If you are publishing a new app on Google Play, you must upload an Android App Bundle (.aab). Since August 2021, Google only accepts new apps in AAB format. You cannot use a regular APK for the first publication.

How is AAB different from APK?

APK is a ready-made installation file that all users receive regardless of device.

AAB (Android App Bundle) is an archive with app resources. After uploading, Google Play automatically builds an optimized APK for each device. For example, the user will only receive the necessary languages, screen resolutions, and CPU architecture.

Thanks to this:

• the app takes up less space;
• download is faster;
• users do not download unnecessary resources.

Can I use APK?

Yes, but only in some cases:

• for local installation on a device;
• for distribution outside Google Play;
• for internal testing via Android Studio.