For Android 15 and newer: Google raises storage rules for apps in the Play Store

Google is raising the mandatory storage requirements for apps in the Play Store for developers. From November 1, 2025, Google will require 16 Kbyte memory pages for apps running Android 15 and newer.

Google has announced an important change for the submission of Android apps to the Play Store. For new apps and app updates from Android 15 or newer, the long-standing standard of 4 KByte storage pages – 16 KByte will become the new standard from November 1.

Play Store: Google makes larger storage pages for apps and games the standard

Even before the release of Android 15, Google had already pointed out the increase in memory pages. The change enables the operating system to manage memory more efficiently, which should lead to noticeable performance increases of 5 to 10 percent – for both apps and games.

According to the company, the new requirement is the result of efforts to modernize Android's memory management as RAM capacities continue to increase. Newer devices, such as the Pixel 8 and 9, already support this configuration; it simply needs to be activated in the developer settings. According to Google, Samsung Galaxy devices will soon offer similar support, as will models from Xiaomi, Vivo and other Android OEMs.

According to Google, the larger page size brings some advantages: System startup is said to be 8 percent faster, apps up to 30 percent faster and the camera 6.6 percent faster to open. The manufacturer also claims 4.5 percent more battery life.

Google: less development effort than when switching from 32 to 64 bit

According to Google, no adjustments are required for apps without native code. Developers who use native libraries or SDKs may have to update their applications. Apps based on native code must be recompiled with updated toolchains. The company also recommends that all applications should be checked for compatibility with the new memory page size. Google has compiled a guide "Support 16 KB page sizes" for developers.

The company also explains that popular SDK providers such as React Native and Flutter already support 16 KB memory pages. Game engines such as Unity also offer support for 16 KB; support for the Unreal Engine is expected to be available soon. Developers can use the Play Console's App-Bundle-Explorer to check whether their apps already support 16 KB. Google also recommends testing apps in a 16 KByte environment.

(afl)