What's happened
Google has announced that its Instant Apps feature, which allows users to access apps without installation, will be discontinued in December 2025. The decision reflects a shift in mobile usage patterns, as many apps now function similarly to their web counterparts. Developer adoption of Instant Apps has been minimal since its launch in 2017.
What's behind the headline?
Key Insights
- Declining Relevance: Instant Apps were introduced to address slow mobile browsing, but as mobile websites have improved, the necessity for such a feature has waned.
- Developer Challenges: The requirement for developers to create a special version of their apps under 15MB proved to be a barrier, resulting in minimal adoption.
- Market Shift: The decision to retire Instant Apps indicates a broader trend where users prefer streamlined web experiences over app installations.
- Future Implications: As Google phases out Instant Apps, it may focus on enhancing web capabilities and integrating more AI features into its core services, reflecting changing user preferences.
What the papers say
According to Ars Technica, Google confirmed the retirement of Instant Apps, stating that the feature will be removed in December 2025. The article notes that while Instant Apps aimed to improve user experience by allowing app access without installation, the feature saw limited use due to the growing similarity between mobile apps and websites. Developer Leon Omelan highlighted the news from the latest Android Studio release, indicating that Google is shifting its focus back to traditional web browsing. This sentiment is echoed in multiple reports, emphasizing the changing landscape of mobile app usage and the challenges faced by developers in adopting new features.
How we got here
Instant Apps debuted in 2017 to enhance mobile browsing by allowing users to access apps without installation. However, as mobile websites improved, the need for this feature diminished, leading to low developer uptake and usage.
Go deeper
- What led to the decline of Instant Apps?
- How will this affect app developers?
- What are the alternatives to Instant Apps?
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Google LLC is an American multinational technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.