The Google Play Store has recently undergone a significant transformation, with the number of available apps experiencing a notable decline. According to an analysis from app intelligence provider Appfigures, the platform has seen a drop from 3.4 million apps at the beginning of 2024 to approximately 1.8 million by April. This represents a striking 47% reduction in app offerings compared to the end of 2023, as reported by TechCrunch.
Shifting Dynamics in App Availability
In contrast, Apple’s App Store has managed to maintain a steady growth trajectory, increasing its app count from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. This divergence indicates that the changes in app availability are primarily a phenomenon specific to Google, rather than a reflection of broader trends in mobile app usage across platforms.
While the reduction in apps might initially seem disadvantageous for Android users, it is likely a step toward enhancing the overall quality of offerings on the Play Store. Many of the applications removed were often criticized for their low quality and functionality. Over the past year, Google has actively pursued a strategy aimed at elevating the standard of apps and games available to users.
Historically, Google’s quality control measures have been less stringent compared to those of Apple, allowing a greater number of low-end applications to populate the storefront. However, in July 2024, Google revised its quality requirements, shifting from merely removing non-functional apps to implementing stricter bans on those that provided subpar content or limited user experiences.
In a statement to TechCrunch, Google acknowledged that the reduction in app numbers is partly attributable to these updated quality standards. The company also cited additional factors such as enhanced human review processes and new verification requirements for app developers as contributing elements to this trend.
Interestingly, the research highlighted a 7.1% increase in the release of new apps in April 2025 compared to the same month in 2024. This suggests that despite the overall decrease in app numbers, developers remain active and committed to delivering fresh experiences to Android users.
For those utilizing Android devices, these changes may ultimately lead to a more streamlined experience when searching for useful apps and games on the Play Store. Although curation remains somewhat limited, the likelihood of encountering low-quality applications has diminished, paving the way for a more refined selection of offerings.
