Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Mobile
  3. Guides

When will my phone get Android 15? Here’s everything we know

By and
The Android 15 logo on a smartphone.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Android 15 has been available for a few months on select Android smartphones. This update has been in development since February and went through three phases before finally rolling out, starting with Google’s Pixel phones. If you’re waiting for the latest software, your wait won’t be much longer. If you’re curious about when your current Android smartphone will receive the Android 15 update, here are all the details available so far.

Are you not too excited about Android 15? Well, Android 16 is now official, having recently been announced by Google. However, it’s a long way from ready, given it’s only just opened developer beta access.

Recommended Videos

When did Android 15 come out?

Android 15 logo on a Google Pixel 8.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

The typical Android release cycle consists of three phases: developer preview, public beta testing, and final release.

Related

The developer preview started on February 16, 2024. This phase allows app developers to preview upcoming changes and familiarize themselves with the new software, enabling them to plan and implement new features in their own apps if they choose to do so.

On April 11, we launched the first public beta of Android 15. This version allows anyone interested to test the new features ahead of the official release. Beta testers can report issues and bugs to Google, which helps improve the final version of the software. While the public beta versions are generally more stable and have fewer bugs than the developer preview builds, it’s important to remember that they are still considered early software and may not be perfect.

A timeline of the Android 15 release date, showing its developer previews, betas, and final release date.
Google

On October 15, 2024, Google began to roll out Android 15 to select devices. Since Android phones consist of several different manufacturers, major OS upgrades roll out at different times. As Google makes the Pixel hardware, it makes sense that Pixel devices would get Android 15 first.

Since each manufacturer is different, we’ll go over each one individually as far as when they’ll get the final Android 15 release.

Google Pixel

Google Pixel 8a in Aloe.
Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

The fastest way to get access to Android 15 is to have a Google Pixel device. That’s because Google develops Android, and the Pixel lineup is Google’s own hardware, similar to Apple’s iPhone and iOS, so it makes sense that Pixels would get it first.

Android 15 is available for the following Pixel devices:

Unfortunately, the Pixel 5 and earlier won’t be able to get the Android 15 update. But if you have any of the above Pixel devices, then you’re good to go.

Samsung Galaxy

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra in Titanium Orange and in Titanium Silver.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Samsung’s One UI 6 introduced one of the most significant visual upgrades in recent years, and the brand is now focused on finalizing One UI 7. Until this new software is released, Samsung phones will not receive Android 15. Unfortunately, we may have to wait until January for this upgrade, coinciding with the expected announcement of the Galaxy S25 series. However, if you’re feeling brave, you can currently install the One UI 7 beta on the Galaxy S24 series.

Samsung has not specified exactly what other devices will be eligible for Android 15. However, we can make some educated guesses. Samsung typically offers at least two years of software upgrades, and for the latest Galaxy S24 series, it has extended this support to seven years. Given this approach, it’s reasonable to assume that any Samsung device that originally shipped with Android 13 will qualify for the Android 15 update.

A person folding up the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Another set of devices that should get Android 15 are any flagships and midrange phones that launched with Android 11 and have four years of major OS upgrades, as that was Samsung’s policy prior to the change to seven years.

Here’s a list of possible Samsung devices that could get Android 15 based on those factors:

Galaxy S Series

Galaxy Z Series

Galaxy A Series

  • Galaxy A73
  • Galaxy A55
  • Galaxy A54
  • Galaxy A53
  • Galaxy A35
  • Galaxy A34
  • Galaxy A33
  • Galaxy A25
  • Galaxy A24
  • Galaxy A23
  • Galaxy A15
  • Galaxy A14

Galaxy Tab Series

  • Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus
  • Galaxy Tab S9 FE
  • Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra
  • Galaxy Tab S9 Plus
  • Galaxy Tab S9
  • Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra
  • Galaxy Tab S8 Plus
  • Galaxy Tab S8

There are also Samsung’s Galaxy F and M Series phones. In short, there are a lot of possible Samsung phones that will receive the Android 15 update. We just listed out some of the more popular and more recent devices, but as long as it falls within the criteria mentioned above, it should get Android 15.

We will hear from Samsung later with a confirmed list of supported devices for Android 15 and update accordingly.

