Lahore, April 15: Google is shaking up the Android landscape with the upcoming launch of Android 15.
This time, the focus isn’t just on flashy features—it’s on performance-driven hardware requirements that may push lower-end smartphones out of the Google ecosystem altogether.
No More GMS Without 32GB Storage
One of the most significant changes is the increase in the minimum storage requirement for Google Mobile Services (GMS).
Read more: Google to Replace Assistant with Gemini on Android This Year
To qualify for GMS—which includes vital apps like Gmail, Google Play, YouTube, and Maps—phones must now have at least 32GB of internal storage.
This is a substantial jump from the 16GB minimum enforced during the Android 13 era, and a far cry from the 8GB once deemed sufficient.
Why the change? Because Android 15 dedicates around 75% of the 32GB to system functions, including pre-installed apps, app data, and essential system files.
That leaves little room for anything else unless devices meet or exceed this new threshold.
For users still holding onto smartphones with lower storage, the message is clear: it’s time to upgrade.
While many newer models already come with higher storage by default, entry-level Android phones may no longer make the cut.
Read more: ChatGPT Takes Over as Android’s Default Digital Assistant
RAM Requirements Are Getting Tighter
It’s not just storage—RAM limits are evolving too. Android 15 will continue to support full GMS for devices with at least 4GB of RAM.
However, Google has revealed that starting with Android 16, even 4GB won’t be enough for the standard version of Android. Devices with 4GB will be transitioned to Android Go Edition, the lightweight variant designed for low-spec devices.
Currently, Android Go is required for phones with 2GB or 3GB of RAM, and phones with less than 2GB of RAM won’t get GMS access at all.
This shift sets the stage for 6GB becoming the baseline RAM for full Android in the near future.
The goal? A more stable, smoother, and consistent experience—but at the cost of leaving older and more affordable models behind.
Emergency Contact Sharing Feature Adds Safety Layer
Android 15 isn’t just about hardware. One notable feature being introduced is the Emergency Location Service (ELS).
Users can now choose to share their emergency contact details alongside their real-time location when making an emergency call.
This addition is designed to improve how first responders locate and assist people in urgent situations. While opt-in, it represents Google’s growing focus on personal safety and digital well-being features within the Android ecosystem.
What This Means for You
If you’re using a phone with less than 32GB of storage or under 4GB of RAM, your days of receiving Android updates and full Google app support may be numbered.
While this may seem like bad news for budget phone users, it also signals a commitment to quality, performance, and smoother updates across the Android ecosystem.
As Android 15 nears release and Android 16 waits just around the corner, now is the right time for users to review their device specs—and for manufacturers to raise the bar on entry-level smartphones.
Stay with us for more updates on Android 15, upcoming features, device eligibility, and everything else that’s reshaping the mobile experience in 2025.
