Google is reportedly shutting down Android’s On the spot Apps characteristic later this yr. As per the report, the Mountain View-based tech large is ending assist for the characteristic because of its low utilization and adoption amongst customers. These app-like interfaces will reportedly not work after December 2025, and the corporate can even finish assist for its software programming interface (API) and tooling assist from its built-in growth atmosphere (IDE), Android Studio. Notably, final yr, the corporate killed Chromecast and changed it with the Google TV Streamer set-top field.
Android’s On the spot Apps Reportedly Had Low Utilization
In accordance with an Android Authority report, a discover for the shutdown of On the spot Apps was noticed within the newest canary construct of Android Studio. Developer Leon Omelan reportedly noticed the message, which appeared as a pop-up above the On the spot Apps dependency.
Based mostly on the screenshot shared by the publication, the discover learn, “On the spot Apps assist shall be eliminated by Google Play in December 2025. Publishing and all Google Play On the spot APIs will not work. Tooling assist shall be eliminated in Android Studio Otter Characteristic Drop.”
Google spokesperson Nia Carter additionally informed The Verge concerning the shutdown of the service, citing low utilization and engagement of the On the spot Apps, and builders choosing different instruments for app discovery as the first causes. “This modification permits us to speculate extra within the instruments which are working effectively for builders, and assist direct customers to full app downloads to foster deeper engagement,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying.
On the spot Apps was launched by Google in 2017. For these unfamiliar with the characteristic, these are light-weight variations of standard apps that customers can run with out putting in them on their machine. Much like Apple’s App Clips, these are designed for a fast app-like expertise and sometimes carry out solely a particular operate comparable to invoice fee or enjoying the demo of a sport.
To make use of On the spot Apps, customers will first should allow the characteristic from Google Play. Then, in the event that they faucet a hyperlink whereas utilizing Google Search on an Android machine, Play Retailer checks if there’s an app that might open the hyperlink, as per the corporate’s assist web page. Tapping the hyperlink immediately opens an app-like interface with out requiring the consumer to obtain or set up something.
