Android tests simultaneous app downloads and installations

Google has apparently implemented simultaneous app downloads and installations on the Play Store, as seen by 9to5Google this Sunday (28). The (possible) new feature of Android comes after intermittent testing over the last few years.

For those in a hurry:

• Google has implemented the functionality of simultaneous downloads and installations of applications in the Play Store, as seen by 9to5Google. This innovation allows users to download and install two applications at the same time, instead of waiting for one to finish before starting the other;
• Currently, this new functionality is restricted to just two simultaneous installations. Thus, a third application selected for download remains in a “Pending” state until one of the first two is completely installed. Additionally, this concurrent installation capability does not extend to updates to existing applications;
• As it stands, the ability to perform simultaneous downloads and installations is particularly useful for users setting up a new Android device;
• O 9to5Google noticed this change on several Pixel devices running Android 14 and Play Store version 40.6.31. And the site hopes that the current limitations are part of a cautious and temporary approach on Google’s part.

According to the website, when choosing two applications from the Google store, both downloads and installations occur simultaneously, instead of waiting for one to finish before starting the other. You can monitor their progress both on the Play Store and on the home screen (see the screenshots below).

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Simultaneous downloads and installations on Android

This updated behavior is only enabled on new installs, while only working with two apps at a time. In the screenshot above, for example, a third download remains “Pending” until one of the first pair finishes.

Additionally, simultaneous downloads and installations from the Play Store do not apply to app updates – which would be more useful as updating multiple apps at once is more common than fresh installs.

As it stands, the change could be useful when setting up a new Android phone or tablet, for example. O 9to5Google Hope this is a temporary cautious stance on the part of big tech.

The website observed this change on several Pixel smartphones and tablets – original Google devices – tested, running Android 14 and version 40.6.31 of the Play Store.