Overview
The install_plugin is a Flutter package that enables Android apps to install APK files directly, facilitating seamless app updates or installations. For iOS, it redirects users to the App Store via a provided URL, ensuring compatibility with Apple's distribution policies. Designed for app update scenarios, it simplifies the process of delivering new versions without requiring users to manually download from external sources. The plugin supports both Android and iOS platforms, offering a cross-platform solution for managing app installation workflows. It integrates easily via pub.dev and includes open-source code for transparency and customization.
Use cases
- App auto-update feature
- Direct APK installation on Android
- Redirecting iOS users to App Store
- Bundled app distribution
- In-app update prompts
- Offline app installation
Key features
- Android APK installation
- iOS App Store redirection
- Cross-platform support
- Simple integration via pub.dev
- Open-source codebase
- URL-based iOS navigation
Suitable for
- Developers building self-updating apps
- Apps requiring offline installation
- Projects distributing custom APKs
- Mobile apps with in-app update logic
- Teams needing transparent update mechanisms
Considerations
- Requires Android permissions for APK installation
- iOS only supports App Store redirects
- APK installation requires user permission on Android
- Not suitable for official App Store submissions
- Limited to Android and iOS platforms
- Security risks with untrusted APK sources