Google introduces auto-launch feature for apps after installation in Play Store

Almost a year ago, it was reported that Google Play Store was testing a feature to automatically open installed apps with a special switch. It was expected to become available last September, but that never happened. Now, Google has begun a wider rollout of an updated version of the feature.

Previously, when users clicked on the install button in an app card, they would see a progress bar and an undo button – and nothing else. However, the Play Store is now gradually rolling out the nearly forgotten auto-launch option to more users around the world, albeit in a slightly modified form.

The new switch is called “Auto-open when ready.” The name of the switch and the accompanying text have been changed to say, “Start the application immediately after installation”. By comparison, the earlier version was called “Turn on Auto-open” when it was off and “Automatically open after install” when it was on.

The inclusion of the feature doesn’t mean instant launch, however. As before, the user is shown a notification with a five-second timer before the app opens. The notification has separate “Open” and “Cancel” buttons that let you interrupt the timer.

Although the feature can be useful in some cases, the five-second delay makes it more of an interesting novelty than a truly necessary feature. Still, it might appeal to those who want something different from the app installation process.

While it can be useful in some cases, the five-second delay makes it more of an interesting novelty than a really necessary feature.

It’s worth noting that the switch is off by default. But for now, there’s no way to hide it if you don’t need it: every time you click the Install button, it will appear. To try the feature, just select any app in the Google Play Store and click “Install.”