An apk file extension is used for Google Android application packages for Android based devices. apk files are basically a renamed zip files, used to install apps to Android smart phones.
.APK file extension - Google Android application package
What is apk file? How to open apk files?
The apk file extension is associated with the Google Android smartphone operating system for portable devices.
The apk file is an archive that contains source data of Android application (compiled dex files, compiled arsc files, AndroidManifest.xml file, settings files, source files, graphic files).
APK files are stored in the /data/app directory. "App" directory is accessible only on rooted devices via file explorer.
Android package file is almost a jar file (Java Archive) which is based on the ZIP compression format. The content of APK archive is accessible by compression utilities such as WinRAR, WinZIP etc. To open APK archive in compression utility, rename file extension apk to zip.
New applications are available on the Google Play Store (formerly Android Market). Applications from the Android Market are signed and tested, but Android also supports installation of unsigned applications via USB.
To install Android apk application to your phone via USB:
- Connect your phone to computer via USB cable and copy .APK file to memory card
- Use file manager for example ASTRO and open a content of the memory card
- Select the APK file
If you don't need to install app directly to your device from Play Store, only need an apk from it, use for example APK Downloader web service to download apk file from Play Store to your computer.
Some phone producers disable application installation service via USB in their phones. To enable this option go to the Settings > Applications and set the Unknown sources option to enabled.
Note: Google Android applications distributed through apk files can also run on devices with BlackBerry 10, Tizen operating systems and Chrome OS with App Runtime for Chrome.
Updated: March 12, 2020
The default software associated to open apk file:
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
Android SDK provides the tools and libraries necessary to begin developing applications that run on Android-powered devices (mobile phones, tablets etc.).
Android SDK was replaced by Android Studio development tool.
BlueStacks App Player for Windows 
Company or developer:
Bluestack Systems, Inc.
An Android apps virtualization software for Windows that gives users the option to run android apps directly from Windows Sidebar. It contains 10 pre-loaded apps "out of the box" and more apps can be installed. Now supports on-line streaming.
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
Android Studio is the official IDE for Android application development, based on IntelliJ IDEA.
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
A popular operating system for smart phones and tablet computers developed by the Google. Android is based on the Linux kernel. Basic Android's applications are closely related to Google account and services such as Gmail, Calendar, Maps, YouTube, etc.
Applications for Android are written in Java source code but finally compiled for Android Dalvik virtual machine. In Android 4.4 and later is used new runtime environment called Android Runtime (ART) with JIT compiler.
New applications for Android are available on the Google Play a one of the basic applications in clean Android installation.
Google Android operating system versions:
- Android 9 Pie
- Android 8 O (Oreo)
- Android 7 Nougat
- Android 6 Marshmallow
- Android 5 Lollipop
- 4.4.x KitKat
- 4.3.x Jellybean
- 4.2.x Jellybean
- 4.1.x Jellybean
- 4.0.x Ice Cream Sandwich
- 3.x.x Honeycomb
- 2.3.x Gingerbread
- 2.2 Froyo
- 2.1 Eclair
- 1.6 Donut
- 1.5 Cupcake
Company or developer:
Google Inc.
Google Play is on-line store and Android app pre-installed app that allows users to install apps, utilities and games to Google Android phones as well as purchase and download other content, like e-books, movies and music.
List of software applications associated to the .apk file extension
Recommended software programs are sorted by OS platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android etc.)
and possible program actions that can be done with the file: like open apk file, edit apk file, convert apk file, view apk file, play apk file etc. (if exist software for corresponding action in File-Extensions.org's database).
Hint:
Click on the tab below to simply browse between the application actions, to quickly get a list of recommended software, which is able to perform the specified software action, such as opening, editing or converting apk files.
Software that open apk file - Google Android application package
Programs supporting the exension apk on the main platforms Windows, Mac, Linux or mobile. Click on the link to get more information about listed programs for open apk file action.
Microsoft Windows:
Apple macOS / Mac OS X:
Linux/Unix:
Multiplatform:
Main software associated with apk file by default:
Android Studio
Other suggested software:
ARChon for Chrome
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