What are Android Instant Apps and how can I get them?

Open an app without downloading it, right from your smartphone browser

Android Instant Apps have been eagerly anticipated since first being announced as part of Android 7.0 - and now they’re here.

An Android Instant App is essentially one that appears as a link in a browser so users can go into the app version rather than website. But, unlike now, you won’t have to download the app. It’s a bit like streaming video on YouTube rather than having to download the whole thing like in ye olde days.

If you like an app then you can still download the full version to have it stored on your phone for offline use as you need it. And for those using older versions of Android, don’t worry, Instant Apps are coming to 96 percent of Android users as they’ll work from Android 4.1 and higher.

Luke is a freelance writer for T3 with over two decades of experience covering tech, science and health. Among many things, Luke writes about health tech, software and apps, VPNs, TV, audio, smart home, antivirus, broadband, smartphones and cars. In his free time, Luke climbs mountains, swims outside and contorts his body into silly positions while breathing as calmly as possible.