Google Play Store reportedly working on a new 'Smart Download' feature to help resume interrupted downloads

Ever been in a situation where an app download reaches 99%, then freezes before ultimately cancelling? It always happens at the worst times, but it appears Google has taken note of this frustrating experience and is reportedly working on a feature called "Smart Resume."

If implemented, this new feature would allow downloads from the Google Play Store to be paused in situations where network stability is an issue or if you're on a limited data plan. Downloads could then resume later, under more favorable conditions.

Normally, when a download starts on the Play Store, a temporary file holds the app until the download is complete. Once finished, the file is deleted. With Smart Resume, however, instead of deleting the file when a download is interrupted, it will be retained for up to 24 hours, allowing users to continue the download later.

Of course, this means that the device would need more space. Reports note that for Smart Resume to work, the device would need at least 5GB of storage and the app being downloaded cannot be more than 2GB in size. Android Authority was able to catch a glimpse of code suggesting this update when scanning through the Google Play Store (version 43.5.26-31)

If this feature eventually rolls out, it would be a welcome addition to the Play Store, though Android may be playing catch-up to Apple. iOS users can already pause and resume downloads on the App Store for some time. Still, if Google follows through, its 2.5 billion monthly users will enjoy a smoother, more convenient downloading experience.

A while ago, Google introduced the ability to install multiple apps at once on the apps so having the option to pause downloads till whenever needed just sounds like a reasonable next step for Google to take.