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My understanding is that Android apps all compile and build into APK files, which are like executable JARs. These are the files that Android developers host up on the Android Marketplace and that get downloaded by users at point of sale.

What are the APK equivalents for iPhone, iPad and Windows Phone devices? Surprisingly, there is very little to no public information about this (at least not without having to download and install the respective SDKs, which I shouldn't have to do!). Looking for the file type that developers must upload to the respective marketplace/appstore, and that gets pulled down and ran client-side by the appp user on the respective platform.

Also interested in Blackberry, Nook and Kindle if anybody happens to know. Thanks in advance!

IAmYourFaja
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5 Answers5

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  1. iOS = .ipa
  2. Android = .APK
  3. Windows Phone = .XAP
  4. Blackberry = .cod/.jad
  5. Kindle = .azw for books, .txt, and .MOBI
  6. Nook = .APK (as far as I can tell)
Mick MacCallum
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  • Thanks @NSPostWhenIdle (+1) - for Kindle, I *assume* `.MOBI` is for apps? Thanks again! – IAmYourFaja Aug 25 '12 at 12:02
  • @4herpsand7derpsago That's what I'm thinking but I'm not 100% about that one, this list is more or less just a compilation of what I was able to find. I have no experience with Kindle. Additionally, as Mohammod pointed out that APK files are basically .zips, just letting you know that .ipa's are just zip files as well. – Mick MacCallum Aug 25 '12 at 12:04
  • If you are talking about kindle fire, it runs on android so it uses .apk too not sure about the kindle e-ink versions – nandeesh Aug 25 '12 at 12:17
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File formats with some informational links;

iOS - ipa
Android, Nook, Kindle Fire - apk
Windows Phone - xap
Blackberry - jad and cod

Joachim Isaksson
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Android for APK
Iphone for ipa
windows phone for  xap
Blackberry for .cod files

application package file (APK) .

An .ipa file is an iPhone application archive file which stores an iPhone app.

Application Package ( . XAP ) - used in Windows Phone 7 to install programs. Is a file format for compressed archives , actually - zip archive.

Mohammod Hossain
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android = apk
iphone/ipad = ipa
windows phone = xap
Spudley
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Saurabh Passolia
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  • Thanks @samfisher (+1) - please look at my question underneath Mohammod's answer - I have the same question for you! – IAmYourFaja Aug 25 '12 at 11:54
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.xap is a compressed .zip according to Wikipedia. Also, all .xap are being remade into .appx, the new windows phone format which also works on windows 8.1. So, fi you don't have windows 8.1 (or higher), you won't be able to run windows apps, even non-windows phone ones

The Secret Lord of Your Wisdom
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