Android apps don’t usually take long to download — a few seconds on a decent Wi-Fi connection, maybe a minute or two if you’re on a crowded cell network. But if you have to download a handful of updates at once, or worse, dozens of apps on a new phone, it can take a lot longer. The Google Play Store is fixing that in its latest feature update.
As of now, your Android phone or tablet can update or install up to three applications at once, maximizing the bandwidth of any faster connection. Previously the system could queue up a string of practically unlimited app installations, but only downloaded and installed them one at a time, which could seriously drag if you had dozens of new ones to get through for a new phone setup.
Simultaneous downloads became available earlier this year, according to 9to5Google, but only for brand new app installations. The process could also drag down since it wouldn’t actually install the next app until the previous one was finished — the longest part of the process if you have lots of smaller apps to get through. Now the system should work across installations and updates.
It’s worth noting that the three-at-once capability is something the App Store on iPhones and iPads has had for a long time. This fix is a small quality-of-life tweak, but as someone who’s constantly trying out new phones and tablets (or setting them up for friends and family, since I’m the designated tech support person), I appreciate it.
