Google Announces New Minimum RAM and Storage Mandates for Android Smartphones

Google has set a new requirement for smartphones running Android 15, mandating a minimum of 32GB storage for devices wishing to preinstall its suite of apps and services, known as Google Mobile Services (GMS). Of this storage, at least 75% must be allocated to the data partition. This partition is essential for storing preinstalled system apps, system app data, certain system files, and all user apps and files.

The previous storage requirement was 16GB, which had been in place since Android 13. Before that, it was only 8GB. Devices with less than 32GB cannot upgrade to Android 15 if they launched on an earlier version. While few devices today have only 16GB or 32GB of storage, using a phone with just 32GB can still be challenging, regardless of the Android version.

RAM Requirements and Android Versions

Google has also outlined RAM requirements for devices running Android. Phones with 2GB or 3GB of RAM must use the Android Go Edition, designed for ultra-low-end phones. Devices with less than 2GB cannot access GMS at all. Currently, phones with 4GB of RAM can run full Android 15 and get GMS. However, starting with Android 16, these devices will need to switch to the Android Go Edition.

This change effectively sets a minimum RAM requirement of 6GB for running the full version of Android in future updates. The shift aims to ensure better performance and user experience on devices running Google's operating system.

Emergency Contact Sharing Feature

Android 15 introduces a feature allowing users to share emergency contact information during emergency calls through the Emergency Location Service. This feature enables users to opt-in to share their emergency contacts along with location data when contacting emergency services. It helps emergency responders reach out to your contacts and locate you more easily during emergencies.

To safeguard user privacy, Google requires clear disclosure about what information may be shared with emergency services. Importantly, sharing emergency contact data is strictly opt-in, ensuring users have control over their personal information.

These updates reflect Google's ongoing efforts to enhance device performance and user safety while maintaining privacy standards. As technology evolves, such measures are crucial in ensuring that users have reliable and secure experiences on their smartphones.