Apple is introducing AI-generated summaries for App Store reviews in the iOS 18.4 update, currently in public beta. These summaries will provide key insights from user reviews weekly for apps with enough reviews. While this feature aims to help users make quicker decisions, it may also risk the influence of fake reviews. Initially available in English (U.S.), it will expand to more languages later this year, with a public launch expected in April.
Apple's App Store has introduced search enhancements to improve app discovery. The new features include app tags, which provide quick insights into an app's key qualities, and natural language search, allowing users to search using everyday language for more relevant results. Currently, these enhancements are available in English for a limited selection of apps in the U.S., with plans to expand to all apps and other languages throughout the year.
Apple will remove apps without trader status verification from the EU App Store starting February 17, 2025, to comply with the Digital Services Act. Developers must verify their trader status through App Store Connect to keep their apps available. Non-compliant apps will be removed until proper verification is completed. This change requires developers to act quickly to ensure compliance and transparency in app distribution within the EU market.
The App Store now allows developers to get featured directly from the App Store Console. Developers can share their apps, games, in-app content, or stories for featuring opportunities. Featuring Nominations in App Store Connect can be used to share new content or app enhancements. The App Store highlights developers through stories, collections, In-App Events, and more. Factors for featuring include user experience, UI design, and innovation.
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Apple has revised its App Store screenshot requirements following the iPhone 16 Pro announcement. The update includes a new 6.9-inch screenshot requirement, replacing the previous 6.7-inch size, and removes the 5.5-inch requirement. For iPads, only one set of screenshots is now needed, eliminating older generation requirements. Developers must update their screenshot assets to comply, simplifying the submission process.
Apple will modify iOS and iPadOS for EU users by year-end to comply with the Digital Markets Act. Changes include an enhanced browser choice screen with more information and performance data for developers, a new Default Apps section in Settings for setting defaults in various functions, and expanded app deletion options allowing removal of previously un-removable apps. These updates aim to provide more choice and flexibility to EU users.
Apple is updating its Digital Markets Act compliance plan. This fall, developers with apps in the EU App Store using the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement can promote offers at alternative destinations like other app marketplaces or websites. They can communicate prices and subscription details within their apps and use actionable links without declaring URLs in the app’s Info.plist. Links with parameters, redirects, and intermediate links are allowed.
Apple has revised App Store Review Guidelines effective August 1, 2024, impacting game emulators, mini-apps, and data sharing. Key changes include allowing PC emulator apps to offer game downloads, clearer rules for HTML5 mini-apps, and prohibiting unauthorized API extensions. New rules also mandate explicit user consent for data sharing. These updates aim to enhance app quality, security, and user privacy, while balancing developer flexibility.
Apple announced at WWDC 2024 that developers can nominate their apps for editorial consideration on the App Store via a new "Featuring Nominations" feature in App Store Connect. Developers can inform Apple's Editorial team about new content, enhancements, or launches. If selected, developers receive a push notification and marketing assets for promotion. TestFlight updates allow developers to filter testers and create deep links to custom product pages.
