seamless app updates

Android 16 introduces a system-level enhancement called "seamless app updates," which significantly reduces downtime during app installations. The update process is optimized to minimize the traditional freeze that occurs when an app is updated, making it nearly imperceptible to users. This is achieved through the collaboration of the Android Runtime (ART) and the Package Manager, which prepare app components in advance and delay the final switch until just before the update. Early testers report that updates that previously took several seconds now take less than 100 milliseconds. The enhancement is particularly beneficial for complex apps and allows for concurrent updating without noticeable delays. Users can continue their activities uninterrupted while updates occur in the background, and developers do not need to modify their apps to accommodate this change. Google's broader strategy aims to enhance the speed, safety, and invisibility of updates across the Android ecosystem.