Google is giving developers two years to bring their Android TV and Google TV apps up to speed: by August 2026, all apps on these platforms must include 64-bit support. The move aligns TV app development with a policy Google introduced for Android mobile apps back in 2019, marking another step toward fully phasing out older 32-bit software.
Why 64-Bit Matters for TV Apps
For users, this change translates to faster load times, smoother navigation, and better overall performance on streaming devices and smart TVs. For developers, it means maintaining both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of their apps for now—at least until older hardware ages out of the market.
Newer devices are already shifting toward Android 15 and higher, which require optimizations for 16KB memory pages. This not only helps apps run more efficiently but also ensures compatibility with upcoming hardware that drops legacy 32-bit support.
The End of 32-Bit? Not Quite.
Google isn’t pulling 32-bit apps from the Play Store just yet; they’ll remain available for older TVs and set-top boxes. But the writing is on the wall: 64-bit is the future, and developers who lag behind risk leaving users with sluggish, outdated experiences.
Interestingly, Google’s documentation suggests that this shift could reduce RAM requirements on Android TV devices, potentially lowering costs for manufacturers. However, that trade-off might come with some performance adjustments for low-end hardware.
The Bigger Picture
This deadline isn’t just about squeezing more speed from apps; it’s about future-proofing the Android TV ecosystem. As streaming devices get more powerful and demand higher-quality content playback, the leap to 64-bit architecture will help developers build more capable apps without worrying about compatibility bottlenecks.
For developers, the takeaway is simple: start optimizing now. August 2026 may feel far off, but TV app updates typically lag behind mobile development, and the transition could be more complex than it looks.
