application artifacts

Android 16 introduces a feature called cloud compilation, which enhances app installation speed by shifting the compilation process from the device to the cloud. This feature allows application artifacts to be loaded directly from files downloaded via the Google Play Store, rather than being generated on the device. It is particularly beneficial for low-end devices that struggle with processing power or storage speed. The Android Runtime (ART) uses a tool called dex2oat to convert APK’s .dex files into application artifacts, which include .vdex, .odex, and .art files. Cloud compilation retrieves these artifacts from a new format called Secure Dex Metadata (SDM), ensuring application integrity while expediting installation. However, the feature is not yet operational as Google needs to configure the Play Store to generate these artifacts for use during installations.