Last week, I updated my Pixel 9 Pro to Android 15. On the surface, it looks pretty similar to Android 14, so much so that I can almost think it’s just a minor update. However, after using it for a couple of days, I discovered some really handy features, a few even being game-changers. Everyone might have preferences, but this latest update has something for everyone. Here are the top five features in Android 15 that stood out the most.
- App Archive
One of the best new features in Android 15 is the App Archive, also called App Freeze. Most modern smartphones are pretty well-equipped with storage. Not all devices, though, have 256 GB storage. For those who do not have that much storage, space management becomes crucial, especially when the number of apps and the data associated with them keeps growing.
App Archive archives apps you have not used for a while remove unnecessary data and makes the application unavailable until you need it again. If your phone runs out of Space, you can manually archive apps to free Space.
2. Single-Tap Passkeys
With passkeys, life before Android 15 had been so frustrating and complex. Sometimes, it did not work; instead, it was cumbersome. In an astonishing development, Android 15 makes this much more accessible with one-tap passkeys.
Once set up, accounts can be accessed with a single biometric scan. It makes the process very fast and easy. I had my first passkey set up on my Pixel 9 Pro, and since then, it has been working flawlessly every time. It is much more convenient and secure than the traditional way of keeping accounts safe.
3. Lock Screen Home Controls
By the way, my home needs to use Nest cameras with rapid access through the front door when my phone’s battery is dead and stored elsewhere for recharging since Android 15: Lock Screen Home Controls lets you manage smart devices directly from your lock screen, so you needn’t unlock your phone for many of these applications.
The Home Controls will be in dark mode, and any connected device, even a Nest camera, can be accessed with just a tap to go straight to it. Therefore, this feature suits those who love easy access to smart home devices while locking down their phones.
4. Private Space
Private Space is the additional feature that Android 15 finally brought on board. This is a private, password-protected space on your phone where you can keep sensitive apps and files. It’s like having a parallel private area alongside your main account.
Only the person with access to your phone, having an assigned password, PIN, or biometric lock, can read or access anything within this Space. This feature will make the following people enjoy using phones: those who do not want people to view important data and others seeking confidentiality.
5. Theft Detection Lock
I have not needed to use this feature yet, but it is good to know it is there. Theft Detection Lock in Android 15 uses AI to determine if your phone has been stolen. In case of suspicious activity, it locks the device and prevents anyone else from accessing it.
The Offline Device Lock ensures that your phone remains locked. Thus, you cannot use it when taken offline to prevent any remote tracking or wiping. It does give you that extra peace of mind when you lose your phone.
Final Thoughts
There are many other improvements in Android 15, but these are the five most significant improvements. Not only do they make things more convenient for me, but they also make it a lot more secure. If one is considering upgrading to this, these updates would make Android 15 worth exploring.