Android will soon be archiving apps to save storage: this is how it works
Android gets an archive function that allows apps to use up to 60 percent less storage. Users can choose to archive apps instead of deleting them. The usage data will then be saved, while parts of the app will be deleted. We explain how it works.
Storage in Android
Storage management is an important part of Android, because sufficient capacity is required to install new updates for apps and the operating system. When a phone or tablet can no longer install updates, this has several negative consequences in terms of the security and operation of devices.
The most obvious solution for users is to simply delete apps from their device. With the removal of apps, it is very common that settings and personal data also disappear. That is not useful if you want to use the app in question again later.
Archive apps
With the system of archived apps that Google describes in its blog post, things work differently. An archived app, on the other hand, takes up to 60 percent less storage space, but retains users’ personal data. It is possible to restore an archived app and put it back into use right away. You will also immediately be presented with the most recent version.
Google wants to implement that system in Android later this year using a new kind of apk file, called Android Package. The feature will be available to developers with the release of Bundletool 1.10, but developers can opt-out not to support archiving their apps. How many developers will do that remains to be seen. Furthermore, it is not yet known how exactly that archiving will work in the interface on Android devices.
