Play Store may be making room for your own AI-built apps

Google may be working on a place in the Play Store where users can collect apps they have built themselves using artificial intelligence. That is according to a code analysis by Android Authority. The details here come from the two tech outlets Techbook and Canaltech, which report on the finding.

Found in the app's code

Android Authority found a new section called "Your creations" in version 53.2.23-34 of the Play Store app. The finding was made through what is known as an APK analysis (teardown), where the app's code is examined without the feature being switched on. The section is not active for users.

According to Canaltech, it sits on the "Manage apps & device" screen and appears to collect personal apps made with AI help.

Why could this be interesting?

Today, users of Google's AI Studio can either install their apps manually on their own device or publish them through Play Console. That requires a developer account and formal testing.

According to Techbook's assessment, the new feature is aimed at highly specialized apps that are too small for the regular Play Store. It could therefore be an alternative to sideloading, meaning installing AI-built apps manually outside the regular store.

Canaltech points out that code fragments mention the option "share with everyone." According to the outlet, this suggests that apps can be shared with other users, but Google has not explained the details.

Much is still unclear

Google has not officially announced the feature, and it could change or be dropped before a possible public launch. There is no information about a timeline.

It is also unclear whether the feature will support only Google's AI Studio or other AI tools as well. And there is no information about security requirements, testing or review of AI-built apps in the feature.

For ordinary users, this means that down the line it may become easier to use their own AI-built apps. But for now it is only a trace in the code, and not something Google has promised.