In an interesting turn of events, Android 15 was introduced after Google’s flagship smartphones were released. In a surprising move, Google unveiled both the Android 15 update and the October Pixel Feature Drop simultaneously.
This means we now have access to even more features than originally anticipated. While this isn’t a comprehensive list of all the new features in Android 15 (we’ve covered that already), here are 9 features that have stood out to me since I updated.
App Archiving
Encountering an app you’re interested in, only to realize you already have it downloaded, can be frustrating. This problem is all too familiar to me. Amongst this, storage space often runs low, and I’m reluctant to delete apps from my phone.
App Archiving, a new feature in Android 15, has proven unexpectedly useful to me. What’s great about this feature is its versatility; it isn’t restricted to apps solely from the Play Store. Almost any app on your phone, regardless of its source, can be archived.
One-tap Passkey
Initially, I was not a fan of Passkeys and preferred relying on two-factor authentication with generated codes from my password manager. However, signing in with a Passkey now only requires a single tap on Android 15, making the process smoother. This small change can be a time saver when quickly signing into accounts.
Manually enable Astrophotography
Experiencing the Northern Lights for the first time using Astrophotography mode on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold was amazing. However, the need for perfect conditions to activate this mode, even for casual use, was frustrating. Android 15 now allows you to manually enable this feature, providing more control over when to use it.
Previously, the options for Astrophotography mode were limited to turning it off or setting it to “Auto,” leading to frustration when the feature wasn’t available. With Android 15, manual activation solves this problem by giving users more control.
Home Controls on the Lock Screen
I’ve always believed that the Pixel Tablet was essentially a public beta test for a revamped Nest Hub. Android 15 adds weight to this theory with the new Home Controls screen saver, which conveniently displays Google Home toggles and controls. This feature is also available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which was a pleasant surprise. Additionally, the ability to switch to a Home Assistant dashboard provides enhanced smart home control beyond Google Home, allowing for further customization to suit individual needs.