If you've ever downloaded an app outside of the Google Play Store or have been interested in Android app development, you've probably come across formats like APK, AAB, and APKM. These files are essential for installing and running apps on Android devices, but each has unique features that are worth knowing about.
Throughout this article, we'll explore in depth what these files are, how they work, and what their differences are. We'll also look at how they affect app installation, storage optimization, and security of Android devices.
What is an APK file?
The format APK (Android Application Package) has been the standard for distributing and installing applications on Android for years. This format is analogous to the .exe on Windows, as it contains everything needed to run an application on an Android device.
Inside an APK file are included all the elements of the application, such as graphics, code, configuration and language files. This means that, Install an application in APK, all available resources are downloaded, even those that are not necessary for a particular user. For example, if an app is available in 10 languages, an APK file will include all of those languages, even if the user only needs one.
The main features of APK files are:
- They contain all the application resources in a single file.
- They can be downloaded and installed manually from sources outside of Google Play.
- They are vulnerable to modification and piracy.
- They tend to be heavier due to the inclusion of all available resources.
What is the AAB format?
El Android App Bundle (AAB) is a format introduced by Google to improve the distribution and optimization of applications in the Play Store. Unlike an APK, an AAB is not a file that can be installed directly on an Android device, but rather a container that includes all the resources of an application in a modular way.
When a developer uploads an AAB file to Google Play, the platform analyzes the content and generates a customized APK for each user and device. That is, instead of downloading a file with all possible languages, graphics, and settings, the user only gets the resources needed for their particular device.
Advantages of the AAB format include:
- Reducing application weight: By including only the elements that are relevant to each user, apps take up less space on the device's storage.
- Faster downloads: Because they are lighter, files generated from an AAB install and run faster.
- Greater security and less piracy: Since it is not possible to install AAB files manually, it makes it difficult to distribute illegally modified versions.
What is an APKM file?
The format APKM is a solution devised by the APKMirror platform to allow the installation of applications outside the Google Play Store without losing the modularity introduced by AABs.
Because apps distributed on AAB generate multiple APK files called Split APKs, their manual installation becomes more complex. To solve this, APKMirror created the APKM format, which is a container that groups the different APK files needed for an app into a single package.
To install an APKM file you need the application APK Mirror Installer, which allows you to correctly unzip and install the modular files included in the package.
The characteristics of the APKM format are:
- Allows the installation of applications outside of Google Play in a similar way to an APK.
- Includes only the essential resources for each device.
- Requires a specific application for installation.
Key differences between APK, AAB and APKM application formats
Each of these formats has a specific purpose and functionality in the Android ecosystem. Below are the main differences between them:
| Feature | APK | AAB | APKM |
|---|---|---|---|
| direct installation | Yes | No | No (requires APKMirror Installer) |
| Includes all resources | Yes | No | No |
| Powered by Google Play | No | Yes | No |
| Ease of modification | High | Very low | Media |
| File weight | Greater | Minor | Minor |
Nowadays, it is important to know the different application formats to optimize the use of Android devices. For example, some users can benefit from choosing applications that are lighter in size and require fewer resources, which is essential for those who use devices with limited features. Likewise, security will be a crucial aspect in the installation process.
How do these app formats affect Android users?
The change from APK to AAB has brought several implications for both Android developers and users. The main effects include:
- Applications will be lighter and faster, which is especially beneficial for devices with limited storage.
- Installing apps from outside Google Play will be more difficult, due to AAB's lack of support for manual installations.
- Security is increased, as modified or pirated versions will be harder to distribute.
- Developers will have to adapt to AAB format if you want to publish on the Play Store.
Android app formats have evolved to improve user experience and ecosystem security. While APKs remain the primary choice for manual installations, AABs allow for better optimization within Google Play, and APKMs offer an intermediate alternative for those who wish to download apps from external sources. Share the information and help other users learn about the topic.
