- Full form
APK: Android application package or Android package kit.
AAB: Android application bundle.
- Submission
APK: is submitted and later downloaded in the same form as it is created.
AAB: is split into smaller APK files. Each split APK corresponds to a specific device configuration.
- Installation
APK: can be used to directly install an app on an Android device.
AAB: cannot themselves trigger installation. They defer APK generation to Google Play.
- Size
APK: ensure larger app size because all resources are downloaded to the device irrespective of their need.
AAB: ensure smaller app size because each split APK contains device-specific resources.
- Dynamic features
APK: all feature-based resources are stored within the APK file.
AAB: dynamic feature resources are stored on Google Play and called upon when needed.
- Asset packs
APK: all assets are stored in the main APK file.
AAB: all assets not needed to install the app are stored on Google Play.
- App churn
APK: larger app size causes greater app churn.
AAB: smaller app size causes lower app churn.
- Storage efficiency
APK: unnecessary resources take up a lot of device storage and reduce efficiency.
AAB: is more efficient in terms of space.
Top comments (4)
The main difference between APK and AAB Android files is how they package and deliver apps to users. An APK is a single file that includes all resources and code, ready for direct installation on any Android device, while an AAB (Android App Bundle) is a modern format that lets Google Play generate smaller, optimized APKs tailored to each device, improving performance and download speed. It’s like Snap, where everything is quick and customized for the user’s device experience.
APK (Android Package) is the traditional format used to distribute and install Android apps. It's a single, installable file that contains all the app's resources and code.
AAB (Android App Bundle) is a newer format introduced by Google. It’s not directly installable—instead, it lets Google Play generate optimized APKs for each device, reducing app size and improving performance.
In short: APK = installable file, AAB = publishing format for optimized APKs via Google Play. apps like wink
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