Google is set to discontinue its Instant Apps feature for Android by the end of 2025, as reported by industry sources. This decision comes in light of the feature’s limited adoption and usage among users, prompting the tech giant to refocus its resources on more successful tools and applications.
Android’s Instant Apps Reportedly Had Low Usage
A recent notice regarding the shutdown was discovered in the latest canary build of Android Studio by developer Leon Omelan. The notification indicated that support for Instant Apps will cease in December 2025, which includes the discontinuation of publishing capabilities and all associated Google Play Instant APIs. Additionally, tooling support within Android Studio will be removed in the upcoming Otter Feature Drop.
Nia Carter, a spokesperson for Google, confirmed the shutdown to The Verge, citing low engagement levels and a trend among developers to favor alternative app discovery tools. “This change allows us to invest more in the tools that are working well for developers, and help direct users to full app downloads to foster deeper engagement,” she stated.
Instant Apps, which debuted in 2017, offered users a streamlined experience by allowing them to run lightweight versions of applications without the need for installation. Similar in concept to Apple’s App Clips, these interfaces were designed for quick access to specific functionalities, such as making payments or trying out game demos.
To utilize Instant Apps, users were required to enable the feature through Google Play. When a user tapped a link while browsing Google Search on their Android device, the Play Store would check for an app capable of opening the link. This process allowed users to access an app-like interface instantly, bypassing the need for any downloads or installations.
