Google is rolling out its December 2024 System update, which includes significant changes to the Play Store and Play Services. The most notable change is the retirement of the “Share apps” feature, introduced three years ago. The latest Play Store update (version 44.1) removes the “Share apps” feature.
This feature allowed users to directly share free and publicly available apps through the Play Store. It was accessible via Profile icon > Manage apps & devices and used Quick Share for app sharing without requiring Wi-Fi or cellular data. Other changes in version 44.1 include new notifications from Google Play and improvements to the visuals in the apps and games categories within the search tab.
It also includes a new settings screen for managing cross-device services and invitations. Additionally, there are improvements for Wear OS, such as automatic timezone updates for offline devices and prioritizing Wi-Fi and cellular networks over Bluetooth for quicker updates. The “Share apps” feature was introduced in 2021 following the 2020 debut of Nearby Share.
Although this feature is being retired from the Play Store, users can still share apps using the Files by Google app through its built-in sharing functionality.
Google retires Share apps feature
Google has announced the discontinuation of app sharing features in the Play Store.
This decision marks a significant shift in how users can manage and distribute applications on Android devices. Previously, users could share apps directly through the Play Store. The process involved using the Files by Google app.
Users would open the Files app and, under the Categories heading, tap on Apps. They would then select the app they wanted to share, tap the three-dot icon next to the app’s listing, and choose the Share option. A share sheet would open, and users could press on Quick Share, following the on-screen instructions to share the app with a nearby Android device.
This feature will no longer be available, and the change has taken many by surprise, particularly those who relied on this convenient method to share applications among family and friends. As Google phases out app sharing in the Play Store, users will need to seek alternative methods to distribute apps. This could potentially impact the user experience, especially for those who found the feature useful for quick and easy app sharing.
Community reactions to this update have been mixed, with some expressing disappointment and others considering alternative solutions.
