Google is set to start the transition of applications from 32-bit to 64-bit on its television platform, Google TV and Android TV, which will enhance performance, decrease app loading times, and offer additional advantages. This announcement was made on August 21 for Android app developers: “In line with other Android devices, Google TV and Android TV will soon enable 64-bit app compatibility. These applications will provide better performance, quicker launch times, and a refreshed viewing experience on upcoming 64-bit Google TV and Android TV devices,” stated Fahad Durrani, product manager for Google TV.
Google TV and Android TV will require 64-bit app compatibility starting in August 2026, meaning new apps and updates to existing ones will need to support both 32-bit and 64-bit ARM versions a year from now. Google noted that the move is in preparation for “upcoming 64-bit TV devices,” possibly hinting at the launch of an updated Google TV Streamer in 2026.
The move from 32-bit to 64-bit apps will provide better performance, lower latency, and reduced load times for a number of reasons. It will allow apps to use more RAM and will bring improvements to 4K and 8K video and AI technologies.
This is a gradual transition, and Google will maintain compatibility with 32-bit apps, so users of older devices can rest easy for now. “ We are not making any changes to support 32-bit apps, and Google Play will continue to ship them on 32-bit devices. The 64-bit requirement means that apps with 32-bit native code will also need to have a 64-bit version, ” explained Fahad Durrani .
Google has confirmed that the Nvidia Shield TV boxes (models P2571, P2897, and P2897) support both 32-bit and 64-bit apps, allowing developers to begin testing their apps now. For Nvidia Shield users, 64-bit apps could bring performance gains as early as next year. Google will also release a 64-bit Google TV emulator for macOS devices with Apple Silicon so developers can test their apps.
As a reminder, Apple began the transition to 64-bit apps in the Apple TV set-top box in 2015 with the launch of Apple TV HD and completely removed 32-bit support in late 2019 with the release of tvOS 13.
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