APKMirror Installer is an essential tool for Android enthusiasts looking to install various file formats such as .apkm, .xapk, and .apks app bundles, as well as regular APK files. This app streamlines the installation process, making it easier and more efficient for users to sideload applications. A standout feature for regular APK files is the ability to pinpoint the exact reason for a failed installation, providing users with valuable feedback to troubleshoot issues effectively.
Understanding Split APKs
In 2018, Google introduced App Bundles at Google I/O, a dynamic app delivery format designed to optimize app distribution. For a detailed understanding, we recommend checking out the AndroidPolice post, which offers clear illustrations. In simple terms, before App Bundles, developers had to manage either a single large APK or multiple APK variants tailored for different device configurations. App Bundles shifted this responsibility to Google, which then splits the app into multiple components, or split APKs. A typical app release might now include a base APK and several splits, such as base.apk, arm64.split.apk, 320dpi.split.apk, en-us.lang.split.apk, and es-es.lang.split.apk. However, installing these splits directly on a device isn't straightforward, as only the base APK can be installed, which then fails due to missing resources. This is where APKMirror Installer becomes indispensable.
What Are .apkm Files?
With the rise of the split APK format, APKMirror developed .apkm files to facilitate easy and secure sideloading. An .apkm file contains a base APK and multiple split APKs. Once you've installed APKMirror Installer and downloaded an .apkm file, you can tap on it or use the app to locate the file. The app allows you to view the contents of each .apkm file and choose which splits to install, helping you manage device storage efficiently.
The development of APKMirror Installer and its underlying infrastructure was a significant undertaking, and as such, the app and website are supported by ads. For those who wish to avoid ads, various subscription options are available to go ad-free and unlock additional features.
Issues and Bugs
For users of Xiaomi, Redmi, or Poco devices running MIUI, there's a known issue due to modifications in the MIUI system that affect the installation of split APKs. A workaround involves disabling MIUI optimizations in the developer settings, which should resolve the problem. More information on this issue can be found at this link: GitHub Issue 116.
If you encounter other issues or bugs, please report them to our GitHub bug tracker. It's important to note that APKMirror Installer is a file manager utility and does not include features like browsing websites or updating applications directly, which would violate the Play Store Terms of Service.
Tags : Tools
