Posted by Yacine Rezgui – Developer Relations Engineer, Steven Moreland – Workers Software program Engineer
Android is evolving to ship even sooner, extra performant experiences. One key enchancment is the adoption of a 16 KB reminiscence web page dimension. This alteration permits the working system to handle reminiscence extra effectively, resulting in noticeable efficiency beneficial properties (5-10%) in each apps and video games. We offered an in-depth technical rationalization and highlighted the efficiency enhancements in Including 16 KB Web page Measurement to Android.
That will help you take a look at your app on 16 KB units, this performance is offered as a developer possibility on Google Pixel 8 and 9 units, and Samsung units will quickly supply related assist, in addition to Xiaomi, vivo, and different Android OEMs.
To make sure compatibility with 16 KB units, apps that make the most of native code, both straight or by libraries or SDKs, may require rebuilding. Nonetheless, the transition is considerably simpler than the earlier shift from 32-bit to 64-bit structure. This text will information you thru the required steps to arrange your apps for the upcoming units. The subsequent technology of units is on its approach, with the primary fashions supporting 16 KB web page sizes anticipated to reach in a few years.
Preparing for 16 KB: SDK builders
In the event you develop your individual SDKs and libraries, we encourage you to replace them to be 16 KB web page dimension appropriate and take a look at them on 16 KB units as quickly as attainable. It will give app builders ample time to include the required adjustments. Registering with Play SDK Console is an effective way to make sure you obtain superior notices like these sooner or later and in a well timed method.
Preparing for 16 KB: app builders with no native code
Apps written in and with dependencies solely in Kotlin or the Java programming languages will work as-is!
Preparing for 16 KB: app builders with native code
To verify in case your app has native code, you’ll be able to make the most of instruments like APK Analyzer in Android Studio. Nonetheless, the one approach to make sure app compatibility is to check.
Rebuild your app
To make sure your app works on units with a 16 KB web page dimension, comply with these steps:
1. Improve your instruments: Begin by upgrading to Android Gradle Plugin (AGP) 8.5.1 or larger. These up to date instruments incorporate the required 16 KB web page dimension configuration in your App Bundle and the APKs generated from it utilizing bundletool.
2. Align your native code: In case your app contains native code, use NDK model r28 or larger, or rebuild it with 16 KB web page dimension alignment. You must also be sure that your native code doesn’t depend on or hardcode the worth of PAGE_SIZE.
3. Replace SDKs and libraries: Verify that each one SDKs and libraries utilized in your app are appropriate with 16 KB web page dimension. If obligatory, contact the SDK or library builders for up to date variations.
Take a look at your app in 16 KB mode
To verify your software doesn’t assume the web page dimension to be 4 KB anyplace, take a look at it with a 16 KB web page dimension emulator or digital gadget along with how you’ve gotten been testing (with a 4 KB web page dimension). This helps establish and resolve any compatibility points from the transfer to 16 KB web page sizes. You can even take a look at on bodily units with the developer possibility accessible on Pixel 8, 8a, and eight Professional beginning with the Android 15 QPR1 and Pixel 9, 9 Professional, 9 Professional XL within the Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2, with extra units on the best way.
The Future is Sooner and Extra Environment friendly
The transfer to 16 KB web page dimension advantages the Android ecosystem. It unlocks efficiency enhancements, paves the best way for future improvements, and supplies customers with smoother and richer app experiences.
We’ll proceed to offer updates and assets that will help you by this transition. Begin getting ready your apps at this time to make sure you’re prepared for the way forward for Android!
