Beginning next month, Google will enforce a new policy on the Play Store requiring apps to deliver a “stable, engaging, responsive user experience.” Failure to comply may result in the removal of non-compliant apps from the store.
This initiative is part of Google’s recent spam policy update, aimed at eliminating apps with limited functionality, such as text-only apps and single wallpaper apps. The updated regulations will be implemented starting on Saturday, August 31.
The targeted apps for removal fall into three main categories:
- Static apps without unique functionalities, like text-only or PDF viewer apps
- Apps with minimal content that fail to provide an engaging user experience, such as single wallpaper apps
- Apps that lack any purpose or function
Google will also be cracking down on apps with broken functionality, including apps that fail to load or are unresponsive after installation.
These actions are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to cleanse the Google Play Store. According to Android Authority, in 2023, Google prevented the publication of 2.28 million policy-violating apps and rejected nearly 200,000 apps to enhance user safety.
With millions of Android devices in circulation, Google’s proactive approach in removing useless or harmful apps is commendable. Whether on a high-end Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or a budget smartphone, inferior apps have no place on smart devices.
Google emphasizes that “apps must offer a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience. Apps that crash, lack utility as mobile apps, have uninspiring content, or exhibit other behaviors inconsistent with a functional user experience are not permitted on Google Play.”
