Storage Requirements Raised for Android 15 Compatibility
With the upcoming release of Android 15, Google has implemented new minimum hardware standards that smartphone manufacturers must meet if they want their devices to include the Google Mobile Services (GMS) suite. Chief among these changes is a significant increase in the required storage capacity—from 16GB to 32GB. This marks the first such revision since Android 13, where the minimum was set at 16GB, having previously been just 8GB.
To qualify for GMS, at least 75% of the 32GB storage must be allocated to the data partition. This space is essential for housing system apps, app data, system files, and all user data. Devices with less than 32GB of storage will not be eligible to update to Android 15, even if they were previously running an older version of Android.
Although most modern smartphones already offer considerably more storage than 32GB, Google’s move formalizes a minimum requirement that ensures better performance and user experience. Experts point out that while it’s rare to find devices with such limited storage today, the move helps weed out underpowered phones that may offer poor performance.
RAM Thresholds Tightened, Android Go to Become Mandatory for Entry-Level Devices
In addition to stricter storage requirements, Google is also refining its RAM guidelines with Android 15 and beyond. Devices equipped with 2GB or 3GB of RAM must run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for budget-friendly, low-spec devices. Phones with less than 2GB of RAM won’t qualify for GMS at all, effectively ruling them out of mainstream Android use.
For now, smartphones with 4GB of RAM can still run the full version of Android 15 with GMS support. However, beginning with Android 16, these devices will also be required to switch to Android Go. This shift indicates a future baseline of 6GB RAM for running the full version of Android with Google’s suite of services.
By setting these benchmarks, Google aims to improve overall performance and security, ensuring that even the most affordable devices deliver a minimum quality experience to users.
Android 15 Introduces Emergency Contact Sharing for Better Safety
Android 15 will also bring a new feature designed to enhance user safety: emergency contact data sharing. The feature integrates with Google’s Emergency Location Service (ELS), allowing users to opt-in to share both their location and emergency contact information with first responders when making emergency calls.
This capability enables emergency services not only to locate individuals more accurately but also to reach out to listed emergency contacts when needed. To safeguard privacy, Google requires manufacturers to clearly disclose what information will be shared and to ensure that users provide explicit consent before activating the feature.
This step reinforces Google’s ongoing efforts to combine advanced functionality with responsible data practices. With stronger hardware requirements and improved safety features, Android 15 sets the stage for a more powerful and secure smartphone experience for users across the globe.
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