Google yesterday announced that the upload size limit for apps on the Google Play store has been increased to 100MB. Before now, while it was possible to build apps or game of any size, the maximum size limit on the Play Store was 50MB.
The idea behind limiting the upload size was to encourage developers to write more efficient code. However, as the Google Android team may have realised, it is quite though striking a balance between a “delivering a delightful user experience that maximizes the hardware of the device, while also ensuring that their users can download, install, and open the app as quickly as possible “.
The file size limit is now 50MB, for APKs that target Android 3.2 and lower (API level 13 or lower), and 100MB for APKs that target Android 4.0 and higher (API level 14 or higher). This means developers can publish multiple APKs, under the same app listing, to cater for all supported devices. Users will see a warning only when the app exceeds the 100MB quota and makes use of Expansion Files.
Google makes it clear that new size limit is in no way an incentive for developers to make apps bigger than necessary. It is rather is enable developers build higher quality apps whilst bearing mind the following factors:
- Mobile data connectivity: Users around the world have varying mobile data connectivity speeds. Particularly in developing countries, many people are coming online with connections slower than those of users in countries like the U.S. and Japan. Users on a slow connection are less likely to install an app or game that is going to take a long time to download.
- Mobile data caps: Many mobile networks around the world give users a limited number of MB that they can download each month without incurring additional charges. Users are often wary of downloading large files for fear of exceeding their limits.
- App performance: Mobile devices have limited RAM and storage space. The larger your app or game, the slower it may run, particularly on older devices.
- Install time: People want to start using your app or game as quickly as possible after tapping the install button. Longer wait times increase the risk they’ll give up.
Developers can find more information on the Play Store app limit size over here.
Photo credit: Gosu-Tech
