Google has announced that it will discontinue support for Android Instant Apps by the end of 2025, citing limited adoption and declining engagement. Introduced in 2017, instant Apps allowed users to access lightweight versions of Android applications without fully installing them. The feature aimed to make app trials seamless by letting users launch apps or games directly from links, offering a more convenient experience and broader reach for developers. The move to phase out the feature was first reported by Android Authority after developer Leon Omelan spotted a deprecation notice in Android Studio:
“Instant Apps support will be removed by Google Play in December 2025. Publishing and all Google Play Instant APIs will no longer work. Tooling support will be removed in Android Studio Otter Feature Drop.”
Confirming the news to The Verge, Google spokesperson Nia Carter explained the rationale behind the decision:
“Usage and engagement of Instant Apps have been low, and developers are leveraging other tools for app discovery such as AI-powered app highlights and simultaneous app installs. 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.”
The shutdown reflects Google’s shift toward focusing on newer app distribution tools that offer better results for developers and deeper interaction with users.
