Google has ended support for 32-bit apps on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, which were the first Android devices to go exclusively to 64-bit. This solution, according to the company, reduces memory usage, improves device performance and security. Over time, this practice will become common for Android, as the ecosystem is ready for the transition.
The rejection of 32-bit code required many changes to the system, various tools, services and applications. Work in this direction began in 2014. In 2017, Google announced changes to its policy, and in 2019, it required developers to support 64-bit versions of apps on Google Play. The search giant believes that 64-bit applications run faster because they have access to extra registers and instructions that 32-bit versions can’t. In addition, new processors provide up to 25% performance increase when executing 64-bit code, and in some models, manufacturers completely refuse to support 32-bit code.
This should also improve security. A larger address space makes protections such as ASLR more effective and can also be used to protect the integrity of the control flow. Such measures reduce the likelihood that an attacker will gain control of the device. Removing support for 32-bit code saves up to 150 MB of RAM, which is used by the operating system, even when 32-bit applications are not running. This results in fewer out-of-memory cases, which means fewer background app freezes and closes. In addition, developers have access to more advanced tools such as HWASan to detect memory errors and improve application stability.
32-bit devices will continue to be essential for platforms like Android Go, Android TV, and Android Wear. Only for them, Google Play will continue to support 32-bit applications.
Source: Trash Box
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