For long-term smartphone users who don’t frequently upgrade their devices, storage limitations have become a persistent challenge. This issue has been exacerbated by manufacturers phasing out storage expansion slots and the continual increase in photo and video resolutions. However, Google appears to be addressing this with a potential solution in Android 15, the forthcoming iteration of its operating system, which may introduce system-level app archiving.
According to insights from Android specialist Mishaal Rahman, Android 15 is anticipated to introduce a feature enabling app archiving directly within the Android settings. This functionality will empower users to archive infrequently used apps, thereby reclaiming storage space and alleviating the inconvenience of reinstalling apps while preserving data integrity. Similar to iOS’ Offload feature, users will be able to effortlessly unarchive apps by tapping on their icons, seamlessly resuming usage without disruption.
What is App Archiving?
App archiving involves retaining app data while removing a portion of the base APK. This functionality leverages the compartmentalized structure of the Android App Bundle format. When developers create an Android App Bundle for submission to Google Play, additional APK installation files, known as “archived APKs,” are generated.
These archived APKs are installed alongside the rest of the app on a device. When an app is archived, only the Archived APK remains, which is relatively small in size and contains the app icon and code necessary for reinstalling the app from the Play Store.
How App Archiving May Work on Android 15?
While not entirely novel, app archiving was previously introduced on the Play Store in 2020. Users could activate the “Automatically Archive Apps” feature in the Play Store settings was restricted, frequently falling short in archiving unused apps as anticipated. Moreover, a specific option for manually archiving apps was absent from the interface. Additionally, there was no dedicated option for manually archiving apps.
Android 15 may address these shortcomings by integrating the archive app option directly into the App info screen within the Android system. Users could long-press on an app, navigate to “App info,” and select “Archive.” This action would prompt Android to uninstall the base APK, a process that typically takes a moment.
To reinstate the app, tapping on its icon will initiate the reinstallation process, ensuring the preservation of your app data. Mishaal provides a demonstration of this procedure in the accompanying video.
Restoring an archived app is straightforward users need only tap on the app icon, initiating the reinstallation process while preserving app data. Furthermore, Android may offer an automatic archiving feature, allowing users to enable “Manage app if unused,” which would archive apps that have remained dormant for a period.
Third-party and OEM app stores stand to benefit from supporting the Android App Bundle format, enabling them to leverage this archiving functionality. Such a feature promises convenience for users inundated with apps, offering a streamlined method for managing their digital clutter.
As Android 15 appears to prioritize user experience enhancements, such as the notification cooldown feature seen in earlier previews, the introduction of app archiving signifies a continued commitment to improving usability. What are your thoughts on app archiving coming to Android? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.
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