Android devices that support 64-bit apps typically support legacy 32-bit ones, too. But this time, Google opted out of offering that option. The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the first ones to support 64-bit apps exclusively. According to the company, dropping support for 32-bit apps allow these phones to reduce RAM usage and boost performance and security. Google believes the Android ecosystem is ready for this transition and expects other devices to follow suit in the future.
Google says this configuration is faster because 64-bit apps can access instructions and resources that 32-bit apps can't. It claims modern CPUs can offer up to 25% faster performance when 32-bit support is dropped. And it frees up 150MB of RAM, which 32-bit apps use whether they're running or not. Google encourages developers to start testing apps and updates for 64-bit-only devices. It offers developer tools for testing compatibility issues with the new configuration. Meanwhile, 32-bit-only devices will continue to serve Android Go, Android TV, and Android Wear.