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Google is reportedly removing Android's Instant Apps functionality later this year. According to the source, the Mountain View-based tech giant is discontinuing support for the service due to limited usage and popularity among consumers. These app-like interfaces will allegedly cease to function after December 2025, and the firm will also discontinue support for its application programming interface (API) and tools in its integrated development environment (IDE), Android Studio. Notably, last year, Google discontinued Chromecast and replaced it with the Google TV Streamer set-top box.
Android's Instant Apps reportedly had little use
According to an Android Authority article, a warning announcing the termination of Instant Apps was found in the most recent canary release of Android Studio. Developer Leon Omelan apparently noticed the notification, which showed as a pop-up above the Instant Apps dependence.
According to the picture given by the magazine, the warning said, "Google Play will discontinue support for Instant Apps in December 2025. Publishing and all Google Play Instant APIs will no longer function. Tooling support will be disabled with the Android Studio Otter Feature Drop."
Google spokesman Nia Carter also told The Verge about the service's discontinuation, citing poor usage and engagement with Instant Apps, as well as developers preferring alternative options for app discovery. "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," according to a spokeswoman.
Google released Instant Apps in 2017. For those unfamiliar with the functionality, these are lightweight copies of ordinary apps that may be launched without the need for installation on the device. Similar to Apple's App Clips, they are intended to provide a fast app-like experience and frequently execute only one function, such as bill payment or gaming demos.
To use Instant Apps, users must first enable the option in Google Play. Then, when customers hit a link while using Google Search on an Android smartphone, the Play Store determines whether there is an app that can access the link, according to the company's help website. Tapping the link launches an app-like experience without the user having to download or install anything.
