The landscape of Google Play and the App Store is constantly evolving. Regular updates, algorithm changes, and new policies can significantly influence app performance, from search rankings to visibility and overall market traction.
We monitor these developments to evaluate their potential impact on your app. This proactive approach allows us to adjust strategies swiftly, ensuring your app remains competitive. Doing so, we help maintain strong visibility, steady rankings, and ongoing growth. Flexibility is key to turning these changes into opportunities for success. Let’s dive into the latest updates from Google and Apple as of December 2024.
AppStore
1. Broadcast updates to Live Activities
Apple has rolled out a significant enhancement to Live Activities, enabling developers to send push notifications to their entire subscriber base simultaneously, rather than targeting individual users.
This improvement brings new analytical capabilities to the Push Notifications console within the Apple Push Notification service (APNs) in production settings.
The updated console now provides detailed metrics, including:
- The total count of notifications successfully delivered via APNs.
- The number of devices that received these notifications.
- The peak number of subscribers actively following the app’s Live Activities.
These additions empower developers to better assess the impact of their notifications and refine their strategies for increased effectiveness.
2. Direct Links to In-App Content Now Available in Apple Search Ads
Apple Search Ads has introduced a new feature enabling developers to include direct links to specific content on custom app pages. This enhancement allows users to navigate directly to targeted in-app screens, optimizing the user journey and boosting conversion rates.
3. Expanded Date Range Presets in App Store Connect
Developers gained access to new time range presets in App Store Connect, facilitating more flexible analysis of app performance data over various periods, including the past week, year-to-date, or since the app’s launch.
4. App Rating Visibility Changes
Following the iOS 18.1.1 update, the App Store modified the display of app rating distributions. Users now need to access the “Ratings & Reviews” section to view detailed rating distributions, as this information is no longer prominently displayed on the main app page
Google Play
1. Watch Videos for Installed Apps
Google Play now lets users watch videos about the apps they’ve already installed. These videos come straight from developers’ YouTube channels and are designed to keep users engaged. Currently, it’s unclear if this feature will remain exclusive to Google Play partners or eventually roll out to all developers.
2. “Smart Resume” for Downloads
A new feature called “Smart Resume” is being tested in the Google Play Store. It allows users to pick up where they left off with paused or canceled downloads within 24 hours. This is especially helpful for those with unreliable internet connections, as it avoids restarting the download process entirely.
3. Android 16 Developer Preview
Android 16 is now available for developers in its early preview version. Some highlights of this release include:
- A built-in photo picker for easier image selection.
- Health Connect, a new API to manage health data in FHIR format.
- Privacy Sandbox, aimed at enhancing user privacy.
Developers can manually download the preview, test their apps with the new SDK, and provide feedback on compatibility and features.
Looking ahead, Android 16 updates are planned for 2025. A major release with new APIs is expected in Q2, while Q4 will focus on minor updates and bug fixes.
SUM UP
Recent updates to Google Play and the App Store have brought significant shifts that influence how apps are launched, marketed, and discovered. Understanding these changes is essential for developers and marketers aiming to refine their strategies and sustain growth. By staying proactive and adapting to these evolving trends, app creators can enhance their visibility and remain competitive in a rapidly changing digital environment.
