It should be known that installing heavily outdated applications is a security risk. This also applies to applications that are compatible with older versions of Android. Android currently does not allow you to install apps made for Android 5 (Lollipop) or earlier. However, according to a new report, it appears that Android 15 won’t let you install apps made for Android 6 (Marshmallow).
We’re revealing more information about Android 15 right now. If you’re curious, you can check out our roundup of some of the most exciting features coming with Android 15. The beta for the latest version of Android will be released eventually, so more people can try out these exciting features.
Android 15 may not allow you to install Android 6 apps
This is a change aimed at making Android devices more secure. Older versions of Android have less stringent security requirements. This means that it is easier for malicious app developers to create apps that can harm or infiltrate your system. So forcing companies to build apps targeting newer versions of Android with tighter security protocols helps mitigate that risk.
As it stands, Android 14 doesn’t allow users to install apps targeting SDK version 22, also known as Android 5 lollipop. The company chose Android 5 because Android 6 brought a game-changing security feature.
Well, it seems the company is tightening its belt even more. Using the latest Android 15 developer preview, Android engineer Mishaal Rahmen tried to install an app intended for Android 6. However, it was blocked. He then tried to install that same app on a phone running Android 14 and it installed.
So it looks like Android 15 will no longer allow you to download apps targeting Android 6. This is a move that will encourage developers to update their apps if they haven’t been updated in years.
If you plan to sideload apps from older versions of Android, you’re out of luck. This change also applies to side-loaded apps.