Google requires USB-PD, DigitalWellbeing/Family link support and Android 10 for devices certified after 31st January 2020

XDA-developers.com got a copy of Google’s newest GMS Requirements document that defines requirements for Android manufacturers that they have to fulfill if they want to use Android with Google services.

One of the best requirements Google will have for Android vendors starting February 2020 is that their devices must come with Android 10. Google will stop approving Android 9 Pie devices from that point in the future. This is another attempt to reduce the fragmentation in the Android ecosystem. The last official data from Google for May show that only 10% devices run Android 9 Pie, and that’s around 7 months after Pie was officially launched. For the record, all Nokia smartphones, except Nokia 2, run Android 9 Pie.

Another requirement is that from September 2019 all devices that want to pass Google certification have to come with Digital Wellbeing and Parental control – be it “the” Digital Wellbeing from Google or custom made from the vendor. The same applies to parental control.

Google also requires Android vendors that their devices USB Type C have to support USB-PD. USB-PD or USB Power delivery is an open fast-charging standard that can theoretically deliver 100W of power. A lot of vendors have custom solutions for fast-charging and it’s hard to find a compatible fast charger that’s not from your phone maker. Requiring USB-PD compatibility is a great thing for consumers.

You can learn more details about Google’s new GMS Requirements document at XDA here, here and here.