhancements, particularly to the new Pixel 9 series:
Gemini on Pixel Screenshots: The Pixel 9 users can now easily search for a particular screenshot within the app with the help of AI assistant Gemini.
Underwater Imaging: Pixel 9 models can now sense when they’re in use underwater and automatically switch to an “Underwater Photography” mode.
Astrophotography Enhancements: There is a slider in Night Sight for astrophotography, available for all compatible Pixel devices with a five-second countdown for camera settings.
Night Sight in Instagram: Night Sight is now integrated into the Instagram app and Pixel users can now engage in low-light photography directly.
Some of these Pixel 9 features will be available for older models as well, including Audio Magic Eraser for modifying sounds on the recording, and the new thermometer viewfinder for the Pixel 8 Pro. As for Pixel, the new Pixel Weather app, and widgets are also rolling out to more devices to bring the Pixel experience to the entire range.
All these updates show that Google is keen on improving the Pixel series, offering users new technology and a better Android 15 experience with the October Pixel Drop.
Android 15 eligible Pixel models
The Android 15 update is accessible for the following Pixel models: Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
How to install Android 15 on Pixels?
- Go to the Settings app on your eligible Pixel device and select the System menu.
- Scroll down and select Software Updates from the System menu.
- Tap the “Check for update” button located at the bottom right corner of the screen after selecting the “System update” option.
- If the Android 15 update is accessible, select the “Download and Install” option and adhere to the prompts.
- Your Pixel may be subject to an automatic restart to install the update.
