> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://myben.gitbook.io/ben-platform/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://myben.gitbook.io/ben-platform/sdlc/development/dev-tools/about-vulkan-on-android.md).

# About Vulkan on Android

* Introduced with Android 7.0 (API 24): This means that devices running Android 8.0+ *can* support Vulkan.
* Not Mandatory until Later: Historically, Vulkan support was *optional* for Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD) compliance. Devices were only "STRONGLY RECOMMENDED" to support it if they supported OpenGL ES 3.0 or 3.1.
* Current Status & Future:
  * Android 10 (API 29) onwards, Vulkan 1.1 support became a *requirement* for new 64-bit Android devices. This significantly boosted its baseline adoption on newer hardware.
  * Google has declared Vulkan the official graphics API for Android, with a full requirement coming into effect with Android 17. 
  * Current "Active Device" Market Share: As of mid-2025 devices running Android 10 and newer make up a substantial majority of the active Android device base. <sup>Source: Statcounter Global Stats, June 2025 -</sup> <sup></sup><sup>*Note: These are overall OS versions, not direct Vulkan support percentages.*</sup>
    * Android 14: \~25%
    * Android 15: \~21%
    * Android 13: \~17%
    * Android 12: \~12%
    * Android 11: \~10%
    * Android 10: \~5%