Big news: AI Studio APK now supports both APK and AAB (Android App Bundle) formats! This means you can now build apps for direct distribution and submit to the Google Play Store with the format Google recommends.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to choose between APK and AAB, when to use each, and how to upload your AAB to Google Play Store.
What’s New: AAB Support
Previously, AI Studio APK only generated APK files — perfect for testing and direct distribution, but not ideal for Google Play Store production releases. Now you can choose your output format directly in the build form:
- APK — For testing, sideloading, and direct distribution
- AAB — For Google Play Store submission (recommended by Google)
APK vs AAB: Quick Comparison
| Feature | APK | AAB |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Testing & direct install | Play Store submission |
| File Size | Larger | Smaller |
| End User Download | Full file size | 15-35% smaller (optimized per device) |
| Direct Install | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (needs Play Store) |
| Play Store Required | ⚠️ Internal testing only | ✅ Production & all tracks |
How to Build AAB (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Start Your Build
Go to aistudioapk.com and start a new build. Fill in your app details:
- App Name — What users will see
- Package Name — Auto-generated if you leave it blank
- Branch — Usually “main” or “master”
- Environment Variables — API keys, configs (if needed)
- App Icon — PNG, minimum 192x192px (optional)
Step 2: Select Output Format
In Step 2: Configure Build Mode, you’ll now see an Output Format selector:
- Click AAB (Play Store Upload)
- The description shows: “Play Store Upload”
Use AAB if:
- You’re submitting to Google Play Store
- You want optimized file size for users
- You’re doing a production release
Step 3: Review and Build
In the review step, confirm AAB is selected, then click “Validate & Build”. The system will:
- Clone your repository
- Install dependencies
- Build your React/Next.js/Vite app
- Run
gradlew bundleDebugto generate the AAB
Step 4: Download Your AAB
When the build completes:
- Click “Download AAB” (violet button)
- File will be named:
YourApp.aab
Uploading AAB to Google Play Store
Step 1: Go to Google Play Console
Visit Google Play Console and sign in with your developer account.
Step 2: Create or Select Your App
If this is a new app:
- Click “Create app”
- Enter app name and default language
- Select app type (Game or App)
- Choose free or paid
- Accept the developer policies
Step 3: Upload Your AAB
Go to Release → Production (or start with Internal testing for your first upload):
- Click “Create new release”
- Upload your
.aabfile - Google Play will automatically:
- Validate the AAB
- Generate optimized APKs for all device configurations
- Show you the estimated download sizes
Step 4: Add Release Details
Fill in:
- Release notes — What’s new in this version
- Version name — e.g., “1.0.0”
Step 5: Submit for Review
Click “Start rollout to Production” (or your chosen track). Google Play will review your app, which typically takes 1-3 days for new apps.
Which Format Should You Use?
Use APK When:
- Testing on your own device
- Sharing with friends via email or file sharing
- Internal team testing
- You need immediate installation without Play Store
Use AAB When:
- Submitting to Google Play Store
- You want smaller downloads for users
- Doing production releases
- You want Google to handle device optimization
File Size Benefits
Here’s what you can expect:
- APK file: Larger (includes all resources)
- AAB file: Smaller (compressed)
- User download (from AAB): device-optimized
That’s a 15-35% reduction in download size for your users!
Common Questions
Can I convert APK to AAB?
No. You need to rebuild using the AAB format selector.
Does AAB take longer to build?
No. Both formats take the same time (typically 3-10 minutes). The format choice doesn’t affect build duration.
Can I test AAB before Play Store?
Yes! Upload your AAB to Google Play’s “Internal testing” track first. This lets you test with a small group before releasing to everyone.
Do I need to sign the AAB?
Our builds include debug signing automatically. For Play Store, you’ll set up Google Play App Signing in the console — Google handles the final signing with their secure keys.
Ready to Build Your AAB?
Whether you need APK for testing or AAB for Play Store, AI Studio APK now has you covered. No Android Studio, no complex setup — just select your format and build.
Start building your AAB today: aistudioapk.com
Questions about AAB or Play Store publishing? Join our community at r/aistudioapk
