Android 15 is Google's first OS to support only Tensor-powered Pixel devices

Android 15 developer preview went live over the weekend. While there’s still little we know about the new features Google will bring to the stable channel later this year, we already know which Google Pixel devices will receive the update to Android 15 when it begins rolling out to the public.

Beyond the usual excitement surrounding upcoming features, a major shift in Google’s mobile strategy has caught everyone’s attention: Android 15 will only be available for Pixel devices powered by Google’s Tensor chipsets. This marks a definitive end to the era of Snapdragon-powered Pixels, signaling a bold commitment to Google’s in-house silicon.

Previously, Pixel devices offered users a choice between Tensor and Snapdragon chipsets. This time, however, the Pixel 5a, the last Snapdragon-equipped Pixel, gets left behind. Only devices from the Pixel 6 onwards, all sporting the Tensor chip, will be eligible for the official Android 15 update later this year. This move suggests Google is betting big on Tensor. By tightly coupling hardware and software, the company aims to unlock deeper integration, optimized performance, and unique AI-powered features exclusive to Pixel devices.

While this strategy promises exciting advancements for Pixel users, those accustomed to Snapdragon options within the Pixel ecosystem will no longer have that choice. Of course, Google’s main goal with Tensor is to bring AI features directly to Pixel devices, but the success of this hinges entirely on ability to deliver compelling Tensor-powered devices and features to the growing Pixel user base across the globe.

Android 15 is still in its early stages, but don’t expect anything to change when the stable version arrives. In fact, the only option left for Snapdragon Pixels to get Android 15 is through custom ROMs like LineageOS. But this could take some time to arrive, probably even somewhere in 2025.