Google Ends 16GB Storage For Android Phones/Tablets, Set News Storage Rules To Scrap Cheap Devices Off The Market.

Google has recently updated its regulations regarding Android devices, a move that may significantly impact the features available on the lowest-cost smartphones. This change stems from a new set of hardware requirements associated with the upcoming Android 15.

To be certified by Google, any Android device must now adhere to specific hardware standards. Historically, the minimum requirement for flash storage has been set at 16GB, which allowed manufacturers to produce budget-friendly devices while still meeting certification criteria.

For a device to qualify, it needed to offer at least 16GB of flash storage, with a stipulation that 75% of that space must be accessible for user data.

With the transition to Android 15, this minimum requirement has been increased to 32GB. This means that, to earn Google’s certification, a device now needs to be equipped with a minimum of 32GB of storage.

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While manufacturers still have the option to produce devices with less storage, those devices will not be eligible for the Google-certified framework, which includes essential features like Google Mobile Services.

This change has important implications for entry-level smartphones, especially in regions where low-cost options are crucial for consumers.

For users purchasing more advanced Android smartphones, this modification is unlikely to pose any significant issues.

However, in the low-end market, especially in developing countries, many existing devices with minimal specifications—particularly those with less than 32GB of storage—will not be able to support Android 15. This could limit the availability of affordable devices that can run the latest operating system.

In addition to the increased storage requirement, less visible but equally important criteria are also being introduced.

These include the ability to facilitate information sharing during emergencies, enhanced support for Vulkan 1.3 or later versions—which will be imperative for graphics rendering in future Android applications—and specific RAM configuration guidelines.

The goal behind these updates, as noted by Android Authority, is to significantly improve user experiences for those using low-end devices.

Although this might lead some manufacturers to increase prices slightly, the trade-off is intended to ensure that consumers who can only invest in basic devices will benefit from a more robust and enjoyable Android experience.

While this new regulation applies to Android 15, it’s worth noting that Android 16 is already underway, with reports indicating substantial progress in its development.

More details about Android 16 are anticipated at Google I/O in May 2025, with an expected release date in June. This timeline suggests that the next Android version may debut just a few months after its predecessor, potentially making Android 15 the version that users have for the shortest time frame.

This is particularly relevant for Samsung users and others who frequently adopt the latest operating software, as they may quickly transition to the new version.

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