What you need to know
- Android 15 now mandates a minimum of 32GB of onboard storage, a requirement enforced through GMS licensing.
- Devices with less than 32GB can still operate AOSP builds of Android 15.
- Phones equipped with 3GB of memory or less are now required to utilize Android Go Edition.
The landscape of Android’s system requirements is evolving, reflecting the increasing demands of modern applications and operating systems. With the introduction of Android 15, Google has set a new benchmark by requiring devices to come with at least 32GB of storage for both running and upgrading to this latest version. This change, as highlighted by Android Authority, is a response to the growing size of Android OS updates and the expanding footprint of individual applications.
Historically, Android has maintained relatively low base-level system requirements, especially when compared to the premium features offered by high-end smartphones. However, as the ecosystem matures, so too do the specifications. Android 14 marked the end of the road for devices with only 16GB of storage, which, while still present in some ultra-budget models, are becoming increasingly rare. The reality is that after installing the operating system and a handful of apps, users would find themselves grappling with storage limitations.
The shift from 16GB to 32GB marks the first significant increase in system requirements since Android 13, which was the first version to stipulate a minimum of 16GB. Prior to that, Android 12 only required 8GB. Notably, all these iterations mandated that 75% of the total capacity be reserved for the main data partition.
In addition to the storage requirements, Android 15 introduces a necessity for Vulkan 1.3 graphics support in chipsets, alongside ANGLE libraries, unless the device is utilizing the Android Go Edition—a streamlined version of Android tailored for lower-end hardware. This move aligns with Google’s recent decision to designate Vulkan as the official graphics API for the Android platform.
Moreover, devices with 3GB of RAM or less are now required to run Android Go Edition, an increase from the previous threshold of 2GB. However, the baseline requirement of 2GB memory for GMS licensing remains unchanged.
Looking ahead, the upcoming Android 16 is expected to enforce the default enabling of ANGLE libraries on devices. While speculation abounds regarding potential new hardware requirements, the specifics remain to be seen.
