Android app typically take a few seconds to download on a good Wi-Fi connection, but up to a minute or two on a crowded mobile network. However, if you have to download a few upgrades at once, or worse, dozens of apps on a new phone, the process can take much longer. The Google Play Store is correcting this in its most recent feature update.
As of now, your Android phone or tablet can update or install up to three programs at once, making the most of any quicker connection. Previously, the system could queue up a string of nearly endless app installations, but only downloaded and installed them one at a time, which might dramatically slow down if you had dozens of new ones to get through for a new phone setup.
Simultaneous downloads were introduced earlier this year, according to 9to5Google, but only for new app installations. The process could also take longer because it would not install the following program until the previous one was completed – the longest portion of the process if you have a lot of smaller apps to go through. Now, the system should function properly between installs and updates.
It’s worth mentioning that the App Store on iPhones and iPads has had the ability to display three apps at once for quite some time. This is a minor quality-of-life improvement, but as someone who is constantly testing new phones and tablets (or setting them up for friends and family, as I am the official tech support person), I appreciate it.
