Google Android will allow rarely used apps to be “archived” as an alternative to permanent uninstallation. Especially useful for Android game enthusiasts who want to try out a different title without losing saves made in the current game, the new feature allows you to keep your personalized settings in the cloud until you decide to revisit this app.
Archived apps will take up 60% less storage space and can be restored in seconds if you need them again.
The archiving option has become possible with the introduction of a new type of APK, which makes it easier to “break” apps into smaller packages, by separating out items that provide essential functionality (e.g., receive notifications, display the interface) more advanced or simply rarely used functions. Technology primarily aimed at reducing the amount of downloaded data and updating app times will soon also reduce the actual size of installed apps, repackaging them into locally created APKs, including personalized user settings.
In other words, the app is not completely uninstalled, essential files can still be re-downloaded from the Play Store.
Apparently, not all Android apps will support archiving, as developers can simply disable support for archived APK files. In such cases, rarely used apps will simply have the “Uninstall” option displayed, to be used if the user no longer finds them useful.
Another novelty is the display of a “bubble” for applications being installed or updated, informing users of their status. In the current formula, installed or updated apps can be tracked from the Play Store interface or with notification alerts displayed temporarily. In the new format, a “bubble” will appear on the screen of Android phones, much like the one displayed for Facebook Messenger message notifications, with users deciding whether or not to interact with it for more information. Alternatively, you can skip it by dragging it off the screen.