An APKS file is an archive of Android app packages (APKs). It is generated by Google’s bundletool utility from an Android App Bundle (AAB) file. Bundletool creates optimized APK files for different devices based on characteristics like architecture, language, and screen density. The APKS archive contains these APKs in a compressed ZIP format.
When ready, developers can test an app’s behavior on Google Play by first generating an APKS file. The individual APKs in the archive can then be installed on devices matching their configuration. This allows verifying proper functioning before wider distribution.
APKS files can be explored like regular ZIP archives by renaming with the .ZIP extension. Over 400 formats can be viewed using File Viewer Plus software. Android Studio and related tools likely support working with APKS files during app development and testing.
Android Studio
Google Play Store
BlueStacks