Android app stores

AppWizard
November 10, 2025
On November 4, 2025, Google and Epic Games filed a joint motion with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to modify a permanent injunction from Epic's antitrust litigation against Google. The modified injunction retains prohibitions on Google's revenue-sharing practices and mandates that app developers are not required to launch exclusively on the Google Play Store. It introduces a "Registered App Store" system for third-party app stores, allowing users to install these through a streamlined process. The settlement extends globally, promoting competition across all Android markets. Developers are granted rights to offer alternative in-app payment methods and can present various payment options side-by-side. The modified injunction caps service fees that Google can charge on transactions in Play-distributed apps using alternative payment methods, extending through 2032. A Technical Committee will oversee disputes related to the new terms. The settlement's effectiveness depends on court acceptance and coordination with a separate settlement between Google and state attorneys general. The settlement is part of ongoing antitrust scrutiny facing Google. Following court approval, Google will have eight months to implement the necessary technology for the registered app store program.
AppWizard
November 5, 2025
Google will integrate a new system in the upcoming version of Android that allows third-party app stores to be recognized as legitimate sources for applications. These "Registered App Stores" will enable users to install apps directly from websites with a single click, streamlining the process and avoiding traditional sideloading warnings. The implementation will be global, not limited to the U.S., and is expected to provide a user-friendly experience similar to the Google Play Store. Google will set "reasonable requirements" for the certification of these app stores, which may include review processes and fees not tied to revenue generation. The changes aim to benefit third-party app stores, reduce fees for developers, and expedite the app installation process. The settlement is expected to be presented for approval soon, with potential operational changes by the end of this year and a rollout coinciding with Android 17 in June next year. Early glimpses of the new system may be available in Google's Android Canary and Beta releases as early as 2026.
AppWizard
October 24, 2025
Mintegral's report indicates that advertisers in the APAC market need to adjust their user acquisition strategies for better scale and cost efficiency. Key findings include: - AI-powered consumer applications achieved 1.5 billion downloads in 2024, generating approximately .3 billion in revenue, with significant growth in chatbots (119% year-on-year) and AI art apps (21% increase). - Short-video drama applications saw quarterly growth rates of 50% to 200% since Q3 2023, with Indonesia leading global downloads at 39%, followed by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. - Growth is surging in third-party Android app stores such as Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei, with cost-per-install rates as low as [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the landscape of mobile marketing evolves, a recent report from Mintegral reveals that advertisers must adapt their user acquisition (UA) strategies to achieve both scale and cost efficiency. The report highlights three pivotal trends shaping the APAC market, indicating a significant shift in how marketers allocate their budgets and connect with consumers. Short on time? For those looking for a quick overview, here’s a table of contents for easy navigation: The future of marketing: AI transformations by 2025 Discover AI marketing’s future in 2025 with predictions on automation, personalization, decision-making, emerging tech, and ethical challenges. AI apps go mainstream with 1.5B downloads Mintegral’s findings for 2025 confirm that AI has transcended the realm of novelty and has become a staple in consumer behavior. In 2024 alone, AI-driven consumer applications achieved an impressive 1.5 billion downloads, generating approximately US.3 billion in revenue. The chatbot segment experienced a remarkable 119% year-on-year growth, while AI art applications saw a 21% increase. Notably, 16 generative AI applications surpassed US million in in-app purchases, with 25 apps reaching over 10 million downloads. This data underscores a crucial point: consumers are not merely dabbling in AI; they are actively engaging and investing in it. Why it matters: For advertisers, this trend signals that audiences are ready to embrace AI-driven solutions. Developers who incorporate practical AI functionalities into everyday applications, especially in sectors like productivity, finance, and community engagement, are tapping into a market of conversion-ready users. BytePlus powers Soonshot’s short-form K-drama launch in SEA Soonshot brings short-form K-dramas to Southeast Asia, powered by BytePlus personalization and webtoon IPs. Short-drama takes over global video habits The popularity of short-form drama is rapidly expanding beyond niche audiences. According to Mintegral, short-video drama applications have experienced quarterly growth rates ranging from 50% to 200% since Q3 2023. These digestible storytelling formats primarily monetize through advertising, accounting for around 90% of revenue, with the remainder derived from in-app tokens or subscriptions. Indonesia leads the global download