In a significant development for Android users, Google is reportedly testing a feature that will allow simultaneous downloads of multiple apps on the Play Store. This much-anticipated move is expected to address a longstanding user concern, providing a boost to overall user experience within the Google Play Store.
The testing of this feature is part of the upcoming Play Store update version 40.0.13. According to insights from AssembleDebug (via TheSpAndroid), a reliable source for tracking Google app features, the update will introduce experimental flags that, when activated, will enable simultaneous downloads, reducing app update times.
Despite the exciting prospect of parallel downloads, the feature comes with certain limitations. The report indicates that parallel installs may not extend to app updates within the “Manage apps & device” section, potentially limiting the scope of simultaneous downloads for certain actions. Selecting “Update all” or individual app “Update” buttons may still result in sequential updates.
Another aspect to note is that Google has initially set a default limit of two simultaneous downloads. However, during testing, this limit was successfully increased from two to five downloads. While the ability to handle simultaneous downloads, particularly for larger updates, may face limitations on older devices, it emphasizes the necessity of further beta testing before a broader rollout.
The parallel downloads feature is seen as a positive step towards enhancing efficiency and user-friendliness on the Play Store. This development aligns Android with a feature already present on the Apple App Store, marking a notable stride in feature parity between the two major mobile platforms.
Notably, this isn’t the first time Google has explored the possibility of introducing parallel download functionality. Previous discussions on Reddit, dating back three to four years, hinted at Google’s attempts to bring this feature to users. However, until now, it had not materialized, leaving users disappointed. The current testing and imminent release of the feature indicate that Google is finally addressing the longstanding user demand for simultaneous downloads, bringing a new level of convenience to managing apps on the Play Store.
