Android 15 May Stop Supporting Several Apps, Here’s Why

Google’s upcoming Android 15 is expected to bring significant changes, including changes in the minimum requirements for apps, according to reports. With the release of Android 15 Developer Preview 2 on March 21, several new features were unveiled, hinting at the direction of the next-generation operating system for Android devices, expected to launch in the latter half of 2024.

A report by Android Police highlighted that the software development kit (SDK) requirement has been elevated to a higher version with the Android 15 update. This adjustment signifies Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance features and security parameters within the Android ecosystem. Developers are now facing an updated requirement, as the Android 15 DP2 build mandates apps to target SDK version 24, equivalent to Android 7.1, instead of the previous Android 6.0-based SDK 23.

This change in requirements was underscored when attempting to install apps that hadn’t adapted to the new SDK version. While devices running Android 14 could easily install and run such apps, those powered by Android 15 DP2, like the Google Pixel 8 Pro, encountered errors such as “INSTALL_FAILED_DEPRECATED_SDK_VERSION.” Even attempting to sideload the app prompted warnings of safety concerns, with the “Install anyway” option proving ineffective.

These findings suggest that apps targeting the outdated Android 6.0 SDK are likely to face compatibility issues once Android 15 is globally released. It’s important to note that many developers have already transitioned their apps to adhere to the latest Android standards, minimizing the potential impact of this change.