Improving Core Web Vitals including LCP and CLS with Partial Hydration in Angular 18

Angular 18 introduced partial hydration at ng-conf 2024, a technique that works alongside SSR to improve Core Web Vitals. By building on Angular 17's deferrable views (@defer), the server renders full component content while the client only downloads and activates JavaScript when needed (e.g., when a component enters the viewport). Angular's own lab tests show 45% better LCP in real-world apps. The feature reduces initial JavaScript payload, speeds up page load, and improves perceived responsiveness. Enabling it requires adding 'render on server' to existing @defer blocks.