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Are APK downloads safe? That is the question. But why would you want to download APKs in the first place? Another question.
But don’t ask us what an APK is because we don’t know. Just kidding we do.
APK stands for Android Package Kit and it’s “a way of packing all the necessary data that your smartphone needs to run a program in a single package. Generally speaking, it is not very different from a ZIP or RAR in terms of functionality”.
APKs are synonymous with Android applications, the more widely used term.
Now that we’ve refreshed your memories on APKs, it’s time to answer the question you’ve been asking.
For real though, are APK downloads safe?
If you desire to download an APK that means you want to circumvent traditional app distributors like the Play Store.
We know why.
Maybe you want to download an app that’s yet to be released on any app store, or you want an app that’s not available in your region, or you want an app that’s banned on the popular app stores (gasp).
Whatever the reason, downloading APKs are safe, provided you get them from trusted websites.
Getting your APKs from secure sources is paramount because of the possibility of getting viruses on your device. Unmonitored websites are a hotbed for virus attacks. Therefore ensuring you download your APKs from a trusted source and have an antivirus on hand is necessary. You don’t want to take any chances with security because even big players like Google Play Store have failed to completely eliminate the risks of fraudulent apps.
Here are some popular and trusted third-party app stores:
- APKPure.
- F-Droid.
- Aptoide.
Please note, APKs are going out of fashion albeit slowly. There’s something new called Android App Bundles (AAB) that are replacing APKs. AAB, also known as split APKs, is an “innovative way of making app packages smaller and lighter on system resources. These app bundles contain resources for all the screen resolution, CPU, and language combinations just like an APK does, but there’s a difference; AABs don’t ever end up on the user’s device”.
According to Android Police, a way to tackle this issue is by using another service called APKMirror, a safe and reliable way to get your APKs.
Why do people turn to APKs?
There is no doubt why Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store is very popular. They offer security where these unmonitored sources don’t.
But there’s another reason why they’re so popular. And that’s because they maintain a firm over who uses their services. In the case of Apple, it’s clear-cut that no one can mess around with iOS. It’s the same with Android too even though Android is an open source software. Google dictates what OEMs should and should not do if they want to run Android on their devices. They’ve even gone so far as to allegedly pay billions of dollars to competitors just to maintain their search engine monopoly!
As a user, you may not be aware of what goes behind the scenes. You see the Play Store, you’re told that’s where you get your apps from and you go on with life.
But the moment you want something that’s not on the Play Store is when you hit a snag.
You can’t get those apps because Google has restrictive policies on what goes in and out of the Play Store. So what do you do then? You look for another source.
The benefits of a trusted app distributor
We circle back to the need for security because even some trusted APK sources can fail. The last thing you want to worry about is a virus infecting your device. Instead of finding a reliable source for Android applications, you need a middleman that directs you to safe and secure apps.
And that’s where an app distributor steps in.
If you have an app distributor that delivers relevant apps to you while at the same time protecting app developers’ interests, you’ve hit gold.
Look at App Bazaar, for example, which powers the Samsung Galaxy Store. It identifies apps that users are highly likely to enjoy with hyper-personalization and delivers them to them in their own preferred language. App Bazaar takes a hard stance on security and therefore manually reviews each app before it goes live.
On the other hand, developers can enjoy the benefits of localizing their apps in Indian languages with App Bazaar’s translation services to reach more users. And there are various other benefits developers enjoy while distributing their apps with App Bazaar.
Conclusion: Are APK downloads safe? Yes, but an app distributor is safer
Everything is permissible but not everything is beneficial said St. Paul once. APK downloads are safe as long as you get them from a trusted source.
However, it may not be as beneficial as going through a reliable app distributor like Indus OS’s App Bazaar. A trustworthy app store will provide a safer and better overall user experience.
Then again, the choice is yours. If you want to go through the APK route, you can. If you want to use an app store, you can. That’s the beauty of true choice.
Are you an app developer? If yes, have you tried Indus App Bazaar? It’s India’s largest indigenous Android app store, with a user base of 200 million+. We assist your app in reaching the far corners of India with our translation services into 12 regional languages. Publish your app for free today on Indus App Bazaar.
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