market for short-drama apps, followed closely by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. Content originating from the APAC region is now making waves on the global stage. Why it matters: Short-drama content is more than just entertainment; it serves as a dynamic platform for performance marketing. Advertisers can leverage these formats through rewarded videos, check-ins, and gamified engagement strategies, making them ideal for achieving a balance between reach, retention, and monetization. Third-party Android stores unlock cheap UA at scale While many marketers remain fixated on the duopoly of Google Play and the Apple App Store, Mintegral notes a surge in growth within third-party Android channels such as Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a significant distribution area. Mintegral’s SDK and self-serve capabilities empower advertisers to launch campaigns across these alternative stores, with case studies from Amazon revealing cost-per-install (CPI) rates as low as US[cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: As APAC mobile trends shift, Mintegral report finds that marketers must rethink their UA strategies for scale and cost As AI becomes habitual and short-form drama content goes global, advertisers are finding cost-efficient user acquisition beyond Google and Apple2025 is closing with a signal shift in mobile growth, according to a new report from Mintegral. The global advertising platform unveiled its latest APAC insights, spotlighting three emerging trends that could reshape how marketers plan their budgets and reach audiences.This article explores the report’s findings — from the normalization of AI apps to the explosion of short-form dramas, and a quiet but powerful trend: the rise of third-party Android app stores as fertile ground for affordable, high-quality user acquisition.Short on time?Here’s a table of contents for quick access:The future of marketing: AI transformations by 2025Discover AI marketing’s future in 2025 with predictions on automation, personalization, decision-making, emerging tech, and ethical challenges.AI apps go mainstream with 1.5B downloadsMintegral’s 2025 data confirms what many marketers already suspect: AI is no longer a hype bubble. It’s a consumer habit. AI-powered consumer apps racked up 1.5 billion downloads in 2024, generating US$1.3 billion in revenue.The chatbot category posted 119% year-on-year growth, while AI art apps saw 21% gains. More telling, 16 generative AI apps surpassed US$10 million in in-app purchases, and 25 apps crossed 10 million downloads. That’s not curiosity. That’s retention.Why it matters:For advertisers, this is a clear signal that audiences aren’t just experimenting with AI. They’re paying for it. Developers who build practical AI features into daily-use apps, particularly in productivity, finance, and community, are reaching conversion-ready users at scale.BytePlus powers Soonshot’s short-form K-drama launch in SEASoonshot brings short-form K-dramas to Southeast Asia, powered by BytePlus personalization and webtoon IPsShort-drama takes over global video habitsShort-form drama is no longer niche. Mintegral reports that short-video drama apps have posted 50–200% quarter-on-quarter growth since Q3 2023. These snackable storytelling formats are typically monetized through ad support (around 90%), with the rest coming from in-app tokens or subscriptions.Indonesia leads the charge with 39% of global short-drama app downloads, followed by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. APAC-born content is now a global export.Why it matters:Short-drama isn’t just entertainment. It’s a performance marketing playground. Advertisers can plug into these formats via rewarded videos, check-ins, and gamified engagement loops. This makes them ideal for balancing reach, retention, and monetization.Third-party Android stores unlock cheap UA at scaleWhile most marketers remain focused on the Google Play and Apple App Store duopoly, Mintegral says growth is surging in third-party Android channels like Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a key distribution region.Mintegral’s SDK and self-serve access allow advertisers to launch campaigns across these stores, with Amazon-based case studies showing CPIs as low as US$0.26 to US$0.42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Results vary by genre and bid strategy.Why it matters:These underutilized stores are offering a cost-efficient way to escape auction fatigue. For marketers in gaming, utility, or entertainment, it’s a rare chance to grab scale without breaking the budget.What marketers should knowMintegral’s report isn’t just a forecast. It’s a call to action. Here’s how performance marketers can turn these trends into real outcomes:1. Adopt ROAS-based bidding modelsSwitch to Target ROAS, Hybrid ROAS, or Target CPE strategies. Optimize for real business goals like D7 retention or paid conversions, not vanity metrics.2. Embrace creative automationUse dynamic creative optimization and playable ads to iterate faster. Short-drama formats and AI apps both benefit from high-velocity creative testing.3. Diversify distribution nowInclude third-party Android stores in your UA mix. Whitelist high-performing verticals, test region-specific platforms, and monitor performance with clear attribution.4. Don’t ignore emerging content categoriesShort-dramas are not a fad. It’s a new engagement layer with built-in performance hooks. Partnering with studios or platforms early could give brands a head start on formats optimized for