In a change of policy, Google is moving away from APK file format and will now require app developers to embrace the new Android App Bundle standard.
This is bad news for Microsoft which is banking on running and sideloading Android Apks natively on Windows 11 as one of its biggest features.
Also Read:11 New Things to Note About Windows 11
The change, however, only applies to new apps listed on the Google Play Store starting August 2021. Google says the new Android App Bundle format will replace APK as the standard publishing format adding that over 1 million apps are already using the Android App Bundle format.
Microsoft will offer apps through the Amazon App Store, the problem with this is that the catalog of apps is limited in scope.
Many users were hoping to sideload APKs on the new operating system, a feature Microsoft had said would be possible.
The new move by Google will complicate this process and will have users install third-party bundle installers.
If you’re a developer planning on releasing a new app, you only have a short time to make sure you’re using the new format.
