Android: Google will implement 64-bit apps on Play Store

Starting this January 2019, Google is providing documentation for developers to migrate their Android apps to 64-bit. From August 2019, Google will require all new apps and app updates to be 64-bit, with some exceptions. There will be no more delays to developers from 2021.

From 2017, Google started to invite developers to port their applications to 64 bits, especially since Android 5.0 Lollipop the operating system is compatible with this architecture. In recent years, most new devices, whether mid-range or high-end smartphones, come with 64-bit processors. Besides supporting 64-bit applications, they also provide 32-bit compatibility.

This means that an application offered as 32-bit will work normally on 64-bit smartphones. However, as of August 1, 2019, the Play Store, Along with updates, new apps also offer 64-bit version. For Google, this will lead to significantly better performance on devices that support this architecture.

Also read : 32-bit and 64-bit smartphones: what’s the difference?

Android will definitely prefer 64-bit apps

Apple has made the leap since June 2017 and requires all developers to offer the 64-bit version of their apps on the App Store knowing that iOS has been compatible with this architecture since version 7 released in 2013. About 4 years to get up to speed. Google has given them more time, but will start restricting 32-bit apps in the Play Store from August 1, 2019.

Concretely, it’s about forcing all new apps and updates to provide 64-bit versions in addition to the 32-bit versions when they’re released on the Google Play Store. Some exceptions will be accepted on this date. These are the Wear OS and Android TV apps, as well as games using the Unity 5.6 engine or earlier.

From August 2021, the Play Store will stop accepting (without exception) all apps that do not offer a version compatible with 64-bit architecture. This means that these apps will no longer be available in the Play Store for devices with 64-bit processors. However, Google explains that distribution of 32-bit applications will continue for older devices with a 32-bit chip.