All Android devices that support 64-bit apps have also supported legacy 32-bit apps. In the Android Developers Blog, Google confirms that the Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the first Android phones to exclusively support 64-bit apps.
Google explains there are a few benefits to dropping support for 32-bit apps. Not only does it reduce RAM usage, but it also improves performance and security. Google expects that over time, devices without support for 32-bit apps will be increasingly common. Google made the move with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro because it believes the Android ecosystem is ready to make the transition.
Google Pixel 7 Pro and Google Pixel 7
According to Google, this configuration is faster because 64-bit apps can access instruction and resources not available to 32-bit apps. It also claims that modern CPUs can provide up to 25% faster performance when 32-bit support is dropped. Plus, this configuration can free up 150MB of RAM – which is used whether 32-bit apps are running or not.
Developers are encouraged to begin testing apps and updates for 64-bit-only devices. There are developer tools already available for testing compatibility issues with the new configuration.
Google reminds us that 32-bit only devices will continue to serve Android Go, Android TV, and Android Wear and that 32-bit ABIs should continue to be supported.
