Android 15 Developer Preview 2 is out today and integrates app archiving directly into system settings.
Instead of “Open” (which is awkwardly moved to the top right), there’s now an “Archive” button next to “Uninstall” in the app info. By touching, you immediately complete the action with the inscription “Archived [app]” toast message. There are currently no prompts for an explanation, while system applications cannot be archived.
On the home screen and app launcher, the icon is gray with a cloud/download icon overlaid. Tap to start the download process from the Play Store. Alternatively, you can go back to the application information and press “Back”.
Android 15 remembers what permissions you previously granted after restoring an app.
As of Android 15 Developer Preview 2, this system-level app archiving feature doesn’t seem to be integrated with Google Play, which added something similar last year.
Meanwhile, the “Pause app activity when not in use” toggle in app info has been renamed to “Manage app when not in use: remove permissions, delete temporary files, stop notifications, and archive app.”
More on Android 15:
FTC: We use automatic affiliate links to earn money. More.