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App Bundles vs APK

Developers should use App Bundles when publishing Android apps to the Google Play Store, as it is required for new apps since August 2021 and helps reduce app size by up to 20-30%, leading to faster downloads and better user experience meets developers should learn apk creation and management when building android apps, as it's essential for testing, distribution, and deployment. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

App Bundles

Developers should use App Bundles when publishing Android apps to the Google Play Store, as it is required for new apps since August 2021 and helps reduce app size by up to 20-30%, leading to faster downloads and better user experience

App Bundles

Nice Pick

Developers should use App Bundles when publishing Android apps to the Google Play Store, as it is required for new apps since August 2021 and helps reduce app size by up to 20-30%, leading to faster downloads and better user experience

Pros

  • +It is particularly beneficial for apps with multiple languages, screen densities, or CPU architectures, as it automatically generates tailored APKs for each device, eliminating the need for developers to manage multiple APK variants manually
  • +Related to: android-development, google-play-console

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

APK

Developers should learn APK creation and management when building Android apps, as it's essential for testing, distribution, and deployment

Pros

  • +Understanding APK structure is crucial for debugging, optimizing app size, and ensuring security, especially for tasks like reverse engineering or analyzing third-party apps
  • +Related to: android-development, gradle

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use App Bundles if: You want it is particularly beneficial for apps with multiple languages, screen densities, or cpu architectures, as it automatically generates tailored apks for each device, eliminating the need for developers to manage multiple apk variants manually and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use APK if: You prioritize understanding apk structure is crucial for debugging, optimizing app size, and ensuring security, especially for tasks like reverse engineering or analyzing third-party apps over what App Bundles offers.

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The Bottom Line
App Bundles wins

Developers should use App Bundles when publishing Android apps to the Google Play Store, as it is required for new apps since August 2021 and helps reduce app size by up to 20-30%, leading to faster downloads and better user experience

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