Google to purge low-quality apps from the Play Store with new policy starting next month
Google is intensifying its efforts to eliminate low-effort apps from the Google Play Store. The company has updated its Spam and Minimum Functionality policy to target apps that fail to meet basic functionality and quality standards.
Effective from August 31, 2024, Google mandates that apps must offer a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience. Apps that crash frequently, lack adequate utility, or fail to provide engaging content will be removed or restricted. Specific examples of violations include static apps without app-specific functionalities, such as text-only or PDF file apps, and apps with minimal content, like single wallpaper apps. Additionally, apps that serve no functional purpose, fail to install, or do not load will also be targeted.
This move aims to enhance overall user experience by ensuring only high-quality apps are available on the platform.
- App Store
- Free • Proprietary
Related news
External links
- Preview: Functionality, Content, and User ExperienceGoogle • Official source
- Google set to purge the Play Store of low-quality appsAndroid Authority
- Google is purging ‘low-quality’ Android apps next monthThe Verge
- Google Play Store May Delete Tons of Android Apps Next MonthPCMAG
- Google Is Removing "Do-Nothing" Apps from the Play StoreHow-To Geek
- Google Play is about to do a mass deletion of ‘low quality’ apps — what you need to knowTom's Guide
Comments
Imagine removing all the very simple very functionnal opensource apps from the playstore, I am happy to have an F-droid client on my phone so I am not afraid of this catastrophic scenario. But I am sure Google will only remove problematic apps