Android 16 is on the verge of enhancing app installation speeds with its new “cloud compilation” feature. This innovation offloads parts of the installation process to the cloud, which is expected to result in faster app installations, particularly on lower-end devices. Users will have to wait until around June for the Android 16 release to see the effectiveness of this feature.

App installation times can vary significantly depending on the size and complexity of the application. With the upcoming Android 16 update, Google aims to reduce this waiting time through its cloud compilation feature. According to reports, this feature allows parts of the app installation process to be handled in the cloud rather than entirely on the device.

For those unfamiliar with the technicalities, cloud compilation involves downloading application artifacts via the Google Play Store. It makes the installation process quicker, especially for less powerful devices that may struggle with resource-intensive tasks. In traditional app installation, Android utilizes a tool called dex2oat to convert the app’s code into so-called “application artifacts,” which aid in faster app performance.

These artifacts include various file types, such as .vdex, .odex, and .art files, each serving a specific purpose for optimizing app launches. While high-end devices like the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra can quickly generate these artifacts, lower-end smartphones may encounter delays. As of now, since the feature is not yet live and Android 16 has not been officially launched, its impact on installation speeds remains uncertain but appears promising.

Moreover, Google’s strategy for Android 16 differs from previous versions; it is set to be released earlier in the year, around June. This change gives manufacturers more time to prepare before the end of the year, and additional details about Android 16 are expected during Google I/O in May.