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App, APK and app bundle compared
| Term | Meaning | User usually handles it? |
|---|---|---|
| App | Installed software and its user experience | Yes |
| APK | Android installable package | Sometimes |
| AAB | Android App Bundle submitted to Google Play | Usually no |
| IPA | iOS application archive | Not an Android package |
Why distribution changes the update process
Store installs generally receive managed updates. Direct APK users must return to a trusted publisher and ensure the update uses the same package and signing lineage.
Can an APK work on iPhone?
No. Android and iOS use different package, signing and runtime systems. Websites claiming a direct APK works on iPhone are misleading.
Frequently asked questions
Is an APK the same as an app?
The APK is an Android installation package; the app is the installed software.
Does Google Play use APKs?
Google Play may deliver APKs generated for a device from an app bundle, but users normally do not manage the files.
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WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY
Editorial Team
Independent editors applying our documented source, app-identity and regulatory review method. No fictional qualifications or operator affiliation.