developer regulations Archives

AppWizard

August 26, 2025

Google To Start Verifying All Android App Developers

Google is implementing changes that will allow the installation of Android apps from sources beyond the Google Play Store due to a legal ruling from an antitrust case with Epic Games. This shift will introduce stringent measures requiring developers to meet Google's standards for app installation, potentially challenging hobbyist developers. The new regulations aim to reduce malware from non-Google Play sources, enhancing user safety, but may impact accessibility.

AppWizard

April 30, 2025

Millions of Android apps have disappeared from the Play Store this year, and for good reason

The Google Play Store's app count has decreased from approximately 3.4 million in early 2024 to around 1.8 million today, a 47% decline. This reduction is attributed to stricter quality control measures implemented by Google in July 2024, which targeted malfunctioning apps and those with limited functionality. Google reported blocking 2.36 million apps for policy violations and banning over 158,000 developer accounts linked to harmful activities. In contrast, the Apple App Store's app count rose from 1.6 million to 1.64 million during the same period. Additionally, a new EU regulation requires developers to disclose their names and addresses in app listings, with non-compliance risking delisting from EU markets. Despite the decline, 10,400 new applications were launched on the Play Store this year, indicating a 7.1% increase compared to last year.