Summary

  • Google requires apps for Android 15+ to support 16 KB memory pages for faster performance.
  • New apps must follow the new memory standard by November 1, 2025.
  • Developers using native code need to update libraries and test compatibility, while Play Console can help check app readiness.

Google announced a major change to its Android app submission rules. New apps and updates for

Android
15 or higher can no longer coast by on the long-standing 4 KB memory standard.

Beginning November 1, 2025, these apps will be required to support 16 KB memory page sizes (via 9to5Google). This new requirement stems from Google’s efforts to modernize Android’s memory handling as RAM capacities continue to increase. Newer devices, such as the Pixel 9, already support this configuration.

What 16 KB memory pages mean for developers

A screenshot of the developer options menu in Android with an option to Boot with 16 KB page size.

Source: 9to5Google

Android uses a memory management system that relies on dividing memory into fixed-size pages. These have been 4 KB each up until now. New devices with more RAM are adopting 16 KB pages to reduce overhead, so it makes sense for Google to shift the rules in that direction. Google says the larger page size means faster app launches and other improvements, including:

  • 8% quicker system boot-up.
  • 4.5% battery life gain.
  • 30% snappier app launch.
  • 6.6% faster camera launch.

Apps that don’t use native code won’t require any changes. Those using native libraries or SDKs will probably need to update them, while apps built on native code will have to recompile using updated toolchains. All apps should be checked for compatibility with the new memory page size.

Google's App Bundle Explorer indicating an app supports 16 KB page size.

Source: Android Developers Blog

Developers can check their apps’ readiness using the Play Console’s App Bundle Explorer. They should also test on real devices that support 16 KB pages to ensure smooth performance and compatibility.

November 1st is the big deadline for compliance

Google has set November 1 as the deadline for the switch to 16 KB memory page sizes. Most of the popular apps are already compatible with this change, especially those built on frameworks such as Flutter or React Native. Unity is supported. Unreal Engine is expected to follow but there has been no announcement yet. Google recommends developers start evaluating their dependencies now to avoid last-minute issues.

The adjustment should be relatively minor for developers. However, the performance benefits for users could be substantial, especially as

Android
hardware keeps getting better and better.

Google Gemini prompt displayed on a phone sitting on a green patterned background