Google To Shut Down Android Instant Apps By End of 2025: What Is It? What Will You Miss?

Back in 2017, Google rolled out something called Android Instant Apps. The concept was actually pretty simple, you could try out a small part of an app without fully installing it. Just tap a link, and the app or a lightweight version of it would open instantly. Also Read: How To Create Your 3D Figurine With Google Nano Banana AI Image Tool: Step-By-Step Guide With Prompt

It was especially handy if you were curious about a game or a service but didn’t want to clutter your phone with yet another app. Some early adopters like Vimeo and Wish used it to reach new users directly from the web, without needing to push for an install. Also Read: Gemini App Gets THIS Big Update Which Is Already Available With ChatGPT

As per a report by Android Authority, it was first spotted by developer Leon Omelan, Google is now shutting down support for Instant Apps. “Instant Apps support will be removed by Google Play in December 2025. Publishing and all Google Play Instant APIs will no longer work,” a warning in Android Studio reads. This means developers won’t be able to publish new instant apps, and existing ones will lose support by the end of next year.  Also Read: Pixel 10 vs Pixel 10 Pro XL: First Look At Google’s New Flagships

Why Is Google Shutting It Down?

Simply, not enough people were using it. Google spokesperson Nia Carter explained to The Verge that Instant Apps saw low engagement, and developers are leaning into other methods to promote their apps. Instead of Instant Apps, many are now using AI-powered app highlights and simultaneous app installs — both of which are getting more traction.

According to Carter, “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.”

Despite sounding like a user-friendly feature, Instant Apps required a lot of extra work from developers. They had to create a smaller, streamlined version of their apps — under 15MB — which isn’t easy when you’re dealing with complex tools and media-heavy features.

So, while the idea had potential, support was limited, and most users didn’t even realize the feature existed.

What Will You Miss?

Probably not much. Most Android apps today don’t even use Instant Apps anymore. If you didn’t know the feature existed, you’re not alone — and you’re not missing much now that it’s going away. Google seems ready to move on, and from the looks of it, the Android world already has.