Simple static IP network question. More IPs. Subnetting.

We have devices that require static ips and the are all on a 172.x.xx /24 network. 256 address. We need more IPs because of more devices. If I move up to a 172.x.x.x /23 with 512 addresses will I need to visit every device to update its subnet? Also can I keep the same gateway 172.x.x.254? Thanks for any help. I’m not a network wizard ☹️