What you need to know
- The OnePlus 12 has already been released in China, but the U.S. launch event is set for Jan. 23.
- OnePlus included a translation later called "Tango" that can run 32-bit apps on the OnePlus 12's 64-bit processor.
- Most apps have already switched to support 64-bit architectures, but Tango could be useful in running older apps.
OnePlus is causing a stir with its latest flagship, the OnePlus 12, caught in a peculiar phase. Currently up for grabs in China, the OnePlus 12 has spilled many of its secrets. However, the anticipation is building for the North American debut set for January 23.
Across the globe, as tech enthusiasts delve into the OnePlus 12, a nifty feature has come to light. The smartphone employs a smart workaround allowing 32-bit apps to smoothly operate on its 64-bit CPU core-laden processor. This innovation is made possible by a new translation layer named "Tango," discovered on the Chinese version of the OnePlus 12. Tango serves as a bridge, enabling the execution of any 32-bit application seamlessly.
While this revelation is creating buzz, its availability on the U.S. variant remains uncertain, as noted by Android Police. The significance of running 32-bit apps is more pronounced in China compared to the U.S., influencing the inclusion of Tango in the Chinese release. The divergence arises from the fact that, unlike the Google Play Store, where the majority of Android apps are 64-bit, app stores in China still host a significant number of 32-bit apps. The intrigue continues as users await further details and potential features for the upcoming OnePlus 12 in North America.
The significance of this development becomes apparent due to the absence of 32-bit cores in Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, the powerhouse behind the OnePlus 12. In the previous iteration, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip retained specialized cores to ensure compatibility with 32-bit applications. However, the landscape has shifted with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 platform, as all 32-bit cores have been phased out. This alteration poses a potential challenge for users, as compatibility issues may arise on smartphones equipped with Qualcomm's latest chips. The shift underscores the evolving dynamics in mobile technology, emphasizing the need for adaptability and innovation in addressing changing hardware configurations.
Without the aid of a translation layer, the 64-bit chip embedded in the OnePlus 12 would be unable to handle 32-bit apps, rendering them incompatible with the smartphone.
Fortunately, this potential hiccup may not pose a problem in the U.S., as Google has long severed ties with 32-bit apps. Over two years ago, it ceased support for installing such apps on 64-bit phones and halted updates and new submissions for 32-bit apps two years prior to that.
According to insights from Mishaal Rahman, the Tango translator initially had limitations, restricting its use to apps approved by OnePlus. However, Rahman reveals that OnePlus broadened the feature's scope to include all 32-bit apps through an over-the-air software update.
While the average user may not find a pressing need for a 32-bit app, the option proves valuable for those relying on older applications yet to make the transition to 64-bit versions. The lingering question remains whether Tango will be globally available or confined to specific regions—a detail that intrigues users eager to explore the full extent of this feature on the OnePlus 12.
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