mobile viewing and monetization.AI apps are sticky. Short-drama is exploding. Third-party Android stores are scaling. In short, mobile growth is moving fast. It’s also getting cheaper, if you know where to look.Smart marketers will seize this moment to rethink their media mix, experiment with new creative, and expand beyond traditional platforms while the blue ocean is still wide open.This article is created by humans with AI assistance, powered by ContentGrow. Ready to explore full-service content solutions starting at $2,000/month? Book a discovery call today.Book a discovery call (for brands & publishers) - ContentGrowThanks for booking a call with ContentGrow. We provide scalable and tailored content creation services for B2B brands and publishers worldwide.Let’s chat a bit about your content needs and see if ContentGrow is the right solution for you!IMPORTANT: To confirm a meeting, we need you to provide your" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].26 to US[cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: As APAC mobile trends shift, Mintegral report finds that marketers must rethink their UA strategies for scale and cost As AI becomes habitual and short-form drama content goes global, advertisers are finding cost-efficient user acquisition beyond Google and Apple2025 is closing with a signal shift in mobile growth, according to a new report from Mintegral. The global advertising platform unveiled its latest APAC insights, spotlighting three emerging trends that could reshape how marketers plan their budgets and reach audiences.This article explores the report’s findings — from the normalization of AI apps to the explosion of short-form dramas, and a quiet but powerful trend: the rise of third-party Android app stores as fertile ground for affordable, high-quality user acquisition.Short on time?Here’s a table of contents for quick access:The future of marketing: AI transformations by 2025Discover AI marketing’s future in 2025 with predictions on automation, personalization, decision-making, emerging tech, and ethical challenges.AI apps go mainstream with 1.5B downloadsMintegral’s 2025 data confirms what many marketers already suspect: AI is no longer a hype bubble. It’s a consumer habit. AI-powered consumer apps racked up 1.5 billion downloads in 2024, generating US$1.3 billion in revenue.The chatbot category posted 119% year-on-year growth, while AI art apps saw 21% gains. More telling, 16 generative AI apps surpassed US$10 million in in-app purchases, and 25 apps crossed 10 million downloads. That’s not curiosity. That’s retention.Why it matters:For advertisers, this is a clear signal that audiences aren’t just experimenting with AI. They’re paying for it. Developers who build practical AI features into daily-use apps, particularly in productivity, finance, and community, are reaching conversion-ready users at scale.BytePlus powers Soonshot’s short-form K-drama launch in SEASoonshot brings short-form K-dramas to Southeast Asia, powered by BytePlus personalization and webtoon IPsShort-drama takes over global video habitsShort-form drama is no longer niche. Mintegral reports that short-video drama apps have posted 50–200% quarter-on-quarter growth since Q3 2023. These snackable storytelling formats are typically monetized through ad support (around 90%), with the rest coming from in-app tokens or subscriptions.Indonesia leads the charge with 39% of global short-drama app downloads, followed by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. APAC-born content is now a global export.Why it matters:Short-drama isn’t just entertainment. It’s a performance marketing playground. Advertisers can plug into these formats via rewarded videos, check-ins, and gamified engagement loops. This makes them ideal for balancing reach, retention, and monetization.Third-party Android stores unlock cheap UA at scaleWhile most marketers remain focused on the Google Play and Apple App Store duopoly, Mintegral says growth is surging in third-party Android channels like Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a key distribution region.Mintegral’s SDK and self-serve access allow advertisers to launch campaigns across these stores, with Amazon-based case studies showing CPIs as low as US$0.26 to US$0.42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Results vary by genre and bid strategy.Why it matters:These underutilized stores are offering a cost-efficient way to escape auction fatigue. For marketers in gaming, utility, or entertainment, it’s a rare chance to grab scale without breaking the budget.What marketers should knowMintegral’s report isn’t just a forecast. It’s a call to action. Here’s how performance marketers can turn these trends into real outcomes:1. Adopt ROAS-based bidding modelsSwitch to Target ROAS, Hybrid ROAS, or Target CPE strategies. Optimize for real business goals like D7 retention or paid conversions, not vanity metrics.2. Embrace creative automationUse dynamic creative optimization and playable ads to iterate faster. Short-drama formats and AI apps both benefit from high-velocity creative testing.3. Diversify distribution nowInclude third-party Android stores in your UA mix. Whitelist high-performing verticals, test region-specific platforms, and monitor performance with clear attribution.4. Don’t ignore emerging content categoriesShort-dramas are not a fad. It’s a new engagement layer with built-in performance hooks. Partnering with studios or platforms early could give brands a head start on formats optimized for mobile viewing and