Google's introduction of the Android App Bundle (AAB) at the I/O 2018 event marked a significant shift in how developers deliver applications to users. This innovative approach allows developers to package their apps efficiently, ensuring that only the necessary components are downloaded during installation. As a result, users can enjoy a more streamlined experience on their smartphones and other devices, potentially freeing up valuable storage space.
However, this advancement primarily benefits those downloading apps directly from the Google Play Store. Users who prefer sideloading apps have continued to rely on the traditional Android Application Packages (APKs), which often come in larger sizes. Recent discussions on social media suggest that the sideloading process may have become more cumbersome due to changes implemented by Google.
Sideloading Android Apps
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Artem Russakovskii, the founder of APK hosting platform APKMirror, revealed that Google has ceased generating fat APKs for a significant number of applications. This shift means that users who wish to install APK files will now need to download bundles instead. While fat APKs could be easily installed by downloading a single large file from official or third-party websites, the new bundle format introduces an additional layer of complexity.
To navigate this new landscape, users will need to utilize third-party tools, such as the Split APKs Installer (SAI), to install these bundle packages. As reported, many apps will now exclusively be available in this format, necessitating the download of additional tools before installation can occur.
Why It Matters
Historically, fat APKs were designed to accommodate various devices, taking into account factors like screen size and CPU architecture. This approach allowed developers to create a single package file, simplifying distribution. However, the downside was that these large files often contained unused content, consuming valuable storage space on users' devices.
Google's AAB aims to address this issue by ensuring that only the essential components required for a specific device are downloaded from the Play Store. This not only streamlines the installation process but also minimizes the storage footprint of applications, allowing users to make better use of their device's available space.
