Who out there is still holding on to a phone running Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)? That version of Android came out way back in 2011, but reports show that about 0.01% of phones are still on it, even as Android 15 has recently launched.
0.01% may sound small, but when considering the billions of Android phones in use, that’s hundreds of thousands of phones still running Android 4.0. I can’t imagine those phones are very usable today, but somehow, they are connecting to the Play Store and are being captured in the statistics.
This is one of the biggest challenges Google faces with Android: a huge number of devices still run old versions of the operating system and therefore still require some level of support.
While Android 15 has just launched, Android 14, which was released last year, is installed on only 33.68% of devices. In fact, Android 12, 13, and 14 combined hold 68% of the version market share.
Luckily, Google realized some time ago that most Android manufacturers don’t consistently push OS updates to their phones, particularly budget and midrange models. To address this, Google has ensured that it’s not as big of a problem if your phone doesn’t receive major OS updates.
For example, Google Play Services, a core set of APIs and services many apps rely on, used to be tied to OS updates. Now, it’s updated directly through the Google Play Store, ensuring that even older Android versions can benefit from the latest features and security improvements.
The Play Store itself is now updated independently as well, bringing new features, UI improvements, and performance enhancements without the need for a full OS update.
This also applies to other Google apps and even System WebView, which provides the web rendering engine for apps. It’s now updated separately, ensuring that apps have access to the latest web technologies and security patches.
So, as you can see, it’s not a huge issue if your device doesn’t get the latest OS upgrade. I mention this so you don’t feel too bad about missing out—FOMO can be real! Android 15 is out now, but I know most people won’t be able to upgrade immediately.
If you’re using a Samsung device, as many of you are, even if you have a compatible phone, you’ll likely only receive the update next year. Samsung is working on a major overhaul and says that this time, the public will get the latest Android version in the coming year.
Android 15 Top Features
Theft Detection
We discussed this in detail a few months ago. Theft Detection Lock uses AI to help protect your data. If your phone detects that it’s been snatched and someone is running, biking, or driving away, it will automatically lock. This feature is available for phones running Android 10+.
However, there are some exclusive features for Android 15 users.
Google says, “Android 15 brings additional protections to prevent thieves from guessing your passwords and accessing sensitive information. For example, we’re adding authentication requirements for settings targeted by thieves, like removing your SIM or turning off Find My Device. The device will also lock if we detect multiple failed attempts to access apps and settings. These updates make it harder for thieves to reset and sell stolen devices and aim to deter more thefts before they happen.”
Private Space
We also discussed this when it was still in beta. Private Space allows you to create a separate space for sensitive apps, like social, dating, or banking apps. When Private Space is locked, these apps remain invisible to others—they won’t show up in the apps list, recent apps view, notifications, or settings.
Foldables and Tablets
I haven’t personally used an Android tablet, let alone a foldable, so this doesn’t excite me much. But for those users, you can now easily pin and unpin your taskbar on the screen of foldables and tablets.
The app-pairing feature, which Samsung users have had for years even on regular phones, is now available on all Android phones (foldables and tablets only.
“App pairing provides a quick shortcut for easier multitasking. For instance, you can open Google Drive and Gmail at the same time and drag and drop files between them. You can also save your most frequently used app combinations, which will appear as a single app icon on your foldable or tablet. With just a tap, you can quickly retrieve them in split-screen mode for faster access.”
These are the features Google highlights as the main ones.
Some other notable features include:
Other features
Privacy and Sharing
- Share only what you want: Android 15 lets you share or record just one app window at a time, not your whole screen. This gives you more control over your privacy.
- Protecting codes: Android 15 protects your one-time passwords (OTPs) from malicious apps.
Connectivity
- Connect from anywhere: Android 15 adds satellite connectivity for staying in touch even in remote areas with no cell service. However, just like iOS, do not expect this in Zimbabwe any time soon.
Notifications and Sounds
- Fewer annoying notifications: A new feature limits how often apps can send you repeated notifications, keeping things quieter.
- Universal vibration control: Easily turn keyboard vibrations on or off for all your keyboard apps with a single setting.
- Better audio: New controls for HDR and loudness give you a more balanced and consistent sound experience.
Camera and Apps
- Improved low-light photos: New camera controls in Android 15 help apps take better pictures in low light.
- Smoother foldable experience: Android 15 makes apps work better on foldable phones, especially on the cover screen.
Other Improvements
- Health Connect gets better: Android 15 improves Health Connect, making it easier for health and fitness apps to share data.
- MIDI 2.0 support: Musicians and producers get better support for virtual MIDI 2.0 devices. As someone who tinkers with FL Studio Mobile I think I would enjoy this but alas, my phone is stuck on Android 10.
- Faster and more secure: Android 15 includes performance boosts and security enhancements under the hood.
Most of us read about these updates just to see what we’re missing out on. For those with budget devices, we know OS updates are usually too much to expect.
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Haaa that outro though 😂