Upcoming Android 15 May Set New Standards for App Compatibility
In the ever-evolving landscape of mobile operating systems, Google’s Android 15 is making headlines with its latest Developer Preview 2, released on March 21. The buzz around the tech community is that this new iteration could potentially block the installation of certain apps, particularly those that do not meet the updated minimum software requirements.
Insights from Android Police suggest that Google has revised the software development kit (SDK) requirements, now endorsing a higher version. This move is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to infuse the Android ecosystem with fresh features and enhanced security measures, while also providing developers with ample time to align with the new standards.
Historically, Android 6.0, also known as Marshmallow, marked a pivotal change by mandating user permission for apps to access sensitive data like camera feeds, contact lists, and call logs. Fast forward to the present, and the Android 15 DP2 build appears to be setting the bar even higher by not permitting the installation of apps based on the Android 6.0-based SDK 23. Instead, it is shifting the goalpost to SDK version 24, corresponding to Android 7.1.
Recent tests have shown that while smartphones operating on Android 14 can still accommodate apps based on SDK 23, the same cannot be said for Google Pixel 8 Pro running Android 15 DP2. Attempts to install such apps have been met with an “INSTALLFAILEDDEPRECATEDSDKVERSION” error, indicating a clear shift in compatibility requirements.
Moreover, sideloading—an alternative installation method—also hit a roadblock on devices with Android 15 DP2. Users encountered warnings about the potential risks of installing outdated apps, and the option to ‘Install anyway’ proved ineffective, as the installation process could not be completed.
These findings suggest that apps still targeting Android 6.0 may become obsolete with the global rollout of Android 15. It’s important to note, however, that the majority of developers are already updating their applications to comply with the latest Android standards, minimizing the number of apps that would be affected by this change.
For those interested in the future of Android’s capabilities, including security enhancements, a related article discusses the anticipated anti-theft feature slated for Android 15, shedding light on how it functions.
