Bigger doesn't always mean better, but Google's decision to double the maximum size of APKs in Google Play may prove to be a hit with Android developers.
The company said the previous limit of 50MB APKs will now be increased to 100MB, which means developers can theoretically create more rich mobile experiences. Of course, this could mean larger apps take longer to download and eat up smartphone users' data plans.
Still, there seemed to be plenty of pent-up demand for larger APKs based on what Android devs were saying on Twitter:
Yes! Google Play will now let you publish APKs up to 100mb without stupid expansion files (previously 50mb) http://t.co/i4QXBsiLDw
— Chris O'Shea (@chrisoshea) September 28, 2015
@antifuzz 100mb?! lol
— Matt Stuttard Parker (@MSFX) September 29, 2015
Some devs suggested that a larger app size reflects the latest trends in mobile:
100MB is the new 50MB (on google play) http://t.co/jOqYliJidc
— renpytom (@renpytom) September 28, 2015
Not everyone sounded thrilled, though:
Support for 100MB APKs on Google Play | Android Developers Blog http://t.co/0UlzU2z003 // *ACK!*
— Stephen Feather (@StephenFeather) September 28, 2015
@StephenFeather the size of apps keep getting bigger while the carriers data plans keep getting smaller. CONSPIRACY!
— Grant Shipley (@gshipley) September 28, 2015
Just in time: Google announces that the 50M .apk limit is now doubled to 100M (with its trade-offs, of course) http://t.co/jaZoa15mMi
— Diego Dagum (@diedagum) September 29, 2015
And experienced app makers suggested that, compared to Apple, choosing Google's platform still comes with some limitations:
Google Play raises APK file-size ceiling 100 mb. However iOS apps can be 4b with 600mb executables http://t.co/YNC3BtWKHZ
— Dirk de Kok (@dirkdk) September 29, 2015