Google Play Sees 47% Decline In Apps Since Start of Last Year
Google Play’s app marketplace has undergone a significant change with a staggering 47% drop in apps, plummeting from 3.4 million to 1.8 million since early 2024. This decline is attributed to stricter quality standards, increased human reviews, and a crackdown on low-quality apps as reported by Appfigures. Google has revamped its policies to enhance app quality, including banning applications with limited functionalities or content, which has impacted the total number of apps available.
In July 2024, Google indicated that the new quality requirements would not just target broken apps but also disqualify those lacking substantial content or operational features. Moreover, Google has actively removed 2.36 million policy-violating apps and blocked over 158,000 developer accounts attempting to publish harmful content. The piece also mentions a new EU trader status rule requiring developers to disclose their identities, which could further contribute to the decline.
Key Points
- Google Play has seen a dramatic drop of 47% in app availability since early 2024.
- This decline is linked to stricter app quality standards and thorough human reviews.
- Apps with limited functionality or minimal content are being banned from the Play Store.
- Google has successfully blocked 2.36 million harmful apps from being published.
- A new EU regulation requires app developers to disclose their identities, adding to compliance pressures.
Why should I read this?
If you’re into tech or depending on mobile applications, this article sheds light on a crucial shift happening in Google Play. A massive 47% dip in apps could change how you access services and software on your device. Understanding these changes can help you anticipate future app availability, quality, and even security. Plus, we’ve done the hard work of summarising it for you, so take a quick read!