Google Officially Announces End of Android Instant Apps Support in December 2025
Google has confirmed that it will discontinue support for Android Instant Apps by December 2025, marking the end of a feature initially launched in 2017 to allow users to try out apps without installing them.
The decision stems from low user engagement and shifting developer preferences, according to a company spokesperson. This move is part of a broader strategy to refocus efforts on tools that offer higher user interaction and better app discovery performance.
Why Google Is Shutting Down Instant Apps
The change was first noticed by developer Leon Omelan, who discovered a 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.”
Google spokesperson Nia Carter later confirmed the decision in a statement to The Verge:
“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.”
What Were Android Instant Apps?
Instant Apps were designed to give Android users a way to try apps instantly through a link, without needing to download them from the Google Play Store. These lightweight app previews allowed users to:
- Test app features
- Play games
- Interact with services quickly
Developers had to modularise their apps and meet strict size and performance requirements. At launch, Instant Apps supported Android 4.3 and above, later requiring Android 6.0. By Android 8 (Oreo), users could even launch Instant Apps from the app drawer or add them to the home screen like regular apps.
Despite this flexibility, the feature never saw widespread adoption.
What’s Next for Developers and Users?
With the shutdown of Instant Apps:
- All related APIs and Google Play Instant publishing tools will stop working by December 2025.
- Developers are encouraged to transition to AI-based app discovery, simultaneous app installations, and other Google Play engagement tools.
- Users will be redirected toward full app installations for a more immersive experience.
Google’s Broader Ecosystem Growth in 2025
While Instant Apps are on the way out, Google is experiencing major growth in other areas:
- Over 1.5 billion monthly users are now using AI Overview, Google’s AI-powered search feature.
- More than 270 million users are paying for Google services, including YouTube Premium, YouTube Music, and Google One.
- YouTube Music and Premium now have over 125 million subscribers worldwide.
This growth further emphasises Google’s shift toward more engaging, monetised platforms.
