Android developers are being urged to prepare for a pivotal enhancement to the ecosystem: the adoption of a 16 KB memory page size. This upgrade promises significant benefits, with performance gains of 5–10% across apps and games.
While the transition represents a vital step forward in the evolution of Android, developers must take proactive measures to ensure compatibility with the new architecture.
For developers looking to test their apps on 16 KB-enabled devices, Google has introduced this functionality as a developer option on its latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 handsets. Moreover, additional support from Android OEMs – including Samsung, Xiaomi, and vivo – is on the horizon.
The move signals a clear roadmap for the platform’s future, as Google notes that devices featuring the new memory page size architecture will launch in roughly two years. To ease the transition, comprehensive instructions and resources have been provided by the platform’s engineering team to assist developers in updating their apps.
Preparing for Android’s 16 KB era
Developers creating apps with native code must embrace some changes, but rest assured, this is a far smoother process compared to Android’s previous transition from 32-bit to 64-bit architecture.
For developers who rely solely on Kotlin or Java, there’s good news: apps written entirely in those languages, with no native code dependencies, will function as-is.
However, for app creators working with native code, or those building SDKs and libraries, some groundwork is required:
- For SDK developers
SDK and library developers are encouraged to ensure their solutions are fully compatible with 16 KB memory page sizes. Early testing will help third-party app developers implement necessary updates to their projects sooner. Registering for the Play SDK Console is strongly recommended to stay informed about future platform shifts.
- For app developers without native code
As mentioned earlier, Android apps free from native code stand to benefit immediately. No rebuilding is needed—just simple testing to ensure everything works as expected on 16 KB page-size devices.
- For app developers using native code
Apps integrating native code must be carefully assessed and rebuilt to align with the new configuration. Here’s a three-step guide:
- Upgrade your tools: Begin by using Android Gradle Plugin (AGP) version 8.5.1 or later. These newer versions are optimised for 16 KB page size configuration when building APK files and App Bundles.
- Align native code: Ensure your native code is compiled using NDK version r28 or a later release. Any hardcoded references to `PAGE_SIZE` should also be removed to avoid compatibility issues.
- Update SDKs and libraries: Review all external SDKs and libraries employed by your app. Check for updates that support the 16 KB page-size formatting, and reach out to the respective developers if needed.
Testing remains crucial throughout the process to ensure your app’s smooth operation on future Android devices.
Testing for Android 16 KB memory page compatibility
Google has made it relatively simple to validate your work for 16 KB compatibility. Developers should use emulators or virtual devices running with 16 KB memory page size configurations alongside regular 4 KB tests.
For hands-on testing, you can leverage physical devices such as the Pixel 8/8 Pro (receiving support starting with Android 15 QPR1) and future Pixel 9 models (starting with Android 15 QPR2 Beta 2). In the coming months, additional devices from other OEMs like Samsung will provide similar options.
By preemptively ensuring that your app does not hardcode any assumptions around the page size of memory (e.g., static reliance on a 4 KB size), compatibility issues across the new architecture will be mitigated.
Preparing today for tomorrow’s Android
The decision to adopt a 16 KB memory page size lays the groundwork for broad advancements within the Android ecosystem. The immediate benefits include faster runtime performance and greater efficiency in handling memory resources, which will directly result in smoother, richer user experiences.
Long-term, this shift represents a critical step toward unlocking further innovations in mobile software development—all while continuing to support the growing demand for higher-performance apps and games.
Google has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring developers have access to the resources and guidance needed throughout this transition. Staying prepared is key, and by adopting these practices early, developers can ensure their apps remain competitive on next-generation Android devices.
The Android team encourages developers across the board to waste no time in beginning the testing and updating process. With the transition expected to begin in earnest over the next few years, getting your app ready now ensures you’re not caught off guard.
See also: 2024 Developer Ecosystem: Shedding AI fears, improving DevEx
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Tags: android, coding, Developers, development, google, memory page, programming