Android 15 reaches Platform Stability with Beta 3

Just in time for summer, Android 15 Beta 3 has been released, marking the significant milestone of Platform Stability. This means that all SDK and NDK APIs and app-facing system behaviors are now finalized, allowing developers to thoroughly test and integrate the new features into their apps before the official Android 15 release.

Timeline for the Android 15 Preview program

As Android 15 inches closer to its first stable release, the work by Google's developers continues their mission to evolve the platform to improve productivity and provide new capabilities focused around AI experiences and producing media and to leverage device form factors while minimizing battery impact and attempt to provide maximized app performance, all while protecting user privacy and security, on an enormously large lineup of devices. That's a pretty tall order, Google.

Key Improvements and New Features:

Improved Passkey and Credential Manager Experience: Users can now enjoy a simplified, single step, one-click sign-in process using passkeys, which can be authenticated through biometrics like facial recognition, fingerprints, or screen lock. If a user accidentally dismisses the passkey prompt, they can still access it or other Credential Manager suggestions through autofill options like keyboard suggestions or dropdowns. Google says that registered credential providers can use upcoming APIs in the Jetpack androidx.credentials library to hand off the user authentication mechanism to the system UI, enabling this experience for users on Android 15.

WebSQL Deprecated in Android WebView: The WebSQL feature, used for web database support within WebView, has been deprecated. Developers are encouraged to transition to alternative Web Storage API technologies such as localStorage, sessionStorage, or IndexedDB.

Preparing Apps for Android 15

Developers of apps, libraries, tools, and game engines are strongly advised to initiate necessary updates to ensure compatibility with Android 15. This proactive approach will prevent downstream app and game developers from encountering compatibility issues and enable them to utilize the latest SDK features.

To guarantee a seamless transition to Android 15, developers should conduct comprehensive testing of their apps. Key areas to focus on include:

Changes in package stopped state behavior.
Support for 16KB page sizes.
Private space support, a new feature allowing users to create a separate, secure space for sensitive apps.
Predictive back animations, which are now enabled for apps that have opted into the predictive back gesture.

Additionally, it's crucial to test libraries and SDKs used by your apps and update them if necessary.

Getting Started with Android 15 Beta 3

Developers can get started with Android 15 Beta 3 by enrolling supported Pixel devices for over-the-air updates or by utilizing 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio. For the optimal development experience, using the latest version of Android Studio Koala is recommended.

Key Steps for Developers:

Explore and Experiment: Try out the new features and APIs in Android 15 Beta 3 and provide valuable feedback to help refine the platform.
Test for Compatibility: Thoroughly test your existing apps for compatibility with Android 15 to identify and address any potential issues.
Upgrade Your App: Utilize the Android SDK Upgrade Assistant in Android Studio Koala to streamline the process of updating your app's targetSdkVersion and incorporating the latest Android 15 features.

The beta system images and SDK will receive regular updates throughout the Android 15 release cycle. Developers can access comprehensive information and resources on the Android 15 developer site.