Android 15 could refuse to install certain apps

Android 15, which will debut later in 2024, could block the installation of certain apps.

The mobile operating system internally named “Vanilla Ice Cream” is already here via the first and second developer previews (DP1 and DP2) which were released on February 16 and March 21, respectively. The second developer version (DP2) was released on March 21, 2024.

Right now – on Android 14 – you can run apps that “target” at least Android 6.0. Why Android 6.0? Well, because Android 6.0 introduced a significant change to app permissions, marking a pivotal moment for user privacy. Before Android 6.0, users granted permissions to apps at install time.

This meant that if an app listed certain permissions in its manifest (like access to your contacts, location, or storage), agreeing to install the app meant you automatically agreed to all of those permissions. Users were not fully aware of what they were agreeing to or the implications of these permissions, since all permissions were granted in advance, without context or understanding of how they would be used.

With Android 6.0 (codenamed: Marshmallow), Google took a more user-friendly and privacy-focused approach by introducing runtime permissions. This change meant that instead of granting all permissions at once when installing the app, users would be prompted to grant permissions individually, in context, when the app actually needed it. 'use this specific feature.

For example, if a photo app wants to access your device's camera, it will only ask for permission when you try to take a photo in the app, not at installation time.

Let’s move on to the next question: what is “targeting”? In Android app development, “targeting” means telling your app which version of Android it is specifically designed to work best with.

By targeting Android 6.0, you ensure that your app is compatible with devices running Android 6.0 and later. This does not prevent the app from working on newer Android versions, but it does indicate that you have tested your app and confirmed that it works smoothly on Android 6.0.

Android Font reports that Android 15 ends apps designed for Android Marshmallow, meaning it won't allow users to install apps meant for Android 6.0.

Now the new bar is Android 7.0, aka Android Nougat:

In reality, you should be content with your current applications on Android 15.