A system component on the Android operating system that facilitates the installation of applications onto devices. This process involves retrieving, verifying, and integrating application files into the device’s file system, ultimately making the application available for execution. For instance, when a user downloads an application from the Google Play Store or a third-party source, this component manages the transfer of the application package and its subsequent placement on the device.
The presence of this functionality is critical for the Android ecosystem, enabling users to expand device capabilities by adding new software. Historically, its functionality has evolved alongside advancements in Android’s security model, with increasingly stringent measures implemented to protect against malicious software installations. This evolution has aimed to balance user freedom in application selection with system-level security needs.