Google Enhances App Installation Speed with Android 16

Google is set to introduce a significant enhancement to the app installation process with the upcoming release of Android 16, aimed particularly at improving the experience for users of low-end smartphones. This update is expected to be available in June.

The new Android 16 will implement a feature known as Cloud Compilation, which promises to accelerate the app installation process. This innovative approach allows certain parts of the installation to be executed in the cloud, thereby streamlining the installation of larger applications from the Google Play Store, especially on devices with limited processing power.

Traditionally, the installation of apps on Android devices relies on the Android Runtime (ART) to run application code. When a new app is downloaded from the Play Store, a tool called 'Dex2oat' is utilized. This tool converts the .dex files contained in the APK (Android Package Kit), which hold the compiled code of the application, into one or more application artifacts. These artifacts are essential for the operating system to load most applications efficiently.

While high-end smartphones can quickly generate these artifacts, devices with weaker processors and slower storage often face bottlenecks during installation, especially with larger apps that contain extensive code and multiple .dex files. The introduction of Cloud Compilation in Android 16 aims to alleviate this issue.

With Cloud Compilation, the Dex2oat process can be bypassed during installation. Instead of generating application artifacts on the device, Android 16 will retrieve them from SDM files downloaded from the Google Play Store. SDM stands for 'Secure Dex Metadata' and represents a new file format that Google is launching with Android 16, containing the necessary cloud compilation artifacts. These files are signed with the same key used to sign the APK, ensuring their integrity.

Currently, the Cloud Compilation feature for incremental app installation is not yet active in the Android 16 Beta version. Experts believe that Google will need to configure the Play Store to generate application artifacts using Dex2oat, which can then be provided alongside APK files during the installation process on devices running Android 16.

As of now, Android 16 is available as a third public beta version for Pixel smartphones, allowing users to test its features ahead of the final release scheduled for June.