Don’t wait until something goes wrong! Android 15 API changes and best practices guide!

In the Android 15 update, Google continued to optimize the API system, abandoned some technologies that no longer meet modern development needs, and encouraged developers to use more advanced solutions.

This article will focus on two key API changes: Spatializer replacing Virtualizer and the deprecation of WebSQL in WebView, and explore in depth how to deal with these changes to help developers migrate their code smoothly.

1. Audio API changes: Spatializer replaces Virtualizer

1. Virtualizer is retired, Spatializer becomes mainstream

Since Android 12 (API level 32), Google has introduced the Spatializer class, which is specifically used to query and control audio spatialization capabilities. In Android 15, the Virtualizer API was officially deprecated, and in the future developers should use AudioAttributes.Builder.setSpatializationBehavior() to define the spatial playback mode of audio content.

2. Why was Virtualizer deprecated?

Virtualizer is mainly used to enhance the virtual surround sound effect on devices such as headphones, while Spatializer goes a step further and supports a wider range of spatial audio features to provide a more immersive 3D audio experience. Compared with Virtualizer, Spatializer has more advantages in the following aspects:

• More precise spatial control: Dynamically adjust sound positioning and support a variety of headphones and speaker devices.
• Better compatibility: Google is pushing the audio framework to migrate to Spatial Audio and enabling this feature by default in AndroidX Media3 ExoPlayer 1.0.
• Better hardware adaptation: The new API can better match devices that support Spatial Audio, such as Pixel Buds Pro.

3. Migration plan: How to use Spatializer?

If your application currently relies on Virtualizer, it is recommended to migrate to setSpatializationBehavior() immediately. The code example is as follows:

 AudioAttributes attributes = new AudioAttributes.Builder() .setUsage(AudioAttributes.USAGE_MEDIA) .setSpatializationBehavior(AudioAttributes.SPATIALIZATION_BEHAVIOR_AUTO) .build();

In addition, ExoPlayer 1.0 has enabled spatial audio by default in multi-channel audio situations, and developers can use the ExoPlayer API to further optimize the audio playback experience.

2. WebSQL is deprecated in WebView, how to deal with it?

1. The end of WebSQL: Android WebView has undergone major changes

Google announced the deprecation of WebSettings.setDatabaseEnabled() and WebSettings.getDatabaseEnabled(), which means that the WebSQL database function inside WebView is about to end and will be completely removed within 12 months. This change is consistent with the strategy of Chrome browser. WebSQL has been removed from the W3C standard and is no longer recommended.

2. Impact of WebSQL deprecation

If your web application or hybrid app relies on WebSQL for data storage, you may encounter the following problems:

• Future versions of WebView may not be able to access WebSQL data, affecting the offline storage function of the application.
• The migration cost is high and a new storage solution needs to be found.

3. Alternatives: How to migrate safely?

Google recommends the following technologies as alternatives to WebSQL:

• IndexedDB: A NoSQL data storage solution suitable for complex data structures, supporting transactions, indexes, and large-scale storage.
• Web Storage API (localStorage & sessionStorage): Suitable for storing small-scale key-value data and suitable for lightweight scenarios.
• SQLite Wasm (SQLite for WebAssembly): A SQLite migration solution for the web, based on the Origin Private File System, which enables more direct migration of WebSQL code.

IndexedDB migration sample code:

 let db; const request = indexedDB.open("MyDatabase", 1); request.onsuccess = function(event) { db = event.target.result; console.log("IndexedDB 连接成功"); }; request.onerror = function(event) { console.error("IndexedDB 连接失败", event.target.error); };

For applications with more WebSQL code, it is recommended to combine SQLite Wasm to reduce migration costs.

Strategies for dealing with Android 15 API changes

• Audio developers: Migrate from Virtualizer to Spatializer, take advantage of AudioAttributes.setSpatializationBehavior(), and consider upgrading to AndroidX Media3 ExoPlayer 1.0.
• Web developers: phase out WebSQL as soon as possible and switch to IndexedDB, localStorage or SQLite Wasm to ensure WebView compatibility.

Android API iteration is an irreversible trend. The sooner you adapt to the new API, the better performance and compatibility you can enjoy. If your project is affected, it is recommended to complete the migration as soon as possible to avoid compatibility issues after the official release of Android 15.