This is what APKUpdater attempts to solve. It scans Android when it installs and notifies the user of updated versions of the apps and even provides a download link so that the user can get the app. If you’ve been looking for an easier way to go APK only on Android, this app may be of interest to you!
Installation
Note: to install APKUpdater, unknown sources need to be enabled on Android. Go to this XDA forum thread, and look for “latest version.” There will be a link next to it. Click on the link to download the newest release of APKUpdater. Once downloaded, tap on the apk to install it with the Android package manager.
Installing APKs
APKUpdater itself does not install APKs to Android. Instead, it gives notifications on any APKs installed on your system and provides download links for everything. For those looking to break free of using Google Play, a good place to start would be to head over to APKMirror. From here search for, download and install any apps that would normally be installed from the Google Play Store. APKUpdater will keep the user informed by scanning installed apps (periodically), then issuing update links inside the app.
Adding other update sources
APKUpdater has the ability to check for updates from three sources, though only one source (APK Mirror) is enabled by default. To enable more software sources, click the gear icon in the top right-hand corner. From here, scroll down to “Update sources.” APKUpdater has the ability to update from Google Play without actually having the Play Store installed. Updates are taken from Google Play via Evozi. Click the box next to “Updates from Google Play.” Additionally, updates can also come from APKPure, an APK Mirror alternative.
Updating
Every day APKUpdater will automatically check for updates to all apps installed on the system and send a push notification. From here it is possible to skim through the update list and select any of the updates. Clicking on the update will bring the user to either the APKMirror, Evozi or APKPure page with the update file available to download. Just download the APK and install it. APKUpdater acknowledges that the app has been updated and takes note.
Conclusion
Though many people try, it is hard to get away from Google on Android. This is because the Google Play Store is so central when it comes to software selection. Few app stores even come close. Thankfully, APK mirroring sites exist. They effectively archive everything that goes up on popular app stores so that anyone can download them. Unfortunately, APKUpdater doesn’t directly download everything from these services, but thanks to its useful update notifications, breaking away from Google Play is easier than before. Hopefully sometime in the future this app will have the ability to directly download from these sites.
