As we know, Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro are among the first Android smartphones to exclusively support 64-bit apps but what about 32-bit apps: the process of eliminating the old 32-bit ones has already been going on for years, especially at the software level (the Play Store no longer accepts 32-bit apps since around 2019), and now even the processors contained in the SoCs are starting to be without the part of “legacy” chip that allows them to run. However, in the latest Google flagships the limitation is only software: All cores (Arm-designed Cortex-X2, Cortex-A78, and Cortex-A55) still offer 32-bit support.
The work of a group of geeks/developers of xda-developers which he managed to re-enable legacy 32-bit apps on newer Pixels.
The process for the end user (perhaps it is more correct to say “the final power user”, in the sense that it is clearly aimed only at those with rather advanced IT skills) is not overly complicated, but it is decidedly less intuitive than it is the traditional “install this Magisk module”. Clearly root access enabled is one of the key prerequisites of the entire operation, but careful and aware reading of the entire explanation article is strongly recommended (let’s say it’s not one of those cases where it’s worth jumping directly to the procedure point per point).
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In addition to requesting a complete wipe of the device the author of the post notes that this is not a mod you install once and then forget about it: “You are now essentially at the cutting edge. The end could come next month with a firmware update that is truly 64-bit without multilib. Installing an update and forgetting to flash the modified version of Magisk could force you to wipe the device”.
In short, Best to stay away from such a change unless absolutely necessary – that is, you need to use one or more apps that are still 32-bit. It’s easy to imagine that the cases are very limited, but the beauty of this type of community is that it often moves on the basis of “because I can” instead of “because it serves mainstream users”.
- Google Pixel 7 is available online from Amazon at 643 euros. The value for money is good. There are 15 best models.
- Google Pixel 7 Pro is available online from eBay at 839 euros.
(updated November 20, 2022, 10.15 pm)
