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It looks like Google is finally working on a way to support third-party browsers being able to install proper APKs for web apps. This is generally something that only Chrome can do currently. There's very little public documentation and it still seems quite early, but there's a new WebAppManager API

Luke

@lukewarlow.dev

added in Android 17. By default the isAvailable() method always returns false but then I found there's a new developer option labeled "Enable Web App Installer Service", flipping that on and the API suddenly works! developer.android.com/reference/an...

developer.android.comWebAppManager | API reference | Android Developers

15/9/26, 1:54 pm0 reposts5 likes

Luke

@lukewarlow.dev

15 Sept

I (mostly AI tbf) generated a test app for me. You provide the manifest URL, to a simple API call and it starts the install flow. You do get a security check warning (might be my security settings) but click through and you get a proper APK that shows up in your launcher properly.

Luke

@lukewarlow.dev

15 Sept

Importantly, when you click the app icon it loads in the app that requested the installation. Seems the app needs to implement the a CustomTabsService for the launching to work. All of this is a good step in the right direction but it's pretty rough around the edges right now.

Luke

@lukewarlow.dev

15 Sept

There's no nice screenshots in the install UI unlike Chrome's improved install flow. The app icon also doesn't include any shortcuts included in your manifest file (another feature Chrome supports). It also means that browsers are somewhat at the mercy of Google to support new manifest features.