IPAWhat is an APK file?
An APK file (Android Package Kit) is the format Android uses to distribute and install apps — the counterpart of iOS's IPA. Unlike iOS, Android lets users install APKs directly, which makes them perfect for beta testing outside Google Play.
What's inside
An APK is a ZIP archive containing the compiled code (classes.dex), resources, native libraries, and the AndroidManifest.xml describing permissions and components. Modern releases often use AAB (App Bundle) on the Play Store, but device installs still happen as APKs.
Installing an APK outside Google Play
- Download the APK — for example from an IPALinked share link;
- Open the file; if prompted, allow “Install unknown apps” for your browser (how to do that);
- Tap Install. Done.