Universal APK
Universal APK is an Android application package format that bundles multiple CPU architecture binaries (e.g., ARM, x86) into a single APK file, allowing it to run on a wide range of Android devices without separate builds. It simplifies distribution by reducing the number of APK variants developers need to manage, though it results in larger file sizes compared to split APKs. This format is commonly used in scenarios where app size is less critical than deployment simplicity.
Developers should use Universal APK when targeting a broad audience across diverse Android devices with different CPU architectures, especially for smaller apps or in development/testing phases where managing multiple APKs is cumbersome. It's ideal for apps distributed outside Google Play (e.g., via direct downloads or third-party stores) where split APK delivery isn't supported, and for legacy projects that haven't migrated to Android App Bundles. However, for large apps on Google Play, Android App Bundles are preferred to optimize download sizes.