Google surprised the world during the month of August by presenting a new generation of Pixel composed of four models. In addition to the “classics” that are the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro, this year we find a Pixel 9 Pro XL and a Pixel 9 Pro Fold. New features that should not make us forget that this generation is the first to arrive on the market without the latest version of Android. In testing since February, Android 15 is still not available on smartphones.
Is Android 15 really late?
In reality, we can’t really blame Google for being behind schedule. While we’ve gotten used to discovering versions of Android during the months of August or September (Android 9, 10, 11 or 13, etc.), Google has regularly launched versions in October. The most recent case is none other than Android 14, available on the Pixel 9 when they were released and launched in October 2023.
At the same time, Google has completely shaken up its schedule by presenting the new Pixels much earlier than usual. Traditionally unveiled in October, they made an appearance as early as August 13, as if to put more pressure on Apple’s iPhone 16. There is, however, one troubling element about Android 15: Google’s lack of communication.
The operating system update was conspicuous by its absence at the Made by Google conference. However, it was expected that Google would at least provide a release date for this version.
Towards availability on October 15?
Little highlighted, Android 15 made headlines again at the beginning of September with the availability of the source code on the AOSP project (Android Open Source Project). On the other hand, Google smartphones were not entitled to this new “major” version. Finally, the AndroidHeadlines site tells us exclusively that the update to Android 15 would arrive on October 15 on smartphones in the Pixel range.
The media does not use the conditional and states that it is about “the exact date this update will be available”. For our part, we remain a minimum of caution while considering this leak as more than probable. The specialized site has already proven itself in this area and even suggests that Google was ready to offer Android 15 as early as Monday, October 14. The Mountain View firm is in fact used to deploying its updates on Monday, but this day will be a public holiday in the United States*. Google would therefore have set its sights on October 15 for Android 15.
First on the Google Pixel
This version will first be available on the Pixel 6 and newer models, up to the Pixel 9 lineup. When it first released Android 15 to the AOSP repository on September 3, Google had only mentioned availability on the Pixel in “the coming weeks”. Other models available from Samsung, Honor, Motorola, Nothing, OnePlus, Oppo, realme, Sony, Tecno, vivo or Xiaomi will receive the update “in the coming months”.
In any case, you shouldn’t expect a real revolution compared to Android 14. Android 15 is content with meager new features for users, so some should not notice the difference. On the other hand, we can be more enthusiastic about the QPR1 update, which could bring notification synchronization. A “desktop” mode should also appear on tablets.
*The second Monday in October is a holiday in the United States, called Columbus Day. It commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America on October 12, 1492. However, the holiday has become increasingly controversial due to the negative impacts of colonization on indigenous populations..
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