Google said it has implemented an approach it calls file-by-file patching to cut down the size of app updates.
The technique can, on average, reduce the download size by 65% when compared to the original app. It’s able to cut down some app downloads by as much as 90%. According to Google, the Play Store now sends Android devices a patch that details what’s different between the old version and new version of the app.
It then downloads only the bits needed to make those changes. In total, Google expects the effort will save Android device owners around the world an aggregate 6 petabytes of mobile data per day. Google hopes smaller app downloads will help improve uptake for app developers. File-by-file patching replaces the bsdiff algorithm previously used by Google, which was able to reduce app downloads by as much as 47%. People will not need to take any action to make use of the new updating process. Apple
