Top Related Projects
Free implementation of Play Services
A libre lightweight streaming front-end for Android.
Download apks from Google Play Store
APKUpdater is an open source tool that simplifies the process of finding updates for your installed apps.
Android split APKs installer
A tool for reverse engineering Android apk files
Quick Overview
Aurora Store is an open-source alternative to the Google Play Store, designed for Android devices. It allows users to download and update apps from the Google Play Store without requiring a Google account or Google Play Services, providing a more privacy-focused experience.
Pros
- Allows access to Google Play Store apps without a Google account
- Offers a more privacy-focused alternative to the official Play Store
- Supports anonymous browsing and downloading of apps
- Provides a clean, user-friendly interface
Cons
- May not always have the latest app versions immediately available
- Some apps that rely heavily on Google Play Services may not function properly
- Not available on the official Google Play Store, requiring manual installation
- Potential legal concerns due to its nature as an unofficial Play Store client
Getting Started
To install Aurora Store:
- Enable "Install from Unknown Sources" in your Android device settings.
- Download the latest APK from the Aurora Store releases page.
- Open the downloaded APK file and follow the installation prompts.
- Launch Aurora Store and choose between anonymous login or using your own Google account.
Note: Aurora Store is not a code library, so code examples are not applicable in this case.
Competitor Comparisons
Free implementation of Play Services
Pros of GmsCore
- Provides a more comprehensive replacement for Google Play Services
- Offers better privacy and control over device data
- Supports a wider range of Google APIs and services
Cons of GmsCore
- More complex to set up and configure
- May have compatibility issues with some apps that rely heavily on Google services
- Requires more frequent updates to maintain compatibility
Code Comparison
GmsCore (Java):
public class GmsCore extends Application {
@Override
public void onCreate() {
super.onCreate();
SafetyNetClient.init(this);
}
}
AuroraStore (Kotlin):
class AuroraApplication : Application() {
override fun onCreate() {
super.onCreate()
AppConfig.initialize(this)
}
}
Both projects initialize their core functionality in the Application class, but GmsCore focuses on setting up Google Play Services replacements, while AuroraStore initializes its app configuration.
GmsCore aims to replace Google Play Services entirely, offering a more comprehensive solution for users seeking to de-Google their devices. AuroraStore, on the other hand, focuses specifically on providing an alternative to the Google Play Store for app downloads and updates.
While GmsCore offers broader functionality, AuroraStore is generally easier to set up and use for users who primarily want an alternative app store. The choice between the two depends on the user's specific needs and technical expertise.
A libre lightweight streaming front-end for Android.
Pros of NewPipe
- Open-source YouTube client with additional features like background playback and downloads
- Supports other video platforms beyond YouTube (e.g., SoundCloud, PeerTube)
- Lightweight and ad-free experience
Cons of NewPipe
- Limited to video streaming platforms, not a full app store alternative
- Requires manual updates as it's not available on Google Play Store
- May have compatibility issues with some YouTube features due to API limitations
Code Comparison
NewPipe (Java):
@Override
protected Single<ListExtractor.InfoItemsPage> loadResult(final String url) {
return Single.fromCallable(() -> SearchExtractor.getSearchQueryFromUrl(url))
.flatMap(query -> SearchExtractor.getSearchExtractor(query, Collections.emptyList(), getContentCountry()))
.flatMap(extractor -> ExtractorHelper.getItemsPageOrLogError(extractor, page));
}
AuroraStore (Kotlin):
override fun onResponse(call: Call, response: Response) {
val responseBody = response.body?.string()
if (responseBody != null) {
val jsonObject = JSONObject(responseBody)
val payload = jsonObject.getJSONObject("payload")
val bulkDetails = payload.getJSONArray("bulkDetailsResponse")
// Process app details
}
}
Download apks from Google Play Store
Pros of YalpStore
- Longer development history and more established codebase
- Supports older Android versions (4.0+)
- Lightweight and minimalistic interface
Cons of YalpStore
- Less frequent updates and potentially outdated features
- Limited customization options for user interface
- Fewer advanced features compared to AuroraStore
Code Comparison
YalpStore:
private void processIntent(Intent intent) {
if (null == intent) {
Log.w(getClass().getSimpleName(), "Intent is null");
return;
}
Log.i(getClass().getSimpleName(), "Action: " + intent.getAction());
if (intent.hasExtra(Intent.EXTRA_TEXT)) {
onSearchSubmit(intent.getStringExtra(Intent.EXTRA_TEXT));
}
}
AuroraStore:
private fun processIntent(intent: Intent?) {
intent?.let {
when (it.action) {
Intent.ACTION_VIEW -> handleActionView(it)
Intent.ACTION_SEARCH -> handleActionSearch(it)
else -> Log.i(TAG, "Unhandled intent action: ${it.action}")
}
} ?: Log.w(TAG, "Received null intent")
}
The code comparison shows that AuroraStore uses Kotlin and has a more modern approach to handling intents, with a when expression for different actions. YalpStore uses Java and has a simpler intent processing method.
