Android 15 Beta 1 Arrives on Pixel Phones: Here’s What’s New

After two developer previews, the first public Android 15 Beta is finally here and while it doesn’t bring anything major, it adds a few new features over Android 15 DP2. For those unaware, Google releases two developer previews and usually four major Betas before the next new Android version moves to platform stability, and ultimately gets released. Here’s everything new in the Beta 1 release of Android 15.

NFC Stack

Android 15 Beta 1 replaces the existing Android NFC stacks with a separate module which will be a part of Project Mainline. For those unaware, Project Mainline is where Google converts certain Android features to modules. These modules can be updated by Google Play System updates. They exist to ensure key components of Android stay up-to-date even when the devices have exhausted their update quota.

NFC is currently broken due to an error Google committed while pushing this change. So if you’re someone who uses Google Wallet for NFC payments often, we’d advise you not to install this update.

New Predictive Back Gesture Animations

Android’s predictive back gestures have been a long time coming. They are currently found in Developer options and seem to be getting new animations in the latest Android 15 Beta.

Allow WEP Networks

WEP networks are old and a privacy concern. Hence, Android 15 Beta 1 adds a “Allow WEP networks” toggle. The option has a warning in the description “WEP is an older security protocol that’s less secure.”

App Archiving

If you’ve been closely following Android news, you may know that App Archiving arrived in Android 15 DP2, but Google has decided to highlight its arrival in the latest Beta. Here’s how it works.

Support for Braille Displays

The TalkBack Accessibility gets support for Braille displays in the latest update. All Braille displays that use HIDs (Human Interface Devices) over USB and Bluetooth connections can now use TalkBack.

Default Wallet app

There’s a new Default app option for Wallet app in settings using which users can now set their default preference of Wallet app. The option defaults to Google Wallet on Pixels.

Cellular Network Security Options

There are two new toggles in More privacy settings. The first allows Android to send you Security notifications to alert you if your cellular network is insecure or record your phone’s IMEI. The second option is the Require encryption toggle.

What are your thoughts on the latest Android 15 Beta? Do you think Google should’ve added more features in the update? Let us know in the comments below.