# Smaller apps and faster GPU inference with LiteRT in Google Play services

DevFeed: [Smaller apps and faster GPU inference with LiteRT in Google Play services](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/smaller-apps-and-faster-gpu-inference-with-litert-in-google-play-services-105743.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://developers.googleblog.com/smaller-apps-and-faster-gpu-inference-with-litert-in-google-play-services/>)

Author: Google AI Edge Team; Android ML Team

Published: 2026-10-29T03:38:31.321833Z

Content type: release

Language: en

Sources: [Google Developers Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/google-developers-blog.md>)

Topics: [LiteRT](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/litert.md>)

Tags: [about](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/about.md>), [android](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/android.md>), [android-studio](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/android-studio.md>), [api](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/api.md>), [app](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/app.md>), [apps](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/apps.md>), [can](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/can.md>), [dependencies](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/dependencies.md>), [developers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/developers.md>), [faster](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/faster.md>), [google](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/google.md>), [google-play](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/google-play.md>), [google-play-services](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/google-play-services.md>), [gpu](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/gpu.md>), [gpu-inference](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/gpu-inference.md>), [inference](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/inference.md>), [litert](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/litert.md>), [play](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/play.md>), [services](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/services.md>), [with](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/with.md>)

## AI overview

LiteRT in Google Play services adds GPU inference through the CompiledModel API, which the source says ran about 1.4x faster than the legacy GPU delegate in its testing. Moving from bundled LiteRT can reduce app size by about 8 MB because Play services supplies the runtime and GPU accelerator. Developers can add `com.google.android.gms:play-services-litert:17.0.0` or later, remove the bundled `litert` dependency, initialize with GPU enabled, and pass the environment to CompiledModel. Existing Interpreter code continues to work on CPU; GPU use requires moving to CompiledModel. The Android Studio LiteRT skill can automate migration, but the source recommends reviewing its changes, building, and comparing outputs on a real device. Legacy GPU and custom delegate APIs are deprecated, NNAPI removal begins in 2027, and deprecated API code will not compile against the latest SDK.

## Source excerpt

LiteRT in Google Play services now offers GPU inference powered by ML Drift, delivering about 1.4x faster performance alongside the new CompiledModel API. Switching from bundled binaries reduces app size by approximately 8 MB while enabling seamless, automatic runtime updates across billions of devices. Developers can easily adopt these updates by updating their dependencies and utilizing the new Android Studio LiteRT skill for automated migration.