Android developers have less than two months left to make their apps compatible with Google Play’s new requirement for 16 KB memory page sizes. Starting November 1, 2025, all new apps and updates to existing apps that target Android 15 or newer must support the larger page size in order to be accepted on the Google Play Store.
Historically, Android devices have relied on 4 KB memory pages. But as manufacturers ship devices with larger amounts of RAM, Android 15 introduces support for 16 KB pages to improve performance and efficiency. Google says the shift delivers measurable gains, including app launches up to 30% faster, average battery improvements of 4.5%, quicker camera startups, and system boot times reduced by around 8%.
The company first flagged the upcoming change in a May 2025 blog post, urging developers to prepare early. With the deadline now weeks away, this is a reminder to Android devs that apps that are not updated may fail to run correctly on newer 64-bit devices or even older devices updating to Android 15.
Most apps are expected to require minimal changes. Apps without native code should already work without modification, while apps using SDKs or libraries that include native code may simply need to be updated to newer versions. Developers with custom native code will need to recompile using recent toolchains and ensure their code handles the larger memory pages correctly.
To simplify the process, the App Bundle Explorer in Google Play Console now shows whether an app build supports 16 KB pages, offering developers a clear compliance check. Google also recommends testing apps directly in a 16 KB environment to ensure stable performance before submission.
The transition aligns with Google’s broader strategy to optimize Android for more powerful hardware and deliver smoother experiences across devices. Developers can find full technical guidance in the official documentation.
With the November 1 deadline approaching, developers who have not yet checked their apps for compatibility will need to act quickly to avoid disruption to their release schedules.
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