Downloading Premium Android APK Files
Previously, if your app’s compressed download size was more than 100MB, you needed to host and serve the expansion files yourself when users downloaded your APK. This was costly for you and users were inconvenienced by the extra downloads. Google Play now hosts and serves the expansion files at no cost to you, providing a better experience for your users.
To make this work, you must separate some of your app’s resources into two expansion files. The first is the main expansion file, and the second is a patch expansion file. The main expansion file retains the version applied to it when you uploaded it in the Play Console, while the patch expansion file’s version is updated when your APK receives an update from Google Play (or when the app updates manually).
When the user opens your APK for the first time www.apkeditor.net, Google Play automatically downloads the expansion files and saves them in shared storage>/Android/obb/package-name>/. When the app starts, it reads the expansion files from this location.
To protect your app’s assets, you should only allow users to download expansion files from trusted sources. For example, APK mirrors contain legal APKs that are often older versions of Play Store apps. However, other sites such as Aptoide have a huge collection of APKs that aren’t screened or controlled, and could contain malicious content. You can prevent untrusted sources from distributing your expansion files by making sure that users have the option to disable unknown sources on their device. This is an option available in the Settings app for all Android devices.
Restrictions For Accessing and Downloading Premium Android APK Files
Feedback Channels: App developers often offer feedback channels within their apps or on their official websites. Users can use these channels to express their interest in having a specific premium app available as an APK download. However, it is important to note that developers have the final say in deciding whether or not to make their app available in this format.
Official App Stores: Users should first explore the official app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store to check if the desired premium app is available for purchase or download. These platforms prioritize app security, reliability, and legal compliance.
Subscription Services: Some premium apps are exclusively available through subscription services. Users can subscribe to these services to gain access to a wide range of premium apps without the need for individual APK downloads.
While it is possible to request specific premium apps to be made available as APK downloads, users should be aware of the limitations and potential risks involved. Legal and copyright constraints, as well as security concerns, often deter developers from distributing their premium apps through unofficial channels. Users are encouraged to explore official app stores, subscription services, and in-app purchases as alternative methods to access and enjoy premium app features legally and securely.