Google will start ridding the Play Store of “low quality” apps
The Google Play Store has been around for a very long time, and as such, it is populated with millions of apps. However, not all apps are created equally. Some obviously have a better design and function than others. This is something that Google is trying to curate by getting rid of apps that they deem are of “low quality”.
According to an update to Google’s Spam and Minimum Functionality policy, Google will start to purge apps from the Play Store that don’t meet these requirements. So how is an app’s “quality” determined? According to Google:
“Apps should provide a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience. Apps that crash, do not have the basic degree of adequate utility as mobile apps, lack engaging content, or exhibit other behavior that is not consistent with a functional and engaging user experience are not allowed on Google Play.”
Once the changes go into effect on the 31st of August, 2024, Google will remove apps that don’t meet these requirements. This isn’t the first time Google is purging the Play Store. Back in 2023, Google actually blocked as many as 2.28 million apps that violated its policies. They also rejected close to 200,000 app submissions.
Platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store usually require developers to submit their apps for review. This is to check that these are malicious apps masquerading as proper apps. It also ensures that it doesn’t violate app store policies and contain illegal content.
It is unclear how many apps and users will be impacted by this change.