The Easter Egg in Android 15 is a hidden feature (Easter egg) integrated into Google's Android 15 operating system, continuing the long-standing tradition of Easter eggs in previous Android versions. This feature is a space-themed mini-game that allows users to control a spaceship, explore planets, and place flags, reflecting a theme of exploration and creativity.

The Easter Egg was released with the stable version of Android 15, officially launched in August 2024, and is accessible on Pixel devices and other Android devices supporting this version.^[1]

Easter eggs in Android began with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) in 2010, typically featuring small games, graphics, or hidden features tied to the dessert-themed codenames (e.g., Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Lollipop).

• Android 15, with its internal codename "Vanilla Ice Cream", builds on the space theme introduced in Android 14 ("Upside Down Cake"), with minor enhancements.
• The Easter Egg was first introduced in Android 15 Beta 4 in July 2024 and became part of the stable release.
• It serves as an engaging feature for users while showcasing Android 15's new capabilities.^[1]

To access the Easter Egg in Android 15, users must follow these steps on a device running the operating system:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to About Phone.
3. Rapidly tap the Android Version field (displaying "15").
4. After several taps, the Android 15 logo (an inverted triangle with a space-themed color scheme) appears against a starry background.
5. Press and hold the logo for a few seconds until a vibration occurs (simulating a spaceship launch), activating the mini-game.

This activation process is similar to that in earlier Android versions but features updated visuals for Android 15.^[2]

The Easter Egg in Android 15 is a space-themed mini-game, resembling Android 14’s Easter egg but with subtle enhancements. Users control a small spaceship navigating through space, with the following information displayed:

• Thruster percentage, current coordinates, and velocity in the bottom-left corner.
• Details of the nearest star, including:
  • Android-related puns
  • Morgan-Keenan spectral classification
  • Radius, mass, and number of orbiting bodies (displayed in the top-left corner).

• The game begins randomly in undefined space, with no fixed starting position.
• Google recommends navigating to (0, 0)—marking the central star of the system.
• Upon reaching (0, 0), the central star becomes visible, serving as the starting point for exploration.
• Users can search for planets by moving the spaceship in a specific direction (up, down, left, or right).
• Horizontal and vertical lines appear, resembling latitude and longitude, representing planetary orbits.

When the spaceship intersects an orbit, users can:

• Press and hold on the screen (depending on the interface) to land on the planet.
• The spaceship automatically plants a yellow flag.
• Detailed planet information (e.g., name, size, type, and orbital position) is displayed.

• The goal is to explore and place flags on a total of nine planets (9/9) in the system.
• Each planet has a unique orbit, requiring velocity and directional adjustments for precise landings.
• No win condition—the game is purely for exploration and entertainment.^[3]

• Android 15 introduces a screensaver mode called "Landroid".
• Users can set the Easter Egg as a screensaver when the device is charging or docked (e.g., Pixel Tablet).
• In this mode:
  • The spaceship autonomously moves, avoiding planets.
  • It lands automatically to plant flags.
  • The animation creates a visually aesthetic effect.

The Easter Egg in Android 15 closely resembles Android 14, with key differences:

• Flag Placement:
  • The spaceship can now plant yellow flags on planets.
  • In Android 14, users could explore but left no permanent markers.
• Logo Design:
  • Android 15 logo → Inverted triangle.
  • Android 14 logo → Circular design.
• Screensaver Mode:
  • Android 15 adds "Landroid", absent in Android 14.

However, some users and tech reviewers (Android Police, 9to5Google) note that Android 15’s Easter Egg feels less innovative than earlier versions, as the space theme shows little evolution from Android 14.^[1]

• The Easter Egg in Android 15 continues Google’s tradition of embedding playful elements tied to Android version themes.
• The space theme may reference Android 15’s features, such as:
  • Satellite connectivity.
  • Spatial UI optimizations.
• Exploration and flag-planting mechanics resonate with space exploration culture.
• It engages both long-term Android users and newcomers, reinforcing Google’s digital identity.

• Too similar to Android 14 → Lacks novelty compared to past versions (e.g., Flappy Bird in Android 5/6, Neko Cat in Android 7).
• "Landroid" screensaver is most effective on large devices (e.g., Pixel Tablet) but less practical on smaller phones.

• Android 16 (expected 2025, codenamed "Wafer") → Users expect a fresh theme and features.
• Potentially tied to AI enhancements or augmented reality (AR) interfaces.