Until now, Android has used 4KB memory pages to manage how apps store and use data. Starting November 1, Google is moving to 16KB page sizes.

If you have a phone running Android “Vanilla Ice Cream” or higher (released in September 2024), here’s what you need to know.

Why Is Google Making This Change?

Google says the switch to larger memory pages comes with three big benefits:

1. Better Performance – Apps can run 5–10% faster overall.


2. Quicker App Launch Times – Some apps may open up to 30% faster.


3. Improved Battery Life – The new memory system is more efficient, saving around 4–5% battery on average.

What Does This Mean for You?

• If you’re an Android user, you don’t need to do anything! You’ll simply notice smoother performance and slightly better battery life once your phone updates.


• If you’re an app owner or a developer, there are a few important updates you’ll need to make to keep your app running smoothly on devices with the new 16KB page size.

Developer To-Do List

1. Update Android Studio to the latest version.


2. Upgrade your NDK to r28+.


3. Use Android Gradle Plugin (AGP) version 8.5.1 or higher.


4. Uncompressed dependencies are recommended (though compressed ones will still work).


5. Check that all dependencies are compatible with 16KB pages. Note: This depends on each library you use. Developers may need to contact library maintainers.

Once those updates are in place, your app will be fully compatible with Android’s new memory system!

Final Thoughts

Overall, this change is good news for everyone: faster apps, better battery life, and smoother performance across Android devices. Developers just need to make sure their tools are up to date so their apps are ready for the switch on November 1.