OnePlus

OnePlus 12 Flowy Emerald held in hand against grass background.
OnePlus 12 Christine Romero-Chan / Digital Trends

OnePlus announced OxygenOS 15, which is based on Android 15, during an event in October. The new OnePlus 13 will be the first device to launch with this software, debuting in China before rolling out to other regions worldwide on January 7, 2025.

What does OxygenOS 15 have in store? The main focus appears to be making the overall experience faster, smoother, and more reliable. There will be improved animations throughout, including the home screen, to make it feel seamless. More functional changes will include a split notifications and Quick Settings panel (opt-in), Live Alerts that are like OnePlus’ version of Apple’s Dynamic Island, Open Canvas is optimized for split-screen multitasking, Circle to Search, and more.

In addition to the OnePlus 13, several other devices will receive the Android 15 update. These include:

The update will be rolled out in phases, starting with an Open Beta program, followed by a stable release. This process may take several months to complete for all confirmed devices.

As of December 18, the following devices should already have the OxygenOS 15 update, with some only in specific regions:

  • OnePlus 12 (Global)
  • OnePlus Pad 2 (Global)
  • OnePlus Open (Global)
  • OnePlus Nord 4 (India)
  • OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite 5G (India)
  • OnePlus Nord CE4 (India)

If your OnePlus device doesn’t already have the OxygenOS 15 update, it should be rolling out soon. For example, OnePlus is currently testing OxygenOS 15 in a closed beta for the OnePlus 10 Pro. We will update the list of confirmed devices once we find out more.

Motorola

All of the colors for the Motorola Razr 2024 and Motorola Razr Plus 2024.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends

Motorola has released a list of its phones that will be eligible to get the Android 15 update. The list is a bit broad, so your phone is likely covered, especially if you bought it in the past year.

Nothing

The Nothing Phone 2a and the Nothing Phone 2 with Glyph Lights active.
The Nothing Phone 2a (left) and Nothing Phone 2 Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Following an open beta period earlier this year, Nothing has begun to roll out the general release of Nothing OS 3.0 (NOS 3.0) powered by Android 15 as of December 18, 2024. With NOS 3.0, it continues to have Nothing’s unique signature identity but with new features and enhancements to the overall user experience.

Some of these new changes include a new gallery app that includes advanced search, more editing tools like filters, markup, and even suggestions on edits. There are also new Shared Widgets that allow for interaction with friends and family on the fully customizable lock screen, more productivity widgets, and a new AI-powered Smart Drawer for better categorization and organization of your apps in folders.

You can currently get NOS 3.0 on Nothing Phone 2 and Phone 2a through a staggered release through the end of the year. In the beginning of 2025, the NOS 3.0 update will roll out to Nothing Phone 1, Phone 2a Plus, and CMF Phone 1.

Honor

Honor Magic 6 Pro back
Honor Magic 6 Pro Prakhar Khanna / Digital Trends

Right now, the Android 15 beta is only available for the following devices from Honor:

If you have one of those devices, you can grab the Android 15 beta right now. Similar to OnePlus, there are some known issues, though a few of them have been fixed. As of July 30, it seems that the only real concern is that there continues to be a low probability of the phone restarting in certain scenarios.

Not a deterrent? Go ahead and check the instructions on how to download the Android 15 beta for your Honor Magic 6 Pro or Magic V2 from the Honor Developers page.

In addition, the following phones are expected to receive the Android 15 update:

Xiaomi, Redmi, and Poco

The back of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Xiaomi gave its Android skin a complete overhaul — from visuals to the underlying code — with Android 14. In this process, it transitioned the majority of its devices from the landmark MIUI to the new HyperOS that is also slated to run across other smart devices, including its line of EVs.

Xiaomi has already rolled out Android 15 developer preview builds for its flagship, the Xiaomi 14, alongside the Xiaomi 13T Pro and its premium tablet, Xiaomi Pad 6S Pro (12.4-inch only). To download and install the respective firmware updates, head over to Xiaomi’s support page for Android 15 beta updates.

Although the company has yet to declare which devices (in addition to those above) will receive Android 15 updates, we can speculate based on earlier claims about the number of updates. For the sake of simplicity, we limit these to phones only available globally and not limited to specific regions.