monetization.AI apps are sticky. Short-drama is exploding. Third-party Android stores are scaling. In short, mobile growth is moving fast. It’s also getting cheaper, if you know where to look.Smart marketers will seize this moment to rethink their media mix, experiment with new creative, and expand beyond traditional platforms while the blue ocean is still wide open.This article is created by humans with AI assistance, powered by ContentGrow. Ready to explore full-service content solutions starting at $2,000/month? Book a discovery call today.Book a discovery call (for brands & publishers) - ContentGrowThanks for booking a call with ContentGrow. We provide scalable and tailored content creation services for B2B brands and publishers worldwide.Let’s chat a bit about your content needs and see if ContentGrow is the right solution for you!IMPORTANT: To confirm a meeting, we need you to provide your" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Results may vary depending on genre and bidding strategies. Why it matters: These often-overlooked stores present a cost-effective avenue for marketers seeking to escape auction fatigue. For those in the gaming, utility, or entertainment sectors, this represents a unique opportunity to scale without straining budgets. What marketers should know Mintegral’s report serves not only as a forecast but also as a clarion call for action. Here are key strategies performance marketers can implement to capitalize on these emerging trends: Adopt ROAS-based bidding models: Transition to Target ROAS, Hybrid ROAS, or Target CPE strategies, focusing on tangible business objectives such as D7 retention or paid conversions rather than superficial metrics. Embrace creative automation: Leverage dynamic creative optimization and playable ads to accelerate iteration. Both short-drama formats and AI applications benefit from rapid creative testing. Diversify distribution now: Integrate third-party Android stores into your UA strategy. Whitelist high-performing verticals, experiment with region-specific platforms, and track performance with precise attribution. Don’t ignore emerging content categories: Short-dramas are not a fleeting trend; they represent a new layer of engagement with inherent performance incentives. Collaborating with studios or platforms early on could position brands advantageously for mobile viewing and monetization. AI applications are proving to be sticky, short-drama content is on the rise, and third-party Android stores are becoming a viable channel for scaling. As mobile growth accelerates, it also presents opportunities for cost savings, provided marketers are willing to explore new avenues. This article is created by humans with AI assistance, powered by ContentGrow. Ready to explore full-service content solutions starting at ,000/month? Book a discovery call today. Book a discovery call (for brands & publishers) - ContentGrow Thanks for booking a call with ContentGrow. We provide scalable and tailored content creation services for B2B brands and publishers worldwide. Let’s chat a bit about your content needs and see if ContentGrow is the right solution for you! IMPORTANT: To confirm a meeting, we need you to provide your details." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].26 to [openai_gpt model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Summarize the content and extract only the fact described in the text bellow. The summary shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. Text: As the landscape of mobile marketing evolves, a recent report from Mintegral reveals that advertisers must adapt their user acquisition (UA) strategies to achieve both scale and cost efficiency. The report highlights three pivotal trends shaping the APAC market, indicating a significant shift in how marketers allocate their budgets and connect with consumers. Short on time? For those looking for a quick overview, here’s a table of contents for easy navigation: The future of marketing: AI transformations by 2025 Discover AI marketing’s future in 2025 with predictions on automation, personalization, decision-making, emerging tech, and ethical challenges. AI apps go mainstream with 1.5B downloads Mintegral’s findings for 2025 confirm that AI has transcended the realm of novelty and has become a staple in consumer behavior. In 2024 alone, AI-driven consumer applications achieved an impressive 1.5 billion downloads, generating approximately US.3 billion in revenue. The chatbot segment experienced a remarkable 119% year-on-year growth, while AI art applications saw a 21% increase. Notably, 16 generative AI applications surpassed US million in in-app purchases, with 25 apps reaching over 10 million downloads. This data underscores a crucial point: consumers are not merely dabbling in AI; they are actively engaging and investing in it. Why it matters: For advertisers, this trend signals that audiences are ready to embrace AI-driven solutions. Developers who incorporate practical AI functionalities into everyday applications, especially in sectors like productivity, finance, and community engagement, are tapping into a market of conversion-ready users. BytePlus powers Soonshot’s short-form K-drama launch in SEA Soonshot brings short-form K-dramas to Southeast Asia, powered by BytePlus personalization and webtoon IPs. Short-drama takes over global video habits The popularity of short-form drama is rapidly expanding beyond niche audiences. According to Mintegral, short-video drama applications have experienced quarterly growth rates ranging from 