Google is working on a behind-the-scenes change to Android that could make phones feel noticeably quicker – without requiring new hardware.
The company is introducing a new optimisation technique for the Android kernel. This could improve app launches, system performance and even battery efficiency.
The update centres on the Android kernel, the core part of the operating system. The kernel is responsible for managing communication between apps, the processor and the phone’s hardware. According to Google, the kernel accounts for roughly 40% of total CPU activity on Android devices. This means even small improvements here can have a meaningful impact on day-to-day performance.
The new approach uses something called Automatic Feedback-Directed Optimisation (AutoFDO). In simple terms, it allows the software compiler, the tool that converts code into instructions your phone’s processor understands, to learn from how people actually use their devices. This is instead of relying purely on general assumptions.
To gather this data, Google ran controlled tests using Pixel phones that simulated real-world behaviour. The process involved launching and interacting with the top 100 most popular Android apps. Profiling tools tracked which parts of the kernel were used most frequently. The system then identifies these “hot” sections of code and prioritises them when rebuilding the kernel.
By reorganising the code around the parts that matter most, the compiler can make smarter optimisation decisions. The result, Google says, is faster app launches, smoother multitasking and potentially better battery life.
The company has already begun rolling the optimisation out to its android16-6.12 and android15-6.6 kernel branches, which underpin recent Android versions. It also plans to expand the technique to future releases.
Longer term, Google also intends to apply similar optimisations to other parts of the system. This includes additional kernel components and hardware drivers used by phone makers for features like cameras and modems.
It’s the kind of change most users will never see — but if it works as intended, it could make everyday Android performance feel just a little bit snappier.