APKUpdater is an open source tool that simplifies the process of finding updates for your installed apps.
Pros of APKUpdater
- Lightweight and focused solely on updating apps
- Supports multiple sources for APK downloads
- Simple and straightforward user interface
Cons of APKUpdater
- Limited functionality compared to Aurora Store
- Lacks built-in app discovery features
- May require manual intervention for some updates
Code Comparison
APKUpdater:
private void checkForUpdates() {
for (String packageName : installedApps) {
checkUpdate(packageName);
}
}
Aurora Store:
suspend fun checkForUpdates() = withContext(Dispatchers.IO) {
val updates = installedApps.map { app ->
async { checkUpdate(app) }
}.awaitAll().filterNotNull()
_updates.postValue(updates)
}
Aurora Store uses Kotlin coroutines for asynchronous operations, potentially offering better performance and responsiveness. APKUpdater's approach is simpler but may be less efficient for handling multiple apps.
Both projects serve similar purposes but cater to different user needs. Aurora Store offers a more comprehensive solution with additional features, while APKUpdater focuses on a streamlined update experience. The choice between them depends on the user's preferences and requirements for app management on their Android device.
Android split APKs installer
Pros of SAI
- Focuses specifically on installing APK and split APK files
- Lightweight and simple user interface
- Supports installing multiple APKs simultaneously
Cons of SAI
- Limited to APK installation, lacks app discovery features
- No built-in update checking for installed apps
- Requires manual APK sourcing, unlike Aurora Store's integration with Google Play
Code Comparison
SAI (Java):
private void installSplitApk(Uri uri) {
SplitApkInstaller installer = new SplitApkInstaller(this);
installer.install(uri);
}
Aurora Store (Kotlin):
private fun downloadApp(app: App) {
val downloader = AppDownloader(app)
downloader.download { progress ->
updateProgressBar(progress)
}
}
The code snippets highlight the core functionality differences:
- SAI focuses on APK installation
- Aurora Store emphasizes app discovery and downloading
Both projects serve different purposes in the Android ecosystem. SAI is a specialized tool for APK installation, while Aurora Store provides a more comprehensive alternative to the Google Play Store, including app discovery, downloading, and installation features.
A tool for reverse engineering Android apk files
Pros of Apktool
- Powerful tool for reverse engineering Android APK files
- Supports decompiling and recompiling APKs
- Widely used in the Android development and security community
Cons of Apktool
- Primarily a command-line tool, which may be less user-friendly for some
- Focused on APK manipulation, not app discovery or installation
- Requires more technical knowledge to use effectively
Code Comparison
Apktool (Java):
public class Main extends brut.androlib.Androlib {
public static void main(String[] args) throws Exception {
Main main = new Main();
main.run(args);
}
}
AuroraStore (Kotlin):
class AuroraApplication : Application() {
override fun onCreate() {
super.onCreate()
AppConfig.initialize(this)
initializeKoin()
}
}
While both projects are related to Android apps, they serve different purposes. Apktool is a tool for reverse engineering APKs, while AuroraStore is an alternative app store client. The code snippets reflect their different focuses, with Apktool centered around APK manipulation and AuroraStore on app management and distribution.
