Is August 2021 the time 3rd party app stores die?

[Grb89]

I just came across this yesterday.
About Android App Bundles | Android Developers

Apparently as of August 2021 developers can only upload apps in .abb format. And from the Play Store is the only place people can get working .abb apps. If a developer wants their app to be available on any 3rd party app store they will have to make their app in .apk format. I don't see them jumping to get their apps on 3rd party stores so people can get them free.
Maybe I'm wrong but it looks like other app stores may be going away.

 

[Daniel]

only time shall tell

 

[Sbenny]

This is just an official announcement about the introduction of ".apks" formats which affect only newly released apps (app updates aren't required to be posted in .apks format), so I don't think it'll make any difference

 

[Daniel]

This is just an official announcement about the introduction of ".apks" formats which affect only newly released apps (app updates aren't required to be posted in .apks format), so I don't think it'll make any difference

Yes i forgot to update, here are 2 images which should help you understand about this new format.

3rd party apps will still function and there shouldn't be much change for us as we can still install 3rd party APKs.