Google's final version of Android 15 is out and will initially appear on all Pixel 6, 7, 8 and 9 smartphones as well as the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold.

Of course, Android 15 will also come to other Android smartphones in the near future, but the upgrade schedules of different manufacturers vary greatly.

What's new? Here are five of Android 15's top new features:

Theft protection: Android can now detect when a phone has been taken from its owner's hands and someone is running away with it. As soon as it detects this, it will automatically lock itself immediately.

If you lose your phone or it is stolen, you can also use the so-called remote lock: By entering your own phone number and after a short security query, you can lock the smartphone from any browser using the “Find my device” page.

Private area: This is a virtual space in which sensitive data and apps, such as those for online banking or social media, are stored. They are not visible to anyone, even if they have your phone.

This also applies to app notifications. The private area can only be opened with a separate PIN, which can also be linked to your fingerprint.

Low light boost: This new camera feature is intended to deliver better images in low light conditions. And it's not just Google's camera app that will benefit from the improvements; Third-party camera apps also have better access to camera controls, such as the flash.

Pass key: Password-free login will soon be faster – in just a single step. In apps that support passkeys, you can log in directly with your fingerprint after opening the app – and no longer have to go through multiple screens to select the respective user account or make other settings.

Satellite connection: Compatible messaging apps (SMS/MMS/RCS) can now also send messages over satellite connections, in an emergency or when there is no cellular signal or WiFi. However, this also requires a smartphone with the appropriate hardware on board. At Google, for example, these are the Pixel 9 models.

Will my phone get Android 15?

Android makers, under pressure to keep Apple's promise of years of software updates, have increased the number of generations of software new phones receive. A few years ago, some Android phones only received one major software update, but these days flagship phones routinely come with the promise of three generations of Android after launch.

If your phone was manufactured in the last year or two, there's a good chance the manufacturer is planning an update. Timelines vary significantly from company to company, but an online search for “Android 15” and your phone model on tech blogs can provide an answer.

How do I update?

If you have a Pixel and it hasn't yet offered an upgrade to Android 15, you can also start this process manually. In Settings, go to System/Software Updates, tap System Update, then tap Check for Updates. You should then see that a system update is being prepared, followed by the “System update available” screen.

Tap “Download and Install” at the very bottom of the screen.
You will then be asked whether usage and diagnostic data can be sent to Google. You can disable this using a slider on the right side of the screen. Then tap “Accept” at the bottom of the screen. Your smartphone will then download and install Android 15 and at the end it will ask you to restart.