In a move that has become somewhat familiar in the tech landscape, Google has announced the impending discontinuation of Instant Apps, set to take effect in December of this year. This decision adds another entry to the ever-growing Google Graveyard, a collection of both hardware and software products that have seen their time come and go, including notable names like Stadia and Google+.
The Concept Behind Instant Apps
Instant Apps, introduced in 2017, represented an innovative approach to mobile applications. The concept allowed users to access a portion of an app without the need for a full installation, enabling them to sample the experience before committing to a download. Despite its potential, the feature struggled to gain traction among users and developers alike.
The limitations imposed on developers played a significant role in this lack of popularity. To create an Instant App, developers were required to produce a streamlined version of their applications, capped at 15 MB. This restriction proved challenging for many, ultimately hindering the widespread adoption that Google had envisioned.
A Quiet Departure
Interestingly, Google’s announcement regarding the discontinuation of Instant Apps has been rather subdued. Rather than issuing a formal blog post, the news surfaced indirectly through a notice in the latest canary build of Android Studio. The notice stated, “Instant App support will be removed by Google Play in December 2025. Publishing and all Google Play Instant APIs will no longer work.”
The reasons behind Google’s low-key approach remain unclear. It raises questions about whether the company is preparing a more comprehensive announcement or simply opting for a quieter exit strategy. As of now, the official developer documentation has not been updated to reflect this change, leaving many in the tech community speculating.
Given the feature’s limited user base, it is likely that the discontinuation of Instant Apps will go largely unnoticed by the general public. Nonetheless, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by even the most innovative ideas in the fast-paced world of technology.
