Android
Google announced several new changes and policies to Android developers for better app security and performance on Google Play.
According to Android, for ensuring security and build up the performance of the Android platform, Google implementing some changes that are designed to promote a positive experience to users who like discovering and installing apps and games from the Play Store.
Android devices won’t be supporting 32-bit apps
The changes include the transition of developers from using 32-bit architecture to 64-bit architecture for their apps. The goal is to push developers to hold 64-bit architecture since future Android devices won’t be supporting 32-bit apps at all.
Android product manager Edward Cunningham says, the Play Console will require new apps and app updates that are run on devices without 32-bit support. The 32-bit apps will need to have a 64-bit either within the same APK or multiple APKs. Apps that do not include native code are unaffected.
Earlier this year, Apple has already taken this process with the introduction of iOS 11. When iPhones upgrading to iOS 11 older 32-bit apps will not working. After announcing, nearly 200,000 32-bit apps outdated with iOS 11.
With this, the play store could become a not supporting 32-bit apps. These new policies cover what API levels to target and a new 64-bit requirement. In 2019, Android apps will have to support 64-bit code.
Currently, 40 percent of Android devices support 64-bit code and still suitable with 32-bit apps. However, Google expects all Android devices to only accommodate 64-bit apps in the future.
From August 2019, Google Play will require their new apps and app updates have 64-bit versions on top of 32-bit versions. Also, Google adds a security metadata on each APK for verifying app authenticity.
With this application, the Android and Play ecosystem will continue to boom in 2018 and the years to come.