Here is the list of phones from Xiaomi and its sister brands Redmi and Poco:

  • Xiaomi 14 and 14 Ultra
  • Xiaomi 13, 13 Pro, 13 Ultra, 13 Lite
  • Xiaomi 13T and 13T Pro
  • Xiaomi 12 and 12 Pro
  • Xiaomi 12T and 12T Pro
  • Xiaomi Pad 6
  • Redmi Note 13 (LTE and 5G variants), 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Plus
  • Redmi 13C
  • Redmi Note 12
  • Redmi 12 (LTE and 5G variants)
  • Poco X6 Pro
  • Poco F6 and F6 Pro
  • Poco M6 and M6 Pro

As previously with MIUI, Xiaomi’s HyperOS updates are not necessarily tied to Android updates. This means that two phones can get the same HyperOS versions with similar features while running different generations. This is good news for cheaper and older phones that are excluded from receiving Android 15 updates, such as the flagship Mi 11 and Mi 10 series.

Realme

A person holding the Realme 13 Pro+.
Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Realme, OnePlus’ sister brand, is fairly popular in Asia and is slowly creeping up the charts in other parts of the world. Though the interface it runs is called Realme UI, the interface closely resembles OnePlus’ OxygenOS, which itself is drawn largely from parent Oppo’s ColorOS.

Just like OnePlus, Realme also has an Android 15 beta program, but specifically for the Realme 12 Pro Plus but only for users in India. The instructions are listed in a Realme community post if you have an Indian unit.

However, a larger batch of devices in more regions can be expected to roll out following Google’s and Oppo’ release of their respective updates. Based on previous promises, here are all the Realme phones expected to get the Android 15 update:

Like Xiaomi, we have limited the list to devices widely available globally.

Keep this in mind while installing Android 15 or its betas

An Android phone showing Android 15.
Bryan M. Wolfe / Digital Trends

Though Google has officially released Android 15, only select devices have the final build, namely Pixel phones. Other manufacturers will be rolling out their own custom user interfaces based on Android 15 on their own schedules, and Samsung is typically the first one in this race, though its One UI 7 interface has faced big delays.

If you don’t have a Pixel, you could still access the Android 15 beta, but it’s important to remember to keep a backup of any crucial data just in case there are any malfunctions in the beta before the final version is released on non-Pixel phones.

Editors’ Recommendations

Topics
Christine Romero-Chan
Christine Romero-Chan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christine Romero-Chan has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade. She graduated from California…
The best Android phones in 2024: the 15 best ones you can buy
The OnePlus 12 and Pixel 8's screens.

When purchasing a new Android phone, several essential factors must be considered. Do you prefer a large screen for watching videos and playing games? How important is camera performance, especially if you enjoy taking high-quality photos? Are you someone who enjoys gaming on your phone and requires a device with excellent performance? Or do you need long-lasting battery life to keep up with your busy schedule?

This article aims to help you find the best Android phone that meets your specific needs in 2024. We have compiled a comprehensive list of Android phones catering to every type of requirement, including screen size, camera quality, gaming performance, and battery life.

Read more
Android 15: everything you need to know
Android 15 easter egg shown on a Google Pixel 6a kept on a table in front of moon shaped lamp and pink flowers.

Google's next major update for smartphones is here. Android 15 rolled out to Pixel devices on October 15 and will trickle down to countless other devices over the next several months. Android 15 has eschewed visual updates and instead tidies up the interface and improves existing features. It also gets a number of under-the-hood improvements that you may toy with occasionally.

Android 15 packs a host of privacy-centric features, including the excellent new Private Space. Android 15 also brings a big boost to satellite communications, extending the functionality beyond the Pixel lineup. Let's dive into more details about the availability and new features coming to your phone with Android 15.
Android 15 release date

Read more
The best folding phones in 2024: the 6 best you can buy
Someone opening the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Folding smartphones are a fairly mature market in 2024. When they first launched, foldables were futuristic and exciting, albeit buggy. With time, they have been refined and improved to cater to everyday use. Their prices are gradually decreasing as the technology advances, but they still remain expensive purchases, making it crucial to make the right buying decision.

Currently, there are two types of folding smartphones available on the market. The first type resembles a regular non-folding phone, but can be unfolded into a larger tablet-like device. The second type is similar to the classic Motorola Razr clamshell phones, where a normal-sized phone can be folded in half to become more compact and pocketable. Although both use the same screen and hinge technology, they cater to different needs.

Read more