Google Could Allow Android Users to Download Multiple Apps at Once

According to reports, Google is revisiting Parallel Downloading following its reappearance in a recent Play Store update. For those unfamiliar, this feature allows Android users to install multiple apps simultaneously. It initially surfaced around four years ago when a Reddit user observed simultaneous downloads of Chrome, Google Photos, and YouTube onto their device. After seemingly fading into obscurity, it was rediscovered by industry expert Assemble Debug while examining the files of Google Play version 40.0.13.

Initially, the process appears similarly to installing a single app. The duration to acquire a software piece on your phone varies based on its file size.

Upon closer examination, Assemble Debug discovered several limitations hindering the feature’s effectiveness. Firstly, parallel downloading does not apply to updates. Should you wish to download updates for multiple apps, you’ll need to do so individually. There are no alterations in this regard.

Furthermore, Google is limiting the number of simultaneous installations to only two apps. Assemble Debug highlights that this restriction is governed by an internal flag. By deactivating the flag, he managed to raise the download limit to “five apps at once.”

Google might adjust the maximum number of installations at any given time, but for now, they’re keeping it conservative. There’s a possibility of an increase during future testing phases. For those keen on activating parallel downloading on their device, it’s achievable by obtaining the latest Play Store patch; however, the process is complex.

The official launch date of this feature remains uncertain. However, given the company’s renewed experimentation with Parallel Downloads after a prolonged period, it might suggest an imminent release. Hopefully, this speculation proves accurate. The ability to install apps in bulk represents a significant quality-of-life enhancement. It has the potential to save considerable time for new phone owners during the device setup process.