Android 15 Now Requires More Storage Space

Google is doubling the minimum storage on Android smartphones to 32GB. It could affect both existing and new phones, though mainly at the ultra-budget end of the market.

The minimum storage has been 16GB since 2022, when it doubled from the previous limits of 8GB. The change only affect Android 15, which was released last fall. Note that this is for storage space (like a computer hard drive) not memory (RAM).

That means all newly made phones running the system must have 16GB storage, as will any existing handsets for which manufacturers want to roll out the upgrade. While many will have already done so, some manufacturers take their time so may still be planning to update handsets and will now face this increased requirement.

The rules also say that 12GB of this 16GB total must be allocated to the data partition. This includes a select number of system files along with any preinstalled system apps (such as those a particular manufacturer has installed) and any apps the user installs themselves.

Most Mainstream Phone Unaffected

The change is mainly because apps themselves are getting bigger and more complex. That means there's a greater risk of filling up the phone and not only being unable to install new apps, but getting slowdowns and other performance issues.

Most of the handsets affected by the change will be very low budget models, particularly those in countries considered developing markets. Even "budget" handsets in most countries will almost always have 32GB storage and 64GB is commonplace.

Strictly speaking Google hasn't (and can't) completely banned manufacturers from putting Android on lower specs as it's an open source system. However, the new minimum applies to any manufacturer that wants to install Google Mobile Services, which includes key components such as the Google Play Store and the ability to use Google's tools for auto-updating apps, preinstalled system apps (such as those a particular manufacturer has installed) and any apps the user installs themselves.

Emergency Services Change

Other changes to Android 15 requirement include mandatory support for an (opt-in) feature to automatically share details of the user's phone contacts with emergency services when they make an emergency call, making it easier for emergency workers to get hold of somebody's friends or family.

There's also a change to a special "low memory optimization" setting for manufacturers. Previously this was mandatory for phones with 2GB of RAM and optional for those with 3GB. Now it's mandatory for 3GB or below and optional for 4GB.

What's Your Opinion?

Is the increase to 16GB sensible? Do you often find your phone getting close to full? Did you know about the feature letting emergency services access phone contacts?