50% to 200% since Q3 2023. These digestible storytelling formats primarily monetize through advertising, accounting for around 90% of revenue, with the remainder derived from in-app tokens or subscriptions. Indonesia leads the global download market for short-drama apps, followed closely by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. Content originating from the APAC region is now making waves on the global stage. Why it matters: Short-drama content is more than just entertainment; it serves as a dynamic platform for performance marketing. Advertisers can leverage these formats through rewarded videos, check-ins, and gamified engagement strategies, making them ideal for achieving a balance between reach, retention, and monetization. Third-party Android stores unlock cheap UA at scale While many marketers remain fixated on the duopoly of Google Play and the Apple App Store, Mintegral notes a surge in growth within third-party Android channels such as Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a significant distribution area. Mintegral’s SDK and self-serve capabilities empower advertisers to launch campaigns across these alternative stores, with case studies from Amazon revealing cost-per-install (CPI) rates as low as US[cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: As APAC mobile trends shift, Mintegral report finds that marketers must rethink their UA strategies for scale and cost As AI becomes habitual and short-form drama content goes global, advertisers are finding cost-efficient user acquisition beyond Google and Apple2025 is closing with a signal shift in mobile growth, according to a new report from Mintegral. The global advertising platform unveiled its latest APAC insights, spotlighting three emerging trends that could reshape how marketers plan their budgets and reach audiences.This article explores the report’s findings — from the normalization of AI apps to the explosion of short-form dramas, and a quiet but powerful trend: the rise of third-party Android app stores as fertile ground for affordable, high-quality user acquisition.Short on time?Here’s a table of contents for quick access:The future of marketing: AI transformations by 2025Discover AI marketing’s future in 2025 with predictions on automation, personalization, decision-making, emerging tech, and ethical challenges.AI apps go mainstream with 1.5B downloadsMintegral’s 2025 data confirms what many marketers already suspect: AI is no longer a hype bubble. It’s a consumer habit. AI-powered consumer apps racked up 1.5 billion downloads in 2024, generating US$1.3 billion in revenue.The chatbot category posted 119% year-on-year growth, while AI art apps saw 21% gains. More telling, 16 generative AI apps surpassed US$10 million in in-app purchases, and 25 apps crossed 10 million downloads. That’s not curiosity. That’s retention.Why it matters:For advertisers, this is a clear signal that audiences aren’t just experimenting with AI. They’re paying for it. Developers who build practical AI features into daily-use apps, particularly in productivity, finance, and community, are reaching conversion-ready users at scale.BytePlus powers Soonshot’s short-form K-drama launch in SEASoonshot brings short-form K-dramas to Southeast Asia, powered by BytePlus personalization and webtoon IPsShort-drama takes over global video habitsShort-form drama is no longer niche. Mintegral reports that short-video drama apps have posted 50–200% quarter-on-quarter growth since Q3 2023. These snackable storytelling formats are typically monetized through ad support (around 90%), with the rest coming from in-app tokens or subscriptions.Indonesia leads the charge with 39% of global short-drama app downloads, followed by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. APAC-born content is now a global export.Why it matters:Short-drama isn’t just entertainment. It’s a performance marketing playground. Advertisers can plug into these formats via rewarded videos, check-ins, and gamified engagement loops. This makes them ideal for balancing reach, retention, and monetization.Third-party Android stores unlock cheap UA at scaleWhile most marketers remain focused on the Google Play and Apple App Store duopoly, Mintegral says growth is surging in third-party Android channels like Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a key distribution region.Mintegral’s SDK and self-serve access allow advertisers to launch campaigns across these stores, with Amazon-based case studies showing CPIs as low as US$0.26 to US$0.42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Results vary by genre and bid strategy.Why it matters:These underutilized stores are offering a cost-efficient way to escape auction fatigue. For marketers in gaming, utility, or entertainment, it’s a rare chance to grab scale without breaking the budget.What marketers should knowMintegral’s report isn’t just a forecast. It’s a call to action. Here’s how performance marketers can turn these trends into real outcomes:1. Adopt ROAS-based bidding modelsSwitch to Target ROAS, Hybrid ROAS, or Target CPE strategies. Optimize for real business goals like D7 retention or paid conversions, not vanity metrics.2. Embrace creative automationUse dynamic creative optimization and playable ads to iterate faster. Short-drama formats and AI apps both benefit from high-velocity creative testing.3. Diversify distribution nowInclude third-party Android stores in your UA mix. Whitelist high-performing verticals, test region-specific platforms, and monitor performance with clear