Hello developers, Google has come up with a new announcement that delivers faster along with rich experience for the users. Are you excited? Even me excited!!! Want to know what actually it is? It’s all about the Android 64-bit version that provides your app with better performance, also creates ways for future innovations. Finally sets you up with the 64-bit device.
Android developers get set ready everything for this Android app 64-bit version. Previously we carried Android 64-bit CPUs since Android version 5.0 Lollipop. In 2017 we first proclaimed that apps developed with native code must provide an Android app 64-bit version in addition to the Android app 32-bit version. And as if now we are providing more details and timeline regarding this 64-bit version in order to make it easy to transit in 2019.
Essential Requirements of the 64-bit version
Statement Google from August 1, 2019:
- When publishing your new apps that include native code to Google Play it’s necessary to provide the 64-bit version in addition to the 32-bit version. Even the apps that are updated need to have the 64-bit version. Make ensure that your app supports 64-bit devices.
- Google Play will accept all the updated apps with the 32-bit version to the existing games only if that use Unity 5.6 or older until August 2021. Update your app to support 64-bit versions
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Statement Google from August 1, 2021:
- From 1 August 2021, Google Play will stop toiling apps without 64-bit versions on the 64-bit capable devices.
- This is applicable for games built with Unity 5.6 or older.
The requirements that don’t support
- APKs or app bundles specifically targeting wear OS or Android TV are the major determinants that currently not support 64-bit version code.
- Unless until the APKs or App bundles are not allocated to the Android devices that run Android 9 pie or later.
Google Play says that it’s not going to change the policy on 32-bit version apps, it will not stop delivering apps that support 32-bit devices. It only says that the apps with 32-bit native code need to have an additional 64-bit version as well. It’s an open statement to make ensure that your Android apps are ready for the 64-bit version requirement.
How to Migrate Android apps to 64-bit version
Every Android developer thinks that converting from 32-bit to 64-bit version is straightforward. Many apps are developed in non-native code such as Java or Kotlin and no need of code changing. No, your assumption is wrong.
Every Android developer should remember certain steps in order to change from 32-bit to 64-bit version.
- Scrutinize your App Bundles or APK for native code. You need to check for . so files that utilize APK Analyzer. Recognise whether they are built from your own code or are imported by SDK or library that you use. If it was recognised that your app doesn’t have .so files in your APK, you are already 64-bit compliant.
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Allow 64-bit architectures and rebuild native code i.e .so files that are imported by your own code.
- If required Upgrade any SDKs and libraries to 64-bit compliant versions.
- Once you’re done with the rebuild of your app then go for the test whether any issues are raised
- Using testing tracks ask your testers for thorough testing.
For Game Developers: Unreal, Cocos2d since 2015 and Unity since 2018 all these engines will support 64-bit version. Migrating a 3rd party game engine is an absolute process which is a time consuming one.
As Unity is a recently started providing 64-bit support in versions 2017.4 and 2018.2, Google has granted an automatic extension to existing games using 5.6 version or older until August 2021. Unity has given pilots that help you through the process of upgrading to a 64-bit compliant version.
To SDK and Library owners: Update for 64-bit version as soon as possible to give app developers time to adapt. It’s a good idea if the developers receive updates about the latest tools and information that can help you serve your customers.
Bottom Line
For those Android app owners that already support the 64-bit version is a good thing and great work. If you haven’t done yet, it’s time to begin work on 64-bit requirement as soon as possible. Google warning both app owners and Android app developers to update their apps or under developing apps to the 64-bit version.
Future Vision
It was surprising news that in the future 64-bit CPUs will come up with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and immersive mobile. 64-bit is preparing the ecosystem for the innovation enabled by the advanced computer abilities of 64-bit devices and also for the future Android devices that only support 64-bit code.
