While this article is a comparison between APKs and AABs, if you need help building an Android app without coding,ย get started with AppMySite now.
The Android ecosystem has evolved significantly over the past decade. What started as a platform built around APK files has gradually shifted toward a more efficient, modular format โ the Android App Bundle (AAB).
As of 2025, every new Android app uploaded to the Google Play Store must be published as an AAB rather than an APK. Yet, both file types continue to play important roles in development, testing, and distribution.
If youโre a developer, app publisher, or using a no-code app builder like AppMySite, understanding the differences between APKs and AABs will help you navigate the modern Android publishing landscape.
What is an APK?
An APK (Android Package Kit) is the traditional file format used to install Android apps. Itโs essentially a compressed package containing all the elements required for an app to function โ including code, assets, resources, and configuration files.
When users download an app from the Play Store, theyโre essentially downloading an APK that gets unpacked and installed on their device.
For years, APKs were the backbone of Android app distribution. Developers built APKs, uploaded them to the Play Store, and users downloaded them directly. However, as Android devices became more diverse in screen sizes, processors, and configurations, APKs started to show their limitations โ particularly in file size and optimization.
Why APKs became inefficient
The biggest problem with APKs lies in their โone-size-fits-allโ nature. A single APK contains all the code and assets needed to support every possible device configuration โ even if most users only need a fraction of that data.
This means:
- Users download unnecessary resources for their device.
- Apps become larger, taking up more storage space.
- Longer download times lead to lower install success rates.
- Larger apps tend to have higher uninstall (or churn) rates.
In short, APKs lack optimization. For developers, this also means slower deployment times and less flexibility in delivering dynamic app features.
What is an AAB?
An AAB (Android App Bundle) is Googleโs modern format for publishing Android apps. Introduced in 2018, itโs designed to solve the inefficiencies of APKs while streamlining app delivery for both developers and users.
Unlike APKs, AABs are not directly installed on devices. Instead, developers upload an AAB to the Google Play Console, where Googleโs servers generate multiple split APKs โ each tailored to a specific device configuration.
When a user downloads an app, the Play Store automatically delivers only the version optimized for that userโs device.
This modular approach results in smaller downloads, reduced storage usage, and smoother app performance.
How AABs work
Hereโs how AABs streamline the publishing process:
- Developers create an AAB build โ either manually or through a platform like Android Studio or AppMySite.
- The AAB is uploaded to Google Play.
- Google Play generates split APKs based on device attributes such as architecture, screen density, and language.
- Users download only the relevant split APKs, ensuring minimal storage consumption.
For example, if an app supports both ARM and x86 architectures, a user with an ARM device will only receive the ARM-specific assets. This means the app downloads faster and takes up less space.
Additionally, AABs support on-demand feature delivery. Developers can configure parts of the app (like advanced features or large asset packs) to be downloaded only when needed. This keeps the base app lightweight and efficient.
APK vs AAB: Key differences
| Factor | APK | AAB |
|---|---|---|
| Full form | Android Package Kit | Android App Bundle |
| Distribution | Distributed directly to devices | Uploaded to Play Store, which generates split APKs |
| Installation | Directly installed | Processed and delivered via Google Play |
| App size | Larger, includes all device assets | Smaller, includes only required resources |
| Dynamic features | All features bundled together | Supports dynamic, on-demand feature modules |
| Storage efficiency | Low | High |
| App churn | Higher, due to large size | Lower, due to optimized delivery |
| Testing | Easy to install manually | Requires conversion to APK for testing |
| Usage | Legacy and testing | Default for Play Store publishing |
In essence, AABs optimize the app delivery pipeline without completely eliminating the need for APKs. APKs still play a role in local testing and distribution outside of the Play Store (for example, enterprise apps or third-party stores).
Why Google moved from APK to AAB
Googleโs transition to AABs was not arbitrary โ it was a response to real developer and user challenges. Some of the reasons behind this move include:
- Better user experience: Smaller downloads mean more installs and fewer storage-related app deletions.
- Improved security: With AABs, Google handles app signing and distribution, reducing tampering risks.
- Modular architecture: Developers can deliver features dynamically, improving performance.
- Faster app updates: Since only relevant modules are downloaded, updates are smaller and faster.
This shift aligns with the global trend toward modular and cloud-optimized app development.
What AABs mean for developers in 2025
By 2025, the AAB ecosystem has matured significantly. Almost all modern Android development workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and no-code app builders now generate AABs by default.
Hereโs what this means for developers today:
- AABs are mandatory for all Play Store submissions. Developers can no longer upload APKs for new apps.
- Testing still requires APKs. Even though AABs are the publishing format, developers must generate local APKs for QA and internal distribution.
- Third-party distribution remains flexible. Some app stores and enterprise deployments continue to accept APKs, but AAB adoption is expanding globally.
- Smaller apps perform better. App conversion rates, download speed, and user retention all improve with AAB builds.
In short, AABs have become the backbone of Android app publishing, bringing efficiency, modularity, and long-term sustainability.
Choosing between APK and AAB for your workflow
For most developers, the choice is no longer about โwhich is betterโ โ itโs about how to use both effectively.
- Use AABs for Play Store submission, modular updates, and live production releases.
- Use APKs for internal testing, QA, and direct installs (sideloading).
Platforms like AppMySite simplify this process even further by generating both AAB and APK files automatically. This allows businesses and agencies to test, customize, and publish Android apps seamlessly โ without needing to manage complex build environments.
The future of Android app distribution
The rise of AABs represents a broader shift toward efficiency and personalization in mobile app delivery. Google continues to refine the bundle system, adding better support for instant apps, asset delivery, and cloud-based optimization.
In the near future, AABs could evolve into a unified app packaging system across Android, ChromeOS, and emerging form factors. This modularity aligns perfectly with the growing use of AI-driven app generation, cross-platform publishing, and low-code ecosystems.
For developers and businesses alike, staying aligned with AAB standards ensures faster performance, better compliance, and improved user experience.
Conclusion
The shift from APK to AAB marks one of the most important transitions in Android history. While APKs still have their uses, AABs clearly represent the future of app delivery โ optimized, modular, and efficient.
For developers, agencies, and no-code app creators, adopting AABs means faster downloads, happier users, and simpler publishing. If youโre building Android apps, now is the perfect time to transition fully to AAB workflows.
If you want a seamless way to generate both APK and AAB builds without writing code, try AppMySite โ the fastest and most scalable way to build Android and iOS apps under your own brand.