The APK file extension could stand for “Android Package” and is therefore a package file associated with the software platform called Android. Android is an operating system developed by Google and the Open Handset Alliance. Therefore, APK files are operating system files that allow user to run other programs or applications on his cellular or mobile phone.
Most APK package contains a collection of files with a DEX file extension (generated using Android as well). This package file operates as a single application file then for use with the Android platform. APK files contain critical information that allows several other applications to run in the Android system; thus it serves as a mobile phone’s marker that allows Android operating system to run a specific program.
The Android Operating System is a popular and ideal platform for mobile phones as it is similar to the Linux operating system that discounts the complexity of other mobile platforms. APK files in the Android platform are saved in a compressed format and are therefore ideal for mobile phones as it takes up less space. User only needs a ZIP decompression software to unzip and unpack APK files.
Depending on the type of phone that a user has, APK files can be downloaded directly from several websites that offer application for an Android platform. Some phones that support APK files are Sony Ericsson’s Xperia, Motorola’s MT710, Samsung’s Smartphone and LG’s GW620.
Below are the programs that can be used to open APK files:
| Mac OS | Google Android SDK
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 2011 Apple Archive Utility |
| Windows | Google Android SDK
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 2010 Corel WinZip 15 Pro |
| Linux | Google Android SDK |
