Android and iOS have always gone up against each other to emerge as the better operating system which provides the user with the best experience possible. Users hail iOS for its security and protection mechanisms whereas the other set of users praise Android for offering a more personalised experience. In this ever-lasting battle, Google is now trying to bridge the gap slightly by introducing a much-awaited feature in its Play store. This new feature would allow simultaneous app downloads and installations for Android users. 


This was first reported by 9to5Google which stated that the latest update ditches the Play Store's queue system which would allow users to download multiple apps at once. This will have a significant positive impact on the process especially when one is setting up a new device. The new feature has been rolled out primarily on devices running on Android 14 with Play store version 40.6.31. For iOS users, the App Store handles up to three concurrent downloads and installations. 


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How Does This Feature Work?


Users now have the option to choose and install two apps simultaneously, expediting the setup process for new devices or accessing newly installed apps more quickly. This enhancement allows for the concurrent download of large applications like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, removing the need to wait for one download to finish before initiating another. Progress tracking for downloads is available both within the Play Store interface and on the device's home screen.


However, it's worth noting that this new feature of simultaneous downloads in the Google Play Store is applicable only to new app installations, not updates. Additionally, there is a restriction of two concurrent downloads. Any extra apps selected for download will remain in a "Pending" status until one of the initial two downloads is completed. Google may contemplate increasing this limit in future updates.