Google releases auto-archive feature for infrequently used apps

Google is adding a feature to Android that automatically archives less-used Android apps. This can temporarily free up storage space. Users can restore the archived apps by pressing an app icon.

Source: Google

Google has started releasing the auto-archive feature, which automatically archives infrequently used apps to take up less storage space. This is a saving of ‘almost 60 percent’, so reports a product manager from Google Play.

Apps that are compatible simply remain on the device and can be easily restored to the latest compatible version, while also preserving user data. The archive function only works with apps published with the Android App Bundle format. The app icon remains available on users’ phones after archiving. A cloud can be seen on that icon after archiving. When users tap the icon, the app is fully restored again.

Users must manually enable the feature. When a user tries to install a new app, but the device runs out of storage space, a pop-up appears asking if the user wants to archive apps.

Google announced the arrival of an archiving function for Android apps last year. There were also earlier images of the operation of the new function, which appears to be part of Play Services.