Posted by Matthew McCullough – VP of Product Administration, Android Developer
As we speak we’re bringing you Beta 4, the final scheduled replace in our Android 15 beta program, so be sure your apps are prepared and you have given us any crucial suggestions earlier than non-beta customers begin getting Android 15.
That is our second Platform Stability launch; the developer APIs and all app-facing behaviors are remaining so that you can assessment and combine into your apps, and apps concentrating on Android 15 might be made accessible in Google Play. Beta 4 contains our newest fixes and optimizations, supplying you with all the things you could full your testing. Head over to our Android 15 abstract web page for an inventory of the options and habits adjustments we have been protecting on this collection of weblog posts, or learn on for among the prime adjustments to pay attention to.
Eliminated PNG-based emoji font
Android 15 removes the legacy PNG-based emoji font file (NotoColorEmojiLegacy.ttf) which means that some Android 15 units similar to Pixel will solely have the vector-based file. Starting with Android 13, the emoji font file utilized by the system emoji renderer modified from a PNG-based file to a vector primarily based file. We saved the outdated font file round in Android 13 and 14 for compatibility causes, in order that functions with their very own font renderers may proceed to make use of the outdated font till they have been capable of improve.
You’ll be able to select to adapt your app in a lot of methods:
- Use platform textual content rendering. You’ll be able to render textual content to a bitmap-backed Canvas and use that to get a uncooked picture if obligatory.
Get your apps, libraries, instruments, and sport engines prepared!
Should you develop an SDK, library, instrument, or sport engine, it is essential to organize any obligatory updates now to forestall your downstream app and sport builders from being blocked by compatibility points and permit them to focus on the most recent SDK options. Please let your builders know if updates are wanted to completely help Android 15.
Testing your app includes putting in your manufacturing app utilizing Google Play or different means onto a tool or emulator operating Android 15 Beta 4. Work by all of your app’s flows and search for useful or UI points. Evaluate the habits adjustments to focus your testing. Every launch of Android comprises platform adjustments that enhance privateness, safety, and total consumer expertise, and these adjustments can have an effect on your apps. Listed here are a number of adjustments to concentrate on that apply even for those who do not but goal Android 15:
- Help for 16KB web page sizes – Starting with Android 15, Android helps units which are configured to make use of a web page dimension of 16 KB. In case your app or library makes use of the NDK, both straight or not directly by an SDK, then you’ll doubtless have to rebuild your app for it to work on these units.
- Non-public area help – Non-public area is a brand new function in Android 15 that lets customers create a separate area on their machine the place they will hold delicate apps away from prying eyes, below an extra layer of authentication.
Bear in mind to completely train libraries and SDKs that your app is utilizing throughout your compatibility testing. It’s possible you’ll have to replace to present SDK variations or attain out to the developer for assist for those who encounter any points.
When you’ve revealed the Android 15-compatible model of your app, you can begin the course of to replace your app’s targetSdkVersion. Evaluate the habits adjustments that apply when your app targets Android 15 and use the compatibility framework to assist rapidly detect points.
Make the most of new platform options!
Transcend getting your app prepared and benefit from new options that may make your app stand out on Android 15 units:
- The font file for Chinese language, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) languages, NotoSansCJK, is now a variable font opening up new prospects for artistic typography.
- The ApplicationStartInfo API helps present perception into app startup together with startup state, time spent in launch phases, how your app was began when your Software class was instantiated, and extra.
- With partial display sharing customers can share or file simply an app window fairly than your complete machine display.
- Generated previews enable your app widget suppliers to generate RemoteViews which include live-content and correct machine theming to make use of because the picker preview, as a substitute of a generic static useful resource.
As we speak’s beta launch has all the things you could check out Android 15 options, take a look at your apps, and provides us suggestions. Now that we’re within the beta section, you’ll be able to test right here to get details about enrolling your machine; Enrolling supported Pixel units will ship this and future Android Beta updates over-the-air. These OTAs will start this night PDT. Should you don’t have a supported machine, you’ll be able to use the 64-bit system photographs with the Android Emulator in Android Studio. Should you’re already within the Android 14 QPR beta program on a supported machine, you will routinely get up to date to Android 15 Beta 4.
For the most effective growth expertise with Android 15, we suggest that you just use the newest model of Android Studio Koala. When you’re arrange, listed here are among the issues you need to do:
- Strive the brand new options and APIs – your suggestions is crucial in the course of the early a part of the developer preview and beta program. Report points in our tracker on the suggestions web page.
- Take a look at your present app for compatibility – be taught whether or not your app is affected by adjustments in Android 15; set up your app onto a tool or emulator operating Android 15 and extensively take a look at it.
- Replace your app with the Android SDK Improve Assistant – The most recent Android Studio Koala Characteristic Drop launch now covers android 15 API adjustments and walks you thru the steps to improve your targetSdkVersion with the Android SDK Improve Assistant.
We’ll replace the beta system photographs and SDK recurrently all through the rest of the Android 15 launch cycle. Learn extra right here.
For full data, go to the Android 15 developer website.
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