attribution.4. Don’t ignore emerging content categoriesShort-dramas are not a fad. It’s a new engagement layer with built-in performance hooks. Partnering with studios or platforms early could give brands a head start on formats optimized for mobile viewing and monetization.AI apps are sticky. Short-drama is exploding. Third-party Android stores are scaling. In short, mobile growth is moving fast. It’s also getting cheaper, if you know where to look.Smart marketers will seize this moment to rethink their media mix, experiment with new creative, and expand beyond traditional platforms while the blue ocean is still wide open.This article is created by humans with AI assistance, powered by ContentGrow. Ready to explore full-service content solutions starting at $2,000/month? Book a discovery call today.Book a discovery call (for brands & publishers) - ContentGrowThanks for booking a call with ContentGrow. We provide scalable and tailored content creation services for B2B brands and publishers worldwide.Let’s chat a bit about your content needs and see if ContentGrow is the right solution for you!IMPORTANT: To confirm a meeting, we need you to provide your" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].26 to US[cyberseo_openai model="gpt-4o-mini" prompt="Rewrite a news story for a business publication, in a calm style with creativity and flair based on text below, making sure it reads like human-written text in a natural way. The article shall NOT include a title, introduction and conclusion. The article shall NOT start from a title. Response language English. Generate HTML-formatted content using tag for a sub-heading. You can use only , , , , and HTML tags if necessary. Text: As APAC mobile trends shift, Mintegral report finds that marketers must rethink their UA strategies for scale and cost As AI becomes habitual and short-form drama content goes global, advertisers are finding cost-efficient user acquisition beyond Google and Apple2025 is closing with a signal shift in mobile growth, according to a new report from Mintegral. The global advertising platform unveiled its latest APAC insights, spotlighting three emerging trends that could reshape how marketers plan their budgets and reach audiences.This article explores the report’s findings — from the normalization of AI apps to the explosion of short-form dramas, and a quiet but powerful trend: the rise of third-party Android app stores as fertile ground for affordable, high-quality user acquisition.Short on time?Here’s a table of contents for quick access:The future of marketing: AI transformations by 2025Discover AI marketing’s future in 2025 with predictions on automation, personalization, decision-making, emerging tech, and ethical challenges.AI apps go mainstream with 1.5B downloadsMintegral’s 2025 data confirms what many marketers already suspect: AI is no longer a hype bubble. It’s a consumer habit. AI-powered consumer apps racked up 1.5 billion downloads in 2024, generating US$1.3 billion in revenue.The chatbot category posted 119% year-on-year growth, while AI art apps saw 21% gains. More telling, 16 generative AI apps surpassed US$10 million in in-app purchases, and 25 apps crossed 10 million downloads. That’s not curiosity. That’s retention.Why it matters:For advertisers, this is a clear signal that audiences aren’t just experimenting with AI. They’re paying for it. Developers who build practical AI features into daily-use apps, particularly in productivity, finance, and community, are reaching conversion-ready users at scale.BytePlus powers Soonshot’s short-form K-drama launch in SEASoonshot brings short-form K-dramas to Southeast Asia, powered by BytePlus personalization and webtoon IPsShort-drama takes over global video habitsShort-form drama is no longer niche. Mintegral reports that short-video drama apps have posted 50–200% quarter-on-quarter growth since Q3 2023. These snackable storytelling formats are typically monetized through ad support (around 90%), with the rest coming from in-app tokens or subscriptions.Indonesia leads the charge with 39% of global short-drama app downloads, followed by Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand, Mexico, and Japan/Korea. APAC-born content is now a global export.Why it matters:Short-drama isn’t just entertainment. It’s a performance marketing playground. Advertisers can plug into these formats via rewarded videos, check-ins, and gamified engagement loops. This makes them ideal for balancing reach, retention, and monetization.Third-party Android stores unlock cheap UA at scaleWhile most marketers remain focused on the Google Play and Apple App Store duopoly, Mintegral says growth is surging in third-party Android channels like Xiaomi, Amazon, Samsung, Oppo/Vivo, and Huawei. Eastern Europe is also emerging as a key distribution region.Mintegral’s SDK and self-serve access allow advertisers to launch campaigns across these stores, with Amazon-based case studies showing CPIs as low as US$0.26 to US$0.42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Results vary by genre and bid strategy.Why it matters:These underutilized stores are offering a cost-efficient way to escape auction fatigue. For marketers in gaming, utility, or entertainment, it’s a rare chance to grab scale without breaking the budget.What marketers should knowMintegral’s report isn’t just a forecast. It’s a call to action. Here’s how performance marketers can turn these trends into real outcomes:1. Adopt ROAS-based bidding modelsSwitch to Target ROAS, Hybrid ROAS, or Target CPE strategies. Optimize