What is AAB file and How to Install it on Android Smartphone

 What is AAB file and how to install it on Android smartphone 

Google is now doing away with APK files. As of August 2021, Google mandated developers to upload new Android apps to the Google Play Store in AAB format. 

Since the launch of Android over a decade ago, APK files have been the universal format for apps. Whether developers or users, whether it is on the Google Play Store, APKMirror, APKPure or APKMod - it was always APKs that were offered. For developers, AABs will now become mandatory and for Android users, APKs will become a more complicated affair.

AABs has become mandatory for all new apps since August 2021. Updates for existing apps can still be uploaded by developers in APK format, so nothing will change in this department for now.

What is an AAB file actually?

"AAB" stands for Android App Bundle. The AAB file contains the entire program code of the Android app. As soon as app development is complete, the developer uploads the app to the Google Play Store in AAB format, with the user (you) downloading it from Google Play store to your smartphone just like before.

Why did Google introduce AAB over APK?

You may be wondering why Google introduced AAB file after many years of using APK, well here are some few reasons:

AAB files are custom-made

The difference between APK and AAB files lies in what we call resources. In an app, resources are everything else that is not programming code, such as images, language files, or music. If you select the "Install" button for an app in the Play Store, Google will then send you an APK file tailored from the AAB file for your device with the necessary resources required.

If your smartphone only has Full HD+ resolution, then you'll receive an APK without 4K material. You've selected English and German as the device language? You probably won't need the Swahili language pack. By the way, with the help of Google's bundletool tool, AAB files can also be locally converted into APKs.

AAB files are smaller in size than APK

The first major advantage of AAB files is therefore obvious: The APKs generated in this manner are smaller. On average, you should be able to see a 35 percent reduction in this manner, based on what Google wrote in October 2018. 

Better protection for apps

Another benefit that developers will find useful would be increased security. It will probably be more difficult to modify apps in the future, and the mod scene might not be very happy about that. Who knows, maybe this will reduce the number of cheaters available.

By the way, with the AABs, the Lite and Pro app versions in the Play Store should no longer exist. It used to be possible to install a paid Pro version over the Lite version after a purchase thanks to the same signature, so to speak, as an update. With AABs and Google signing, that's no longer possible. Instead, developers will have to switch to in-app purchases.

How To Install AAB Files on Android smartphone?

Now that you've learnt about AAB files and it's advantages, let's dive into how you can install these AAB files if you get to have their raw files.

Normally, with the inception of AAB files, users will have to install apps and games through Google Play store only and not from any 3rd party Android app store. But if paradventure you get hold of an AAB raw file and you want to manually install it on your android smartphone, this next section is for you. 

To install an AAB files, you will be needing an AAB installer; this is an app that helps in installing an AAB files into your android smartphone.

How does it work?

With the help of your data turned on, the AAB installer converts the AAB file into an APK files and then install it in your phone. 

For this tutorial, we will be making use of an AAB installer app called "App Bundle Installer"

• Step 1: Download and install App Bundle Installer from Google playstore.

• Step 2: Launch the app and select AAB to pick an AAB file from your folder

• Step 3: click on the AAB file in your folder that which to install.

The file will be uploaded automatically, converted to APK file, downloads back to the phone and then request to be installed.

Accept the installation request and the file [whatever it may be: App or game] will be installed to your phone.

That's all on how to install AAB files on your Android phones.

ALSO READ:

• Android Phones Will Soon No Longer Support Installation Of APK Files

• 7 Settings You Must Do After Buying A New Android Phone

If you are not okay with the above Tutorial, we have a video tutorial on how to install AAB files. Watch below and don't forget to Like the video and Subscribe to our YouTube channel:

Here is the video tutorial:

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