The JVM is specifically the part of Java Android didn't use, and the layer Google has already completely replaced once.

DEX must be able to represent everything on the Java ecosystem, otherwise it is a hit and miss what can be consumed from Maven central.

Also it is quite common on embedded Java for the vendors to have their own implementation with code translation.

What isn't normal is having stagnant compatibility.

Java is an Android's curse. Just compare how completely native iOS and iPadOS beat it in terms of speed and power saving. I hope they will get rid of the Java remnants completely and focus on the native toolchain, frameworks, system libraries.

Meanwhile there's a article literally on the front page about zero-click exploits being used against iMessage

Java doesn't help against exploits, there are plenty in Android phones as well.

It certainly adds a layer of protection that makes issues like the classic C errors with buffer overruns and derefing invalid pointers a LOT less likely.

Android doesn’t run java though? It runs native code the same way as ios, so bringing the latter ecosystem’s better performance into the picture without considering the generational leap in terms of CPU design is just a faulty logical conclusion.

If you want some fun watching Jake Wartorn's opinion on it,

https://youtu.be/VX6nAvRWQg4