for real business goals like D7 retention or paid conversions, not vanity metrics.2. Embrace creative automationUse dynamic creative optimization and playable ads to iterate faster. Short-drama formats and AI apps both benefit from high-velocity creative testing.3. Diversify distribution nowInclude third-party Android stores in your UA mix. Whitelist high-performing verticals, test region-specific platforms, and monitor performance with clear attribution.4. Don’t ignore emerging content categoriesShort-dramas are not a fad. It’s a new engagement layer with built-in performance hooks. Partnering with studios or platforms early could give brands a head start on formats optimized for mobile viewing and monetization.AI apps are sticky. Short-drama is exploding. Third-party Android stores are scaling. In short, mobile growth is moving fast. It’s also getting cheaper, if you know where to look.Smart marketers will seize this moment to rethink their media mix, experiment with new creative, and expand beyond traditional platforms while the blue ocean is still wide open.This article is created by humans with AI assistance, powered by ContentGrow. Ready to explore full-service content solutions starting at $2,000/month? Book a discovery call today.Book a discovery call (for brands & publishers) - ContentGrowThanks for booking a call with ContentGrow. We provide scalable and tailored content creation services for B2B brands and publishers worldwide.Let’s chat a bit about your content needs and see if ContentGrow is the right solution for you!IMPORTANT: To confirm a meeting, we need you to provide your" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" ].42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Results may vary depending on genre and bidding strategies. Why it matters: These often-overlooked stores present a cost-effective avenue for marketers seeking to escape auction fatigue. For those in the gaming, utility, or entertainment sectors, this represents a unique opportunity to scale without straining budgets. What marketers should know Mintegral’s report serves not only as a forecast but also as a clarion call for action. Here are key strategies performance marketers can implement to capitalize on these emerging trends: Adopt ROAS-based bidding models: Transition to Target ROAS, Hybrid ROAS, or Target CPE strategies, focusing on tangible business objectives such as D7 retention or paid conversions rather than superficial metrics. Embrace creative automation: Leverage dynamic creative optimization and playable ads to accelerate iteration. Both short-drama formats and AI applications benefit from rapid creative testing. Diversify distribution now: Integrate third-party Android stores into your UA strategy. Whitelist high-performing verticals, experiment with region-specific platforms, and track performance with precise attribution. Don’t ignore emerging content categories: Short-dramas are not a fleeting trend; they represent a new layer of engagement with inherent performance incentives. Collaborating with studios or platforms early on could position brands advantageously for mobile viewing and monetization. AI applications are proving to be sticky, short-drama content is on the rise, and third-party Android stores are becoming a viable channel for scaling. As mobile growth accelerates, it also presents opportunities for cost savings, provided marketers are willing to explore new avenues. This article is created by humans with AI assistance, powered by ContentGrow. Ready to explore full-service content solutions starting at ,000/month? Book a discovery call today. Book a discovery call (for brands & publishers) - ContentGrow Thanks for booking a call with ContentGrow. We provide scalable and tailored content creation services for B2B brands and publishers worldwide. Let’s chat a bit about your content needs and see if ContentGrow is the right solution for you! IMPORTANT: To confirm a meeting, we need you to provide your details." max_tokens="3500" temperature="0.3" top_p="1.0" best_of="1" presence_penalty="0.1" frequency_penalty="frequency_penalty"].42 and daily installs ranging from 2,000 to 5,000. Marketers are encouraged to adopt ROAS-based bidding models, embrace creative automation, diversify distribution to include third-party stores, and not overlook emerging content categories like short-dramas.
AppWizard
September 29, 2025
F-Droid has raised concerns about Google's upcoming developer verification rules, which require all Android apps to be linked to verified developer identities, including personal information and app identifiers. F-Droid argues that these regulations could threaten the existence of alternative app stores by preventing them from offering apps directly, as they cannot control the necessary keys or IDs. The platform emphasizes that it cannot compel open-source developers to register with Google, stating that the new rules would effectively end the F-Droid project and similar sources for free/open-source app distribution. While Google claims the verification process will enhance security, F-Droid points out that malicious apps have still appeared on the Play Store despite existing protections. The platform advocates for user autonomy in running any programs on their devices and is urging regulators to examine Google's plans, which they view as monopolistic. Google plans to implement these verification requirements in phases starting in September 2026, but asserts that developers can still distribute apps directly through sideloading or other app stores.
