Google’s New Bundle Format Makes Sideloading Android Apps More Difficult – What You Need To Know
The days of easily sideloading Android apps by downloading a single large APK file might be coming to an end. Google, in a move aimed at optimizing app delivery and storage space, has stopped generating "fat APKs" for many apps, a shift that could complicate the process of sideloading apps outside the Play Store. While this move may benefit users with limited storage space, it could pose challenges for those who rely on sideloading to gain access to apps not available through Play Store or for those who prefer the flexibility of downloading APKs from alternative sources.
Sideloading Android Apps: A Shifting Landscape
For years, sideloading apps on Android has been a relatively straightforward process, involving downloading a single APK file and installing it on your device. This approach, however, resulted in larger file sizes and potentially wasted storage space, as apps often contained components not relevant to your specific device. To address this issue, Google introduced the Android App Bundle (AAB) format in 2018. This format enabled the Play Store to download only the necessary components for your device, optimizing storage space and download sizes.
Recently, however, reports surfaced that Google has stopped generating traditional "fat APKs" for many apps, leaving only the AAB format available. This change means that users who wish to sideload apps outside Play Store now need to download a bundle and use third-party tools like Split APKs Installer (SAI) to install it. This additional step adds complexity to the sideloading process, potentially deterring users from pursuing this method.
Why It Matters: The Implications of Bundles for Sideloading
This transition from fat APKs to bundles has significant implications for Android users:
1. Reduced Storage Space: While bundles can potentially save storage space on your device by downloading only relevant components, it also means users might need to download and utilize additional tools to install the app. This extra step could be frustrating for users who previously enjoyed the ease of sideloading APKs.
2. Sideloading Complexity: For tech-savvy users, the shift to bundles adds another step to the sideloading process. This might make it more challenging for users unfamiliar with using alternative tools to install apps outside the Play Store.
3. Potential for Security Risks: Sideloading apps from unofficial sources carries inherent security risks. With the need to use third-party tools, the potential for introducing vulnerabilities through poorly designed or malicious tools increases.
4. Access to Apps Not Available in the Play Store: Many users sideload apps that are not available in the Google Play Store, such as beta versions, modified versions, or apps developed outside of the Play Store ecosystem. This move could make it more difficult to access these apps.
The Rationale: A Focus on Optimized App Delivery
Google’s decision to move away from fat APKs is driven by the company’s focus on delivering apps more efficiently and optimizing user experience. By using bundles, Google aims to improve app installation time, address storage space concerns, and reduce the risk of unnecessary data usage.
However, while these benefits are undeniable, the shift in sideloading practices might impact a significant portion of Android users who rely on alternative options for accessing apps.
Moving Forward: Navigating the New Sideloading Landscape
While Google’s move towards bundles presents challenges for sideloading, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate the option entirely. Users can still access bundle files through various sources, including APK hosting platforms like APKMirror. However, the increased complexity of installing bundles might make users reconsider their preference for sideloading and explore other ways to access desired apps, including using unofficial app stores or waiting for apps to be made available in the Play Store.
Ultimately, the transition from fat APKs to bundles highlights a broader trend in mobile app development. As mobile devices become more diverse and storage space limitations become more prominent, optimized delivery methods like bundles are likely to become increasingly important. Users will need to adapt to these evolving trends and remain vigilant about the potential security risks associated with sideloading apps from third-party sources.
