Android device users who are setting up a new phone will appreciate a significant update to the Google Play Store that now allows the downloading and installation of multiple apps simultaneously. This change, highlighted first by 9to5Google, is part of the Google Play 40.6.31 update, greatly improving the setup process by cutting down the time it takes to install several apps.
To see if your device has received this update, simply open the Play Store, tap on your profile photo, and navigate to the settings. Under the “About” section, you can check your current version and update your Play Store if it isn’t the latest.
Although the new feature enables the simultaneous download of multiple apps, it seems there is a limit. During testing, it was observed that while two apps could download at the same time, a third app would be placed in a pending status. This indicates that currently, the system supports up to two simultaneous downloads, doubling the previous capacity.
It’s important to note that this new functionality applies only to fresh installations and does not affect updates, which still proceed one at a time. The slow rollout of simultaneous downloads aims to minimize potential issues as the feature is gradually introduced to all users.
This update is part of Google’s April improvements across its system apps, which also included enhancements to Google Wallet and offline support for the Find My Phone feature on Android. These updates reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience and device setup efficiency.
