Android Ecosystem Embraces 64-bit: 32-bit Apps to Become Legacy

Android Ecosystem Embraces 64-bit: 32-bit Apps to Become LegacyAs technology continuously advances, mobile devices have seen significant performance enhancements. 64-bit architecture CPUs offer notable advantages in terms of performance and efficiency

Android Ecosystem Embraces 64-bit: 32-bit Apps to Become Legacy

As technology continuously advances, mobile devices have seen significant performance enhancements. 64-bit architecture CPUs offer notable advantages in terms of performance and efficiency. To further improve user experience and address future trends, the Android ecosystem is gradually phasing out 32-bit apps and transitioning to 64-bit.

Starting in 2023, Arm architecture CPU cores have mandated 64-bit implementation, phasing out 32-bit instructions. This signifies the entry of mobile devices into the 64-bit era. In 2024, Google further restricted 32-bit apps in Android 15, meaning devices launching with Android 15 from September 2024 onwards will be unable to install or use 32-bit applications.

To ensure a smooth transition, members of the Mobile Intelligent Terminal Ecological Alliance (Golden Standard Alliance), including OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, and Lenovo, have begun to gradually remove 32-bit apps from their app stores. The alliance members will also implement risk warnings for non-listed 32-bit apps, urging developers to complete 64-bit adaptation.

As of September 27th, 2024, the four software stores have achieved a full-scale adaptation rate exceeding 99.54%. However, more than 3,900 (99% off-shelf) key applications impacting daily user life have yet to adapt to 64-bit, a decrease of over 100 from the previous month.

Compared to 32-bit, the 64-bit architecture offers significant advantages, the most direct being enhanced performance. At the same frequency, 64-bit processors can handle 8-byte data, while 32-bit processors can only handle 4-byte data. This translates to faster data processing capabilities for 64-bit processors, resulting in a smoother user experience.

The Mobile Intelligent Terminal Ecological Alliance was established in 2022 by ecosystem software and hardware companies like OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, Baidu, and Tencent, also known as the "Golden Standard Alliance". One of the alliance's primary goals is to drive 64-bit coverage across the Android ecosystem, aiming to eliminate 32-bit systems and applications and create a safer, more stable, and efficient mobile ecosystem for users.

As 64-bit applications become widely adopted, users will enjoy enhanced performance and smoother experiences. This will also further propel advancements in mobile device technology, laying a solid foundation for future technological development.