Every ApkZio build produces two files, and people regularly ask which one they should use. Short answer: both, for different jobs.
APK: install it anywhere
An APK is a complete, installable Android package. Send it to testers, host it on your website for direct download, or sideload it on your own phone. It is the file to use for anything outside Google Play. ApkZio APKs are release-signed, so they install without a “debug” warning and can be updated in place.
AAB: publish it on Google Play
An Android App Bundle is not installable directly. Google Play takes the bundle and generates optimised APKs for each device that downloads your app, which makes downloads smaller. Since 2021 the Play Console requires new apps to be uploaded as AABs. ApkZio signs the bundle with your keystore and lets Play manage app signing on top of it.
Keep the keystore
Both files are signed with the keystore in your downloads. Google Play accepts an update only when it is signed with the same key, so back the keystore and its passwords up somewhere safe. ApkZio reuses the same key for every rebuild of the same app.
Which one for which use
- Testing on your phone: APK
- Sharing with a client: APK
- Google Play listing: AAB
- Other stores (Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei AppGallery, APK sites): APK