A Faster Future for Your Smart TV
By August 2026, every app on your Google TV or Android TV that contains native code will be required to support 64-bit architecture, a move Google announced in late August 2025. This upgrade means your favorite streaming apps, like Netflix or YouTube, are expected to launch quicker and handle high-resolution content with ease. Tests on devices like the Chromecast with Google TV running 64-bit Android 14 already show smoother multitasking, with apps switching seamlessly. For TV owners, this translates to less buffering and a slicker interface, especially on next-gen hardware packing over 4 GB of RAM.
The shift aligns smart TVs with phones and tablets, where Google enforced 64-bit support back in 2019. That transition brought noticeable speed-ups for apps like Snapchat, with up to 30% better performance in media-heavy tasks. Smart TVs stand to gain similar benefits, from faster app startups to improved handling of complex tasks like cloud gaming or AI-driven recommendations. With global smart TV shipments expected to hit 250 million units annually by 2027, 80% running Android-based systems, this change sets the stage for a more powerful home entertainment experience.
Developers Face a Crunch to Keep Up
For app developers, Google's mandate means a race to recompile code for 64-bit systems. Big players like Disney's streaming service and Amazon Prime Video have the resources to adapt, but smaller teams behind regional streaming apps might struggle. They need to update tools, test digital rights management systems, and ensure graphics pipelines work smoothly. Some older proprietary software, like certain ad SDKs, may lag, forcing tough choices. India's Hotstar offers a success story: its 2023 shift to dual-architecture apps cut crashes by 18% on beta hardware, proving the effort can pay off.
The challenge extends beyond technical hurdles. Developers are tasked with balancing larger app sizes during the transition, as they support both 32-bit and 64-bit systems temporarily. Independent maintainers of apps like Kodi or Plex face similar hurdles, often with fewer resources. Google's two-year timeline, mirroring its 2019 mobile rollout, gives some breathing room, but small studios may need support. Partnerships with chipset vendors like MediaTek or open-source initiatives to port media codecs may ease the burden.
What It Means for Your Old TV
Not every smart TV will keep up. Devices like the 2018 Xiaomi Mi Box S, stuck on 32-bit software, may never get updates to run new 64-bit apps. If manufacturers like Xiaomi drop support, owners could lose access to updated apps, rendering older TVs less capable. This raises concerns about e-waste, especially for budget-conscious households. The EU's eco-design rules push back against premature obsolescence, and manufacturers might face pressure to offer trade-in programs or extend software support.
Contrast this with Nvidia's approach. Its 2015 Shield TV got a 64-bit Android 11 update in 2021, keeping it relevant a full six years later. This demonstrates that flagship devices remain viable with committed support, a model others could follow. Still, with 80% of smart TVs running Android-based systems by 2027, and new 64-bit-only chipsets from Qualcomm and Amlogic hitting the market, older hardware risks falling behind. TV owners may need to weigh upgrading versus sticking with limited functionality.
Lessons From the Field
Nvidia's Shield TV and Hotstar's experience offer practical takeaways. Nvidia's long-term updates kept its device competitive, blending 64-bit support with robust hardware. This suggests manufacturers prioritizing software longevity are able to extend device lifespans, reducing waste. Hotstar's 18% crash reduction after adopting 64-bit builds highlights how recompiling apps is able to boost reliability, especially for streaming-heavy tasks. Both cases show that investing in updates now prevents bigger headaches later.
For users, the 64-bit shift could make smart TVs rival game consoles, especially for cloud gaming. With 15% energy savings in video decoding and 43% lower exploit rates thanks to better security, the technical gains are clear. But the transition hinges on collaboration. Chipset makers like MediaTek will need to optimize graphics paths, while app stores tighten security scans. If done right, your next TV could deliver console-like performance without the console.