Posted by Matthew McCullough – VP of Product Administration, Android Developer
At the moment we’re bringing you Beta 4, the final scheduled replace in our Android 15 beta program, so be sure that your apps are prepared and you’ve got given us any important 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 closing so that you can assessment and combine into your apps, and apps focusing on Android 15 may be made obtainable in Google Play. Beta 4 contains our newest fixes and optimizations, providing you with every part 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 a number of the prime adjustments to concentrate on.
Eliminated PNG-based emoji font
Android 15 removes the legacy PNG-based emoji font file (NotoColorEmojiLegacy.ttf) which means that some Android 15 units corresponding 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 We saved the outdated font file round in Android 13 and 14 for compatibility causes, in order that purposes with their very own font renderers might proceed to make use of the outdated font till they have been in a position to improve.
You may select to adapt your app in a variety of methods:
- Use platform textual content rendering. You may render textual content to a bitmap-backed Canvas and use that to get a uncooked picture if crucial.
Get your apps, libraries, instruments, and recreation engines prepared!
If you happen to develop an SDK, library, device, or recreation engine, it is necessary to arrange any crucial updates now to stop your downstream app and recreation builders from being blocked by compatibility points and permit them to focus on the newest SDK options. Please let your builders know if updates are wanted to completely assist 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 means of all of your app’s flows and search for useful or UI points. Assessment the habits adjustments to focus your testing. Every launch of Android comprises platform adjustments that enhance privateness, safety, and general person expertise, and these adjustments can have an effect on your apps. Listed here are a number of adjustments to give attention to that apply even in the event you do not but goal Android 15:
- Assist for 16KB web page sizes – Starting with Android 15, Android helps units which are configured to make use of a web page measurement of 16 KB. In case your app or library makes use of the NDK, both immediately or not directly by means of an SDK, then you’ll possible must rebuild your app for it to work on these units.
- Non-public house assist – Non-public house is a brand new function in Android 15 that lets customers create a separate house on their machine the place they will hold delicate apps away from prying eyes, underneath a further layer of authentication.
Keep in mind to completely train libraries and SDKs that your app is utilizing throughout your compatibility testing. It’s possible you’ll must replace to present SDK variations or attain out to the developer for assist in the event you 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. Assessment the habits adjustments that apply when your app targets Android 15 and use the compatibility framework to assist shortly 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 inventive 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 Utility class was instantiated, and extra.
- With partial display sharing customers can share or file simply an app window reasonably than your entire machine display.
- Generated previews enable your app widget suppliers to generate RemoteViews which comprise live-content and correct machine theming to make use of because the picker preview, as an alternative of a generic static useful resource.
At the moment’s beta launch has every part you could check out Android 15 options, check your apps, and provides us suggestions. Now that we’re within the beta part, you may verify 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. If you happen to don’t have a supported machine, you may use the 64-bit system pictures with the Android Emulator in Android Studio. If you happen to’re already within the Android 14 QPR beta program on a supported machine, you will mechanically get up to date to Android 15 Beta 4.
For one of the best improvement expertise with Android 15, we suggest that you simply use the newest model of Android Studio Koala. When you’re arrange, listed below are a number of the issues you must do:
- Strive the brand new options and APIs – your suggestions is important throughout the early a part of the developer preview and beta program. Report points in our tracker on the suggestions web page.
- Check 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 check it.
- Replace your app with the Android SDK Improve Assistant – The newest Android Studio Koala Function 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 pictures and SDK repeatedly all through the rest of the Android 15 launch cycle. Learn extra right here.
For full info, go to the Android 15 developer website.
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