Google is rolling out an update to the Play Store that allows Android users to download and update up to three apps or games simultaneously, enhancing the overall app management experience on Android devices. This improvement builds upon an earlier update from April, which introduced the ability to download two apps at a time.
New Features for Faster App Management
Previously, the Play Store only allowed one app to be downloaded or updated at a time, requiring users to wait for one app to finish before starting another. The new feature, which is now being rolled out, enables up to three apps to be processed simultaneously. To utilize this feature, users should navigate to the Play Store, go to “Manage apps and device” by tapping the profile icon at the top right, select “Updates available,” and tap “Update all.” The first three apps will begin downloading or updating, while any remaining apps will display a “Pending” status.
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This update, while not officially announced by Google, has already been observed by several users across different devices. It’s likely that the rollout is being managed server-side, as access to such features typically happens without requiring a manual update from the user.
Potential Impact and Future Developments
The introduction of simultaneous app downloads can significantly improve the experience for Android users, particularly those setting up new devices or restoring apps from a backup. By allowing multiple downloads at once, Google is helping to reduce the time required to install or update apps, providing a more efficient and seamless user experience. This is a welcome change for users who have been limited by the slower, single-download method in the past.
Furthermore, Google Play Store is reportedly developing a new feature named “auto-open,” which will automatically launch apps immediately after they are installed. This would eliminate the need for users to manually open apps after installation, further streamlining the process and enhancing user convenience.
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The new feature is currently being made available on select devices in various regions, such as India, indicating a phased rollout. Google has yet to specify the exact launch schedule or the devices that are eligible, but the broad availability suggests it will soon reach more users worldwide. It’s worth noting that other platforms, including Apple’s App Store, already support downloading up to three apps simultaneously. Similarly, Android app stores from manufacturers like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OPPO also offer concurrent app download capabilities.