APK (Android Package Kit)

What is APK?

APK (Android Package Kit) is the standard format used by the Android operating system for installing applications, similar to .exe for Windows or .dmg for macOS. Each APK file contains application code (usually Dalvik bytecode), resource files (such as layouts, images, strings, etc.), a META-INF directory, and an AndroidManifest.xml configuration file. Users use Android applications by installing them through Google Play or directly installing APK files.

Comparison of APK with Other File Formats

Although APK is a unique application package format for Android, similar file formats include:

• IPA: Installation package for iOS applications, functioning similarly to APK but only applicable to iOS devices.
• EXE: Executable file for the Windows operating system, suitable for desktop applications.

Types of APK

APK is mainly divided into two types, based on whether it has undergone digital signature:

1. Unsigned APK
   An APK that has not been signed with the developer’s private key. It cannot be listed on Google Play and cannot be installed by the system, usually used in the development and debugging phase.

2. Signed APK
   An APK signed with the developer’s private key. It can be distributed through Google Play and directly installed on Android devices. Google Play verifies the validity of the APK signature before release.

Advantages of APK

1. Standardized Packaging
   All Android applications must use the APK format, ensuring compatibility of applications across different devices.

2. Simplified Distribution
   With APK, developers can package all necessary resources at once, and users only need to install it once to use the application.

3. Security Verification
   The signature mechanism ensures that the application has not been tampered with, protecting users from malware.

4. Efficient Updates
   By updating the APK, developers can quickly fix bugs or add new features, and users do not need to completely reinstall the application.

How to Use APK?

There are usually two methods to install an APK:

1. Installation through App Stores
   Users select and download the APK from Google Play or other third-party app stores, then click to install.

2. Direct Installation via File
   Transfer the APK file to the mobile phone, and install it through the file manager or the “Install unknown apps” option in settings.

In DuoPlus cloud phones, users can use APK through the following steps:

1. Upload APK File
   In the DuoPlus console, select the cloud phone to manage, and upload the APK file to the app library.

2. Install Application
   Select the target cloud phone and install the APK with one click from the app library.

3. Multi-Environment Isolation
   Each cloud phone can independently install different APKs, ensuring data isolation and operational security between applications, which is particularly suitable for users who need to use multiple cross-border platform accounts simultaneously.

4. One-Click Update
   Supports synchronous updates of APK from the app library, eliminating the need for manual repeated installations and improving management efficiency.