Android’s Instant Apps are on their way out. Google says they’re getting rid of them in December 2025. The reason? Hardly anyone uses them.
We’re used to apps taking up space on our phones. Instant Apps were supposed to change that. They launched in 2017, offering a lighter way to use apps without downloading the full version. But it seems they didn’t catch on.
So, what are Instant Apps? They let you download a small part of an app, giving you basic functions without taking up too much space. It’s like a demo, but better. You can try an app without committing to the full download.
Why Instant Apps Failed
The problem was that developers had to shrink their apps to 15 MB or less. That’s tough. Not many were willing to do it, so Instant Apps never really took off. It’s a shame, since they were a great idea.
Google’s being quiet about this decision. They didn’t even announce it publicly. A developer found out by accident, noticing a warning in the latest Android Studio update.
What’s Next?
With phone storage getting bigger, the need for Instant Apps might disappear anyway. But it’s still sad to see a good feature go. Maybe one day we’ll see something similar come back. For now, it’s goodbye to Instant Apps.
Google’s decision might not affect many people, but it’s still a loss for Android users. Instant Apps were a unique feature that could have changed the way we use our phones. Now, they’re just a memory.