Google Play Store might bring back simultaneous app downloads

Whether it’s pushing out system updates or getting a new Material Design makeover, the Google Play Store is seemingly in for many changes. Those changes also include a feature we thought we wouldn’t see again, according to Android Police.

Simultaneous app downloads is one of those features that probably should have stuck around. Instead, Google removed the feature likely due to certain limitations at the time. That said, some users are finally seeing the feature re-enabled in the Play Store.

Don’t fret if you don’t see the feature on your device yet. This appears to be a server-side change, so it might take a bit until you see simultaneous app downloads in the Play Store. Once you get it, it’s one of those quality-of-life changes that decrease the amount of time you spend updating your apps.

Simultaneous app downloads isn’t the only new feature spotted in the updated version of the Play Store — there’s also internal app sharing. The feature lets a developer share a rough version of an app or app update to those invited to an internal test channel.

Interestingly, Google doesn’t review any apps shared through internal app sharing. Google also notes that these apps might not meet the Google Play Terms of Service. As risky as that sounds, Google already allows developers to create internal test channels — internal app sharing is simply a setting that users can actually see and toggle.

I got the internal app sharing toggle to appear on my Sony Xperia XZ1 by repeatedly tapping the Play Store version number.

Also new are an updated Play Protect interface and the ability to search for TV shows by networks. Keep in mind that these new changes, as well as simultaneous app downloads and internal app sharing, might not all be available for everyone yet.