It’s likely to boost speed, but you shouldn’t even notice it.
In a shift that’s both technically noteworthy and largely unnoticed by the average user, Google has revealed that effective November 1, 2025, all newly developed Android applications and updates that target Android 15 or later will be required to accommodate 16KB memory page sizes. While it may seem like a small adjustment, it marks a significant advancement in the evolution of Android—aimed at enhancing your device’s speed, efficiency, and future readiness.
To grasp the significance of this alteration, it’s beneficial to understand the basics of how memory operates in your mobile device. Each processor contains a Memory Management Unit (MMU) which governs the storage and retrieval of data within RAM. This is accomplished by segmenting memory into portions known as “pages.” These pages are akin to compartments in a storage facility, and the MMU tracks the location of each item.
At present, Android utilizes 4KB page sizes, meaning each memory block measures 4 kilobytes. Transitioning to 16KB pages effectively enlarges each block fourfold. This minimizes the frequency with which the MMU needs to locate data, leading to quicker performance and lower system overhead.
As per Google, the transition to 16KB page sizes is aimed at enhancing performance and readying Android for the next generation of technology. With mobile processors advancing in capability and app requirements growing, the system must optimize its memory management.
Anticipated advantages include:
In summary: nothing for you to fret about. This is among those behind-the-curtain adjustments that developers and hardware creators focus on, but end users will simply enjoy the improvements without needing to delve into the details.
Think of it in the same vein as when Android mandated applications to be compatible with 64-bit processors. That was significant for developers and contributed to Android’s modernization; yet, most users never experienced a noticeable change. The same applies here—though this time, you may indeed sense your device operating a touch more responsively.
Android-powered devices are gaining more power, and the operating system must keep pace. Embracing larger page sizes ensures that Android remains efficient and scalable as hardware continues to advance. This also hints at the gradual phase-out of support for older, less efficient devices—such as those limited to 2GB of RAM, which are becoming increasingly outdated.
Beginning November 1, 2025, all newly created applications and updates submitted to the Google Play Store must accommodate 16KB page sizes if they are aimed at Android 15 or newer. Consequently, developers will need to test their applications on devices equipped with this memory arrangement and confirm compatibility. Google has made available resources and tools to assist with this transition.
This update is part of a larger movement towards modernizing Android. From raising minimum storage standards to refining update processes, Google is ensuring that Android is poised for the forthcoming wave of mobile advancements. While these adjustments might not take center stage in news headlines, they play a vital role in keeping the platform fast, secure, and competitive.
You don’t need to grasp the intricacies of memory page sizes to understand their impact. By transitioning to 16KB pages, Android is paving the way for smoother performance, improved battery longevity, and enhanced app interactions—all without you having to lift a finger. So the next time your device launches an app a bit faster or powers up more swiftly, you’ll
