Kate Mills 
Mar 19, 2024
Android 15, still on the horizon, is set to introduce a new feature that allows users to archive apps instead of uninstalling them, thereby conserving space on their smartphones.
This functionality, currently embedded in the Google Play Store, operates automatically for apps sourced from Google’s platform. However, it lacks manual control and doesn't extend to applications from other marketplaces, making an OS-level implementation in Android 15 potentially more versatile and user-friendly.
Mishaal Rahman of Android Authority spotted this feature in the recent Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2 update. Rahman uncovered "archive" and "restore" options within the code and was able to activate and use them ahead of official implementation.
In his tests, Rahman archived the Uber app, which was originally 387MB, and found it shrank to just 17.64MB post-archiving. A notable aspect of this feature is the automatic preservation of user data, including login details and in-app preferences.
After archiving, the app's icon displayed a cloud symbol. Re-engaging the app triggered a re-download and reinstallation process, after which the cloud symbol vanished. Rahman noted that upon reopening the app, his account details and saved locations remained intact, demonstrating the feature's data preservation capability.
Currently, users can find a nascent version of this feature in the Google Play Store settings under "Automatically archive apps". This setting, however, only works for infrequently used apps downloaded from Google Play and doesn't provide manual archiving options or support for third-party app sources.
This feature could be invaluable for users needing to free up space quickly, perhaps to install a new app or to capture high-quality media. Instead of the cumbersome process of uninstalling and later reinstalling apps, archiving offers a smoother, data-preserving alternative.
Apple's iPhones already have a similar feature called "App Offloading", which also works automatically and lacks manual selection options for users. With Android 15, this archiving feature could bring a significant convenience upgrade for Android users.
