Android 16 could boost app installation via cloud compilation

Android 16 can make app installation faster than ever using the new cloud compilation feature. The new technique avoids the unnecessary usage of certain tools while installing an application and makes the overall process smoother.

Google is reportedly working on a new feature called cloud compilation for Android 16. This addition aims to speed up new app installs on even low-end devices.

While many flagship handsets easily install apps, some entry-level phones lack this capability due to a weaker chipset. But cloud compilation can play wonders.

Cloud compilation enables app artifacts to load via the files downloaded from the Google Play Store rather than pushing the device to generate them itself.

App artifacts refer to any data or files produced during the creation or use of an application, including codes, logs, configuration files, and more. The Android OS uses dex2oat to install an app’s APK files that contain the app’s compiled bytecode.

It further generates one or more app artifacts, which helps the OS to load the app faster and more efficiently. Entry-level phones often take time when dealing with APKs that consist of various .dex files. Though Android 16 can solve this issue.

Cloud compilation can avoid the requirement of dex2oat in app installation. It can pull artifacts from SDM (Secure Dex Metadata) files from the Google Play Store. The feature isn’t official yet, as Google is verifying the Play Store to these app artifacts via dex2oat and rolling them alongside APK files at times of installation.

Android 16 could boost app installation via cloud compilation (Image Credits: AndroidAuthority)

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