What is a .APEX file?
An APEX file is a type of file used by Google and other companies that make Android devices to send updates to the basic parts of the Android system. These files are important because they help update parts of the system that run in the background, like the libraries that help the device's software run smoothly.
The APEX file is like a box that contains several important files compressed together to make them easier to send and receive. These files include: 1. **apex_manifest.json**: This file acts like an ID card for the APEX file, telling the Android system what the package is and what version it is. 2. **AndroidManifest.xml**: This file is similar to the apex_manifest.json but includes more details about where the package should go in the system. 3. **apex_payload.img**: This is a special file that contains the actual data or updates in a format that Android can use directly. 4. **apex_pubkey**: This file contains a security key that helps ensure that the updates are from a trusted source.
Google introduced this type of file with Android 10, also known as Android Q, in September 2019. The main reason for using APEX files is to make it faster and easier to update Android devices without having to update the whole system. This means if there's a small part of the system that needs fixing or improving, it can be done quickly and easily without affecting the rest of the device.
To manage these updates, device manufacturers use tools like the APEX manager or the Android Debug Bridge (ADB).
Since APEX files are saved in a ZIP format, you can open them using any program that can open ZIP files. Some of these programs include Microsoft File Explorer, Apple Archive Utility, and Corel WinZip. If you want to see what's inside an APEX file, you can change its name to end with .zip and then open it like any other ZIP file. This lets you look at all the different parts inside the APEX file.
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