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Aurora Store
Aurora Store enables you to search and download apps from the official Google Play store. You can check app descriptions, screenshots, updates, reviews, and download the APK directly from Google Play to your device.
To use Aurora Store, you need to have a Google Play account, and log in to your Google Play account when you first open and configure Aurora Store. (Alternatively Aurora Store also allow you to login anonymously)
Unlike a traditional app store, Aurora Store does not own, license or distribute any apps. All the apps, app descriptions, screenshots and other content in Aurora Store are directly accessed, downloaded and/or displayed from Google Play.
Aurora Store works exactly like a door or a browser, allowing you to log in to your Google Play account and find the apps from Google Play.
Please note that Aurora Store does not have any approval, sponsorship or authorization from Google, Google Play, any apps downloaded through Aurora Store or any app developers; neither does Aurora Store have any affiliation, cooperation or connection with them.
Features
- FOSS: Has GPLv3 licence
- Beautiful design: Built upon latest Material 3 guidelines
- Account login: You can login with either personal or an anonymous account
- Device & Locale spoofing: Change your device and/or locale to access geo locked apps
- Exodus Privacy integration: Instantly see trackers in app
- Updates blacklisting: Ignore updates for specific apps
- Download manager
- Manual downloads: allows you to download older version of apps, provided
- The APKs are available with Google
- You know the version codes for older versions
Limitations
- Underlying API used is reversed engineered from PlayStore, changes on side may break it.
- Provides only base minimum features
- Can not download or update paid apps.
- Can not update apps/games with Play Asset Delivery
- Multiple in-app features are not available if logged-in as Anonymous.
- Library
- Purchase History
- Editor's Choise
- Beta Programs
- Review Add/Update
- Token Dispenser Server is not super reliable, downtimes are expected.
Downloads
Please only download the latest stable releases from one of these sources:
- F-Droid (Recommended)
- GitLab Releases
You can also get latest debug builds signed with AOSP test keys for testing latest changes from our GitLab Package Registry.
Certificate Fingerprints
- SHA1: 94:42:75:D7:59:8B:C0:3E:48:85:06:06:42:25:A7:19:90:A2:22:02
- SHA256: 4C:62:61:57:AD:02:BD:A3:40:1A:72:63:55:5F:68:A7:96:63:FC:3E:13:A4:D4:36:9A:12:57:09:41:AA:28:0F
Support
Aurora Store v4 is still in on-going development! Bugs are to be expected! Any bug reports are appreciated. Please visit Aurora Wiki for FAQs.
Permissions
android.permission.INTERNET
to download and install/update apps from the Google Play serversandroid.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
to check internet availabilityandroid.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE
to download apps without interruptionandroid.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC
to download apps without interruptionandroid.permission.REQUEST_IGNORE_BATTERY_OPTIMIZATIONS
to auto-update apps without interruption (optional)android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
to access the OBB directory to download APK expansion files for games or large appsandroid.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
to access the OBB directory to download APK expansion files for games or large appsandroid.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE
to access the OBB directory to download APK expansion files for games or large appsandroid.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES
to check updates for all installed appsandroid.permission.REQUEST_INSTALL_PACKAGES
to install and update appsandroid.permission.REQUEST_DELETE_PACKAGES
to uninstall appsandroid.permission.ENFORCE_UPDATE_OWNERSHIP
to silently update appsandroid.permission.UPDATE_PACKAGES_WITHOUT_USER_ACTION
to silently update appsandroid.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS
to notify user about ongoing downloads, available updates, and errors (optional)android.permission.USE_CREDENTIALS
to allow users to sign into their personal Google account via microG
Screenshots




Translations
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Donations
You can support Aurora Store's development financially via options below. For more options, checkout the About page within the Aurora Store.
Project references
Aurora Store is based on these projects
Top Related Projects
Free implementation of Play Services
A libre lightweight streaming front-end for Android.
Download apks from Google Play Store
APKUpdater is an open source tool that simplifies the process of finding updates for your installed apps.
Android split APKs installer
A tool for reverse engineering Android apk files
Convert
designs to code with AI
Introducing Visual Copilot: A new AI model to turn Figma designs to high quality code using your components.
Try Visual Copilot