Android 12 became the first Android version to only support 64-bit builds. However, the OS still had legacy support for 32-bit applications, meaning old games and apps that had been abandoned by their developers could still run.
This, however, could soon change according to Mishaal Rahman who is reporting that the tech giant is working on a 64-bit only version of Android 13 that would first debut with Google’s upcoming Pixel Tablet.
Mishaal Rahman took to his Twitter account with the snippet “Move Tangor to 64 bit only” which he had obtained from Google’s code review resource. Tangor is reportedly the codename for the upcoming Pixel Tablet
The Pixel Tablet was announced by Google back in May, with a release date slated for early next year. Google has touted big things for the tablet, which is their first in a number of years, and the report that it will be running 64-bit-only Android 13, will only add to the excitement.
Running a 64-bit-only build of Android 13 will reduce RAM usage and also introduce additional security features, but it also has the downside of the tablet not being able to run any 32-bit apps.
Not being able to run 32-bit apps, however, should not be that big of a deal to most users, as Google had already mandated starting in 2019 that all apps submitted to the Play Store should have 64-bit versions.
iOS enjoying the benefits of having one manufacturer already made the switch to 64-bit only back in 2017. The transition on the Android side won’t be as smooth with different manufacturers and other moving parts coming into play.
One of the moving parts is China, where Google Play is not a thing. The competing app stores in the Chinese market are not as strict, meaning there are significantly more 32-bit apps that have not been phased out.
This issue however is being worked on with the five biggest players in the Chinese space; Alibaba, Baidu, Oppo, Tencent and Xiaomi agreeing to ban 32-bit only apps by the end of August.
Despite the agreement, there is still the matter of apps that come bundled with OEM custom skins not being tied to the 64-bit only requirements
iOS’s switch to 64-bit-only had the consequence of long abandoned games being unplayable. This will likely be the case for the Pixel Tablet, however, if you still have older smartphones around, the games will still be playable there.
Rahmaan still found another commit that indicates 64-bit only will be a regular feature of Android 14 which likely means that the Pixel Tablet will be used as a test run to see how it is received by the public. If it goes well, the rollout will be extended to other devices and form factors.
