Google Cracks Down on Play Store Quality with New Developer Requirements

In an effort to stem the flood of lackluster apps in Google's Play Store, which range from unoriginal game clones to dysfunctional apps that deplete device batteries, Google is implementing more stringent conditions for developers. The tech giant has formalized a set of new protocols that programmers must adhere to if they wish to have their applications featured in the Play Store.

Google is now necessitating that Android app creators, particularly those with personal accounts as opposed to new organizational ones, put their applications through a trial run involving at least 20 people over a minimum span of two weeks. The purpose of this initiative is to allow developers to uncover glitches, pinpoint issues, and gather feedback prior to making their app public. Google asserts that developers who utilize its testing platform tend to see a tripling in app installations and engagement as compared to those who don't.

For those debuting on the Play Console with a new personal account, this app testing process is now mandated. This stipulation is slated to be incorporated into the Play Console interface imminently.

In addition to these new procedures, Google has revamped its app review methodology. Departing from its traditional dependence on automated systems, they are now emphasizing meticulous manual appraisals. The goal is to ensure adherence to their standards and prevent any form of user deception related to app listings, inside or outside the Play Store.

Developers might experience extended approval times for applications that fall into specific categories due to this more stringent review process. Apps that call for special permissions or are directed at children are especially subject to such delays.

Earlier, Google disclosed upcoming authentication criteria that developers would need to satisfy before their apps could be launched on the Play Store. Understanding that development teams operate on different timelines, Google is now allowing creators to choose their own timeframe to comply with these standards. These personalized deadlines are being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and developers looking to secure a specific date need to act fast. For those lagging behind, an obligatory deadline will be set by February 29, 2024.

Google Play is also set to enhance app discovery next year by adding new labels to app listings. Notably, there will be a distinct badge to identify authorized government applications, thereby ensuring users access legitimate government-related apps. Additionally, Google Play will contribute to better app quality visibility by providing users with details on how well an app performs on their device. Furthermore, the spotlight will be cast on exceptional local and regional content.

These efforts follow Google's earlier revamp of its app recommendation algorithm back in November, which favored high-caliber apps that matched certain benchmarks and shielded users from apps with poor performance or policy violations by removing them from recommendations.