NewApp Digest
search bot

App Store

EU hits Google with $1 billion fine over its Play app store and search
AppWizard
July 23, 2026

EU hits Google with $1 billion fine over its Play app store and search

The European Union imposed a fine of 890 million euros on Google for violations of digital antitrust regulations, alleging that Google manipulated its Play platform and search engine to favor its own services over competitors. This action is part of the EU's broader efforts to regulate major technology firms and protect consumer interests. Google has faced previous legal challenges, including an unsuccessful appeal of a 4.3 billion euro antitrust fine related to its Android operating system. The EU has identified major tech companies as "gatekeepers" that must ensure fair competition. Google's President of Global Affairs criticized the fine, claiming it would harm European businesses and consumers.
Google is this close to bringing third-party app stores to the Play Store
AppWizard
July 22, 2026

Google is this close to bringing third-party app stores to the Play Store

Google is testing new features in the Play Store, including Play Labs, which allows users to experiment with new functionalities. The company is also exploring the integration of third-party app stores, allowing users to install alternative app stores directly from the Play Store, although this feature is not yet available to the general public. Users have reported limited access to these experimental features through adjustments in the latest Play Store version. Additionally, Google has confirmed the rollout of a revamped search experience, featuring a new two-row search bar for longer queries and a prompt labeled “Ask Store” to enhance search capabilities. These updates aim to improve user experience and accessibility in the Play Store.
The Rise of the Golden Idol Re-released on Android and iOS After Removal from Netflix Games
BetaBeacon
July 20, 2026

The Rise of the Golden Idol Re-released on Android and iOS After Removal from Netflix Games

The Rise of the Golden Idol, a sequel to The Case of the Golden Idol, has been re-released as a standalone game on mobile devices by publisher Playstack. The game, set in the 1970s, involves investigating mysterious cases and is available for purchase on iOS and Android for 329 rubles. Players who previously owned the game through Netflix will need to repurchase it and save transfers are not guaranteed.
As Google sits back and watches, terrible ads are ruining Android's free app ecosystem
AppWizard
July 18, 2026

As Google sits back and watches, terrible ads are ruining Android’s free app ecosystem

The mobile advertising landscape has shifted from simple banner ads to aggressive monetization tactics that often manipulate users. Common intrusive ad experiences include unclosable interstitial ads, interactive playable ads that mislead users, and unsolicited notifications promoting unrelated games. This shift has negatively impacted independent developers, who struggle to compete against large ad networks and feel pressured to adopt disruptive ad practices. Google, which controls the Play Store and ad services, benefits financially from these intrusive ads but has not effectively addressed the issue, allowing low-quality ads to proliferate. The current state of advertising is eroding user trust in free applications, threatening the integrity of the Android ecosystem.
Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Google and Epic Abandon Settlement, Clearing the Way for Rival Android App Stores

Google and Epic Games have withdrawn their joint motion to modify a court injunction that requires Google to support third-party app stores within the Google Play ecosystem. A permanent injunction issued in October 2024 mandates Google to facilitate alternative app stores on Android devices, with support set to begin on July 22. Google plans to implement a ,000 annual access fee for these alternative marketplaces, while apps downloaded through these stores will still use the Google Play system for transactions. The agreement between Google and Epic includes provisions for reduced fees and alternative payment methods, separate from the injunction. The legal situation regarding third-party app stores does not directly affect Apple, but it may influence Apple's ongoing legal challenges with Epic Games and regulatory developments. Apple is currently appealing a ruling that requires it to allow link-outs and alternative payment options, with oral arguments expected in late 2026 or early 2027.
Civil Servants to Switch to "Max": New Messenger to Become Main Work Tool by 2030
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Civil Servants to Switch to “Max”: New Messenger to Become Main Work Tool by 2030

The government has mandated that all work-related communications for state and municipal employees must transition to the "Max" messenger platform by 2030. The "Max" platform was developed by "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," with a beta version launched in March 2025 and becoming a mandatory pre-installed application on new smartphones in Russia by September 2025. As of March 2026, "Max" had 100 million registered users and offered features like audio/video calls, chat, voice messaging, large file sharing, and money transfers. In July, the EU imposed sanctions on VK, the parent company of "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," and "Max" was removed from the Apple App Store in June and from Google Play recently. VK stated that its services remain functional and are available on alternative platforms such as RuStore and Huawei AppGallery. Negotiations with Apple are ongoing to restore "Max" to the App Store.
VK and Max messenger removed from Google Play store
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

VK and Max messenger removed from Google Play store

VK's core applications, including the VK social network and Max messenger, have been removed from the Google Play store and previously from the Apple App Store. Users searching for these apps will find them absent, and this may be linked to recent international sanctions. VK's press service stated that users who have the apps installed will not experience disruptions, and all features and security systems will remain stable. Users are encouraged to download the apps from alternative platforms, such as RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps. Additionally, the Odnoklassniki social network application has also disappeared from the Google Play store. The European Union has imposed sanctions against VK and its subsidiary, "Kommunikatsionnaya platforma," which is linked to the removal of these applications from major tech platforms.
Google Play removes Max, Russia’s Kremlin-backed messenger, and VKontakte, VK’s flagship social network — three days after the EU sanctioned VK, their parent company
AppWizard
July 17, 2026

Google Play removes Max, Russia’s Kremlin-backed messenger, and VKontakte, VK’s flagship social network — three days after the EU sanctioned VK, their parent company

VK announced on July 16 that its Max messenger and VKontakte applications have been removed from the Google Play app store, along with the Odnoklassniki app. Users can still access these apps through alternative platforms like RuStore, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Galaxy Store, and Xiaomi GetApps, and functionality will remain uninterrupted for those who have already installed them. VKontakte users are receiving notifications about a transition from the .com domain to .ru, assuring them of the platform's reliability. This change follows sanctions imposed by the European Union on July 13 against VK and its subsidiary, Kommunikatsionnaya Platforma. In late June, the Max messenger and VK social network app, along with Mail.ru’s email applications, were also removed from the App Store, with Odnoklassniki becoming unavailable at that time.
Search