Google Bids Farewell to P2P 'Share Apps' Feature on Play Store

Summary In early 2021, the Google Play Store introduced a feature called 'Share apps' that allowed users to send and receive Android applications via peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing using Nearby Share. This feature was designed to work without Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, making it useful in areas with limited network access.

Update as of March 9, 2025: The 'Share apps' functionality has been removed from the Google Play Store. An in-app message indicated that the feature would no longer be available after January 2025. This removal is part of version 45.2.19-31 of the Play Store, where the 'Manage apps & device' page no longer includes the Nearby Share icon.

Original Announcement (December 16, 2024): The feature was originally announced to be retired in the changelog for Play Store version 44.1. Users can still share Android applications using Files by Google, which offers a similar P2P sharing method under the 'Apps' category.

It's worth noting that changes and updates to Google services often take time to roll out fully, even after the app version is updated on users' devices.