Android users hoping to upgrade to Android 15 will need to make sure their phone has enough storage. According to a confidential GMS Requirements document uncovered by Android Authority, Google now requires at least 32GB of storage for any device running Android 15.
This minimum applies whether you’re buying a brand-new phone with Android 15 preinstalled or updating your current device. It’s a notable shift—and a clear signal that Google wants Android to run only on phones that can handle it.
What Was the Previous Storage Requirement?
Before Android 15, the minimum requirement was just 16GB of storage. That rule came in with Android 13 back in 2022. Android 12, which launched earlier, only required 8GB.
So, Android 15 is doubling the minimum from 16GB to 32GB.
Why the jump? It’s mostly about ensuring smoother performance and better user experience. With more storage, there’s more room for apps, updates, and the files users create every day.
Why Is This Requirement Important?
Phones with 8GB or 16GB of space often struggle. They can barely fit system apps, user data, and updates—let alone extra games, photos, or videos. When the storage runs low, performance tanks. Apps crash. Phones slow down. It’s frustrating.
Google seems to be trying to avoid that. With 32GB, devices have more breathing room. But here’s the catch: about 75% of that storage must be reserved for the data partition. That’s the section of the phone where system apps, app data, and user files are stored.
So even with 32GB, it’s easy to hit limits fast, especially with big games or media-heavy apps. Still, it’s a better baseline than what older phones had to work with.
Can Google Really Enforce This?
Technically, no. Google can’t stop a phone maker from putting Android 15 on a device with less than 32GB. But there’s a twist.
If a manufacturer wants to include Google Mobile Services (GMS)—which includes Google Search, Chrome, Gmail, YouTube, the Play Store, and other essential apps—they must follow Google’s rules.
That’s how Google can enforce this requirement. Want to sell a phone with full access to Google’s apps? You’ll need at least 32GB of storage. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck with the barebones Android Open Source Project (AOSP) version of the OS, with no Google apps.
Will This Affect Many Phones?
In short, yes, but mostly older or super-budget models. A quick Amazon search shows nearly 800 Android phones still listing storage options like 4GB, 8GB, or 16GB. While some may be outdated listings or miscategorized, that’s still a lot of devices that don’t meet the new standard.
That said, most new Android phones today ship with 128GB or more, so this new rule won’t be a problem for the majority of users. Still, anyone using an old phone or thinking about buying a very cheap model should take note.
What Does This Mean for Android Users?
If you’re on a phone with 32GB or more, great! You’re likely ready for Android 15. But if you’re using a device with 16GB or less, this might be the end of the road. Not only are these phones unlikely to get Android 15, but they now officially don’t meet the storage standards Google has set.
This change is one more way Google is nudging people toward newer phones. If you want the latest features, updates, and security patches, you’ll need modern hardware to match.
