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Google has officially updated the minimum storage requirements for Android devices as part of its certification process, particularly with the introduction of Android 15. From now on, devices must be equipped with a minimum of 32GB of internal storage, where 75% of that capacity must be dedicated to the data partition.
This change comes in response to the needs of users, particularly on budget devices. Many affordable Android models currently on the market offer significantly lower storage options, sometimes as little as 16GB. Given that a substantial portion of this space is utilized by the operating system itself, users often find their devices running out of room for apps and personal files. With Android 15’s revised requirements, Google intends to enhance the overall user experience by ensuring that more space is available for applications and data.
The requirement marks a significant increase from the previous standard of 16GB established with Android 13 in 2022. Under this old rule, devices with less than 32GB of storage will be unable to run Android 15, as this new stipulation applies not only to new devices but also to those seeking to upgrade.
Android OS VersionFlash Storage Size RequirementData Partition Size Requirement
Android 15 32GB or higher 75% of total storage size or higher
Android 14 16GB or higher 75% of total storage size or higher
Android 13 16GB or higher 75% of total storage size or higher
Android 12 8GB or higher 75% of total storage size or higher
Technically, manufacturers are not prevented from producing devices with less than the 32GB requirement—if they use the open-source version of Android (AOSP). However, Google maintains control over devices utilizing Google Mobile Services (GMS), meaning that any device wishing to access GMS must comply with this new storage regulation. This is crucial for manufacturers aiming for success in the market, as GMS is necessary for allowing essential apps like the Google Play Store to function on devices.
Google’s strategy appears to aim at improving user satisfaction, especially on low-cost devices, which represent a large share of Android’s market. By mandating a minimum storage size, usability and functionality are expected to increase, facilitating a richer app ecosystem for users and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Nevertheless, it is important to note that while additional storage space may be provided, it does not inherently translate to increased storage speed, as many low-end devices may still rely on slower eMMC storage chips due to cost constraints associated with UFS alternatives.
Additional Requirements Introduced with Android 15
In addition to the increased storage specifications, Android 15 includes other notable requirements for certification. These new criteria not only enhance functionality but also address safety features that can affect users.
For instance, Google now requires that cellular devices running Android 15 must offer users the choice to share their emergency contact information with emergency services during a call. This functionality enables the sharing of vital location data along with emergency contacts, which may help responders gain quick access to additional support. Google has emphasized the importance of user consent and privacy, ensuring that any such data sharing requires explicit user permission.
Another significant stipulation encompasses hardware capability, as Android 15 mandates that new chipsets must support Vulkan 1.3 or higher. This requirement reflects Google’s commitment to bolstering gaming capabilities on the platform, as Vulkan is recognized as the official graphics API for Android. Devices must also comply with the Android Baseline 2022 profile, enhancing compatibility with modern app development needs. Aiding developers, Android 15 must enable ANGLE libraries to facilitate the operation of applications relying on older OpenGL ES drivers.
Moreover, Google has made slight revisions to the memory requirements associated with GMS certification. Devices with Android 15 must turn on low memory optimization features if they have 2GB or 3GB of RAM. This is an expansion of similar stipulations from Android 14 that only applied to devices with 2GB of RAM and highlights Google’s ongoing efforts to improve performance in memory-constrained environments.
Android OS VersionMust use low RAM optimizationsCan optionally use low RAM optimizationsCannot license GMS
Android 15 2GB or 3GB 4GB < 2GB
Android 14 2GB 3GB < 2GB
Android 13 2GB 3GB < 2GB
Android 12 1GB or 2GB N/A < 1GB
While these major updates attract attention, additional Android 15 requirements exist that may not seem essential but are noteworthy. For instance, chipsets targeting Android 15 support must implement various features such as ID attestation and health protocols that can foster a robust ecosystem for device security and connectivity.
In summary, Google’s updates with Android 15 significantly elevate standards for internal storage, device performance, and user safety features. These steps are crucial for enhancing the quality of the user experience on Android devices, particularly as the ecosystem continues to evolve in a competitive market.
Source
www.androidauthority.com