Simultaneous App Installations Arrive on Android
In a significant update to the Android user experience, the Google Play Store has introduced a feature that allows users to download and install two applications at the same time. This enhancement is a departure from the previous process, where one had to wait for an app to complete installation before initiating the download of another.
This new functionality has been observed across a spectrum of devices, including the latest Pixel phones and tablets equipped with Android 14, and even on some older models such as the Samsung Galaxy S22. The update is part of the Play Store version 40.6.31 and represents a stride towards more efficient app management.
The capability for parallel downloads was initially detected by AssembleDebug and has been in the testing phase for some time. Now, it’s ready for prime time. Users eager to test the feature can select sizable applications like Google Docs or OfficeSuite and witness both downloading and installing concurrently, rather than sequentially.
However, it’s important to note that this new method currently limits simultaneous installations to two apps. Should you attempt to download more, the additional apps will be queued as “pending” until the first two installations are complete. There is speculation that Google may eventually expand this limit, potentially offering users the option to set their preferred number of concurrent downloads.
While this update brings a welcome change to app installations, app updates have not yet received the same treatment. For now, updates in the Play Store will continue to occur one at a time. Nevertheless, there’s anticipation that simultaneous updates could be on the horizon, further streamlining the update process.
The introduction of simultaneous app installations is poised to be a boon for Android users, particularly when setting up a new device. While it may not match the App Store’s capability of three concurrent downloads, it marks a significant improvement from the previous single-download system, offering a more efficient and time-saving experience.
