With the rollout of Android 15, Google is raising the minimum hardware standards for devices that want to ship with its suite of apps and services, known as Google Mobile Services (GMS). One major change is the mandatory requirement of at least 32GB of internal storage for all new devices seeking GMS certification.
Out of the total 32GB, at least 75% must be allocated to the data partition, which holds preinstalled apps, app data, system files, and user-installed apps and media. Previously, Google enforced a minimum of 16GB under Android 13, and 8GB before that. Now, devices that launched with less than 32GB won’t be eligible for an update to Android 15.
While the industry has largely moved past low-storage devices, this new rule formalizes a shift in minimum expectations for Android hardware. Google’s move is designed to prevent sluggish performance and storage constraints on modern Android devices.
In addition to storage, Google is also enforcing RAM-based requirements. Devices with:
- Less than 2GB RAM are not eligible for GMS.
- 2GB or 3GB RAM must use Android Go Edition, designed for ultra-budget smartphones.
- 4GB RAM can still run full Android 15, but from Android 16 onward, even these devices will be required to switch to Android Go, effectively pushing the new standard for full Android to 6GB RAM.
Google is also introducing a new safety feature requirement: phones on Android 15 must offer users the ability to share emergency contact data with Emergency Location Service (ELS) during emergency calls. This ensures that emergency services can not only access your location but also notify your listed emergency contacts when you need help.
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Importantly, Google stresses that this feature is strictly opt-in, and device makers must provide clear information about what data is shared when the service is enabled.
