Google will start the transition from 32-bit to 64-bit apps on its TV platform – Google TV and Android TV – which will improve performance, shorten app loading times, and more.
The news was announced on August 21 to Android app developers:
- "Following other Android form factors, Google TV and Android TV devices will soon support 64-bit app compatibility. 64-bit apps will offer improved performance, shorter start times, and new viewing experiences on upcoming 64-bit Google TV and Android TV devices," announced Fahad Durrani, Product Management, Google TV.
Starting August 2026
Google TV and Android TV will require 64-bit app compatibility starting August 2026, meaning that new apps as well as updates to existing apps must be submitted with both 32-bit and 64-bit ARM support one year from now.
Google said that the move is in preparation for "upcoming 64-bit TV devices", possibly hinting at a 2026 launch of an upgraded Google TV Streamer.
Moving from 32-bit to 64-bit apps will provide improved performance, lower lag and shorter loading times due to a number of reasons. It will enable apps to utilize more RAM and bring improvements for 4K, 8K and AI.
64-bit apps will make Google TV feel faster. Photo: Google
32-bit will stay for now
It is a transition and Google will keep 32-bit compatibility for now, meaning that users with older devices are safe for the time being.
- "We’re not making any changes to 32-bit support, and Google Play will continue to deliver apps to 32-bit devices. The 64-bit requirement means that apps with 32-bit native code will need a 64-bit version as well," explained Fahad Durrani.
Nvidia Shield supports 64-bit
Google confirmed that the Nvidia Shield boxes (models P2571, P2897, and P2897) support both 32-bit and 64-bit for developers to start testing their apps. For Nvidia Shield users, 64-bit apps could improve performance next year.
Google will also release a 64-bit Google TV emulator for macOS devices with Apple Silicon for developers to test their apps.
Apple TV started the transition to 64-bit apps in 2015 with the launch of the Apple TV HD and fully removed 32-bit support in late 2019 with the release of tvOS 13.
- Source: Google