BetaBeacon
August 15, 2025
Epic Games filed lawsuits against Apple and Google in 2020 for restricting users' access to Epic's offerings through third-party app stores. The Ninth Circuit ruled in favor of Epic against Google, finding antitrust violations, while Epic lost the federal antitrust case against Apple. The Department of Justice also filed a lawsuit against Apple under Section 2 of the Sherman Act for monopolization. Apple's closed system was found to be successful, while Google's open-source system faced legal challenges. The court in the Google Play case issued remedies targeting exclusivity, which could lead to better user experiences and lower prices.
AppWizard
March 8, 2025
Human Security's Satori research team has discovered a new variant of the Badbox malware, known as Badbox 2.0, which has infected nearly a million Android devices, forming a large botnet. This follows the initial outbreak in 2023, where around 74,000 devices were compromised. Badbox 2.0 targets devices running the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), including off-brand smartphones, internet-connected TV boxes, automotive tablets, and digital projectors. Over 200 applications infected with malware have been identified, primarily hosted on third-party app stores, often mimicking legitimate apps from Google’s Play Store. The operation is believed to involve collaboration among four distinct criminal factions, with all infected devices traced back to China. The botnet monetizes through hidden advertisements and ad-click fraud, while also having the capability to steal passwords from infected devices. Efforts by Human Security, Google, Trend Micro, and Shadowserver Foundation have reduced the number of infected devices by half. Many malware modules were labeled "test," indicating the botnet was still developing, and it is expected that the operators will attempt to revive their network using altered tactics. Additionally, a new variant of Mirai malware, named Eleven11bot, has emerged, compromising thousands of devices, particularly targeting HiSilicon-based hardware.
AppWizard
February 20, 2025
As of August 20, 2025, support for the Amazon Appstore on third-party Android devices will end. Applications downloaded from the Amazon Appstore may stop functioning on non-Amazon devices, but users of Fire tablets and Fire TV products will remain unaffected. The Amazon Coins program will be discontinued across all marketplaces. Developers can update existing apps for six months, but the option to submit new titles for Android devices has been removed. Amazon cites an effort to streamline services as the reason for these changes, indicating the Appstore may not have gained sufficient traction among Android users.
AppWizard
November 28, 2024
Xbox and Google are in a legal dispute regarding Xbox's ability to sell and launch games through its Android app. A US judge ruled in October that Google must open its Android marketplace to competitors, which was set to take effect this month. Xbox's head of gaming, Phil Spencer, initially expressed optimism about enabling game purchases directly from the Xbox App on Android devices, but indicated that an emergency stay requested by Google is currently blocking these features. Google claims that Xbox has always had the option to enable these features but has chosen not to. The October ruling includes several restrictions on Google's practices over the next three years, such as prohibiting exclusive app launches through the Play Store and allowing developers to direct users to external payment options. Xbox is also exploring the establishment of a mobile app store.
AppWizard
November 8, 2024
A new variant of the Godfather banking trojan is targeting over 500 Android banking and cryptocurrency applications globally. Initially focused in the U.S., U.K., and Europe, its reach has expanded to countries including Azerbaijan, Greece, Japan, and Singapore. The malware has transitioned from Java to native code, enhancing its ability to exploit Android’s accessibility services and mimic user actions through gesture automation commands. It employs social engineering tactics, such as a fraudulent website posing as the official MyGov site of the Australian Government, to distribute malicious files. Once installed, the malware communicates with a control server, collects device information, and replaces legitimate banking applications with phishing pages to steal credentials. The Godfather malware has become more difficult to analyze and poses a significant threat to users worldwide.
AppWizard
October 11, 2024
U.S. District Judge James Donato ruled that Google must allow competing app stores on its Android platform due to a lawsuit by Epic Games, which accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly through restrictive practices in its Google Play Store. The jury agreed that Google held an illegal monopoly over Android app distribution and in-app billing services. As a result, Google will face several restrictions over the next three years, including prohibiting payments to companies for exclusive app launches on Google Play, banning compensation to prevent competition, and requiring access to the Google Play app catalog for rival app stores. Google plans to appeal the decision, while Epic Games views it as a significant victory against Google's 30 percent cut of app profits. This ruling is part of a broader legal context, as the Justice Department is also pursuing sanctions against Google for monopolistic practices in the search engine market.
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