Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, Vivo X100 series, iQOO 12 are getting Android 15 before Pixel phones

Vivo has announced that select Vivo and iQOO phones are now getting Android 15-based FuntouchOS 15. Read more about all the new features and the list of devices that will receive the new update.

In Short

• Vivo releases FuntouchOS 15 based on Android 15 beta
• First to release Android 15 before Google and Samsung
• Rollout starts mid-October 2024 for select Vivo devices

Vivo on Monday released the new Android 15-based FuntouchOS 15 for select iQOO and Vivo devices. This makes it the first smartphone manufacturer to release an Android 15 –– even before Google released it for the new Pixel devices, or Samsung released it on the flagship Galaxy S-series phones. Do note, FuntouchOS 15 is based on the Android 15 beta version. However, the FuntouchOS 15 is a stable release. Vivo has confirmed that the new FuntouchOS 15 will be rolling out to Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, Vivo X100, Vivo X100 Pro. iQOO 12, on the other hand, has already received the update. The update introduces advanced algorithms, new animations, and visual effects, alongside AI-driven features.

Vivo and iQOO's Android 15 rollout timeline

But before we dive into the changelog that the FuntouchOS 15 brings, let’s first look at the rollout timeline for the new update.

Vivo X Fold 3 Pro, Vivo X100 Pro and Vivo X100 will be the first set of smartphones to get the new Android 15 update, which will rollout starting mid of October 2024. This will be followed by a rollout in mid-November 2024 for the X90 series (X90 Pro, X90). By mid-December 2024, the V40 series, V30 series, and a range of other devices like the Y200 Pro 5G and Vivo T3 Ultra will also be eligible.

The rollout continues in early 2025: in January, the X80 series and several T-series models will receive the update, while February will see the Y300 5G, Y200 Plus 5G, and T3x 5G added to the list. Moving into March 2025, more mid-range devices, including the Y200e 5G, Y100, and T2 Pro 5G, will get the update. April through June 2025 will bring updates to the Y200 5G, Y58 5G, Y56 5G, and more models, ensuring a broad spread across Vivo's lineup.

iQOO, on the other hand, has confirmed that iQOO 12 has already started to receive the new FuntouchOS 15 update.

Android 15 beta-based FuntouchOS 15: What’s new?

Vivo's upcoming Funtouch OS 15 introduces several improvements aimed at enhancing device performance and user experience. One key feature is the new Priority Scheduling algorithm, which replaces Android’s default model, improving the speed of app launches by 15 per cent, even under heavy loads, according to Vivo.

Another major update is the introduction of Memory Enhancement Technology, which utilises an optimised zRAM compression algorithm to boost memory compression speed by 40 per cent. This upgrade helps reduce GPU memory usage for background apps, enabling better multitasking without slowing down the device.

In addition, Funtouch OS 15 comes with new animation features under the Origin Animation banner, designed to make app interactions smoother and more responsive. The Lightning-Speed Engine improves app opening speeds by 20 per cent, while Aqua Dynamic Effect mimics natural water movement, adding a fluid element to the system's animations.

Personalization options have also been expanded. The new system offers over 3,800 design elements, allowing users to customise themes, icons, and even fingerprint animations. It includes a variety of static, immersive, and video wallpapers for a more personalised look and feel. “Four new fingerprint recognition animations, customizable app icon styles, and adjustable icon shapes and sizes provide even greater control over the user interface,” says Vivo.

Funtouch OS 15 also enhances productivity and gaming features. The AI Image Lab tool automatically improves photos, while the upgraded Ultra Game Mode includes a convenient sidebar for quick access to social apps and game settings. The improved Link to Windows feature simplifies cross-device collaboration, making it easier to manage files and sync content between iQOO or Vivo devices and PCs.