Business
Google To Shut Down Android Instant Apps December 2025
By Benjamin Abioye
Google will shut down Android Instant Apps by December 2025 due to low usage, ending the feature launched to preview apps without installs.
Google has confirmed that it will discontinue its Android Instant Apps feature by December 2025.
The company explained that the decision is due to low usage and minimal user engagement with the service.
Instant Apps, first introduced in 2017, allowed users to run a lightweight version of an Android app instantly—without installing it. This gave people the opportunity to preview an app through a simple link before deciding to download the full version.
Despite its initial promise, the feature struggled to gain popularity. Developers were required to break their apps into smaller modules, enable deep linking, and stay within specific size limits for Instant Apps to function correctly. These requirements, combined with shifting user preferences, limited the feature’s adoption.
The phase-out was initially detected by a developer who noticed a warning inside Android Studio, stating:
“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.”
A spokesperson from Google confirmed the change, saying: “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.”
The spokesperson added: “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.”
Moving forward, app developers will be encouraged to explore other methods for improving user engagement and discovery—especially through tools that align with current usage trends.
Instant Apps originally supported Android 4.3 and higher, later raising the requirement to Android 6.0. Over time, updates enabled users to launch Instant Apps directly from their app drawer or even place them on the home screen.
This discontinuation reflects a broader shift in mobile user behavior. Many consumers now prefer platforms like YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming services that offer immediate content without the need for individual app installations.
As of early 2025, Google’s AI Overview feature had reached over 1.5 billion monthly users, while more than 270 million people globally were paying for Google services, particularly YouTube and Google One. YouTube Music and Premium alone account for over 125 million users, including those on free trials.
The retirement of Instant Apps underscores Google’s strategy to prioritize high-performing tools and adapt to changing market demands.
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