ASO News & Updates for December 2024

Justice Department Pushes Google to Spin Off Chrome Browser

29 days ago

The Department of Justice is reportedly pushing Google to spin off its Chrome browser business and recommending antitrust requirements related to AI and Android. This follows a historic multiyear case where the Justice Department proved Google's web search monopoly in the U.S. A federal judge ruled Google broke antitrust laws in online search and search text ads markets. The Justice Department argues Chrome is a key access point for Google Search, controlling 61% of the U.S. browser market.

App Store Console Now Allows Direct Featuring for Apps and Games

1 months ago

ASO

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.

Automate Your Marketing Audits - Say Goodbye to Manual Checklists

Featured

Marketing Auditor is a comprehensive, automated tool designed to revolutionize the process of auditing digital marketing campaigns. It supports platforms like Google Ads and Google Analytics, performing 200+ automated checks to uncover growth opportunities and deliver actionable insights. Users can generate professional, white-labeled reports customized to their branding and preferred formats like Google Slides and PowerPoint.

Judge Orders Google to Open Android to Rival App Stores for Three Years

2 months ago

Compliance Monitoring ASO

Judge James Donato ruled Google must open Google Play to competition for three years, allowing third-party app stores access to its full catalog unless developers opt out. Google must stop requiring Google Play Billing, allow developers to inform users of other payment methods, and link to downloads outside the Play Store. Google cannot offer incentives to favor its store. The ruling aims to foster competition and reduce Google's monopoly.

Apple Updates App Store Screenshot Requirements Following iPhone 16 Pro Announcement

3 months ago

ASO

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.

Google Play Streamlines App Listing Management

3 months ago

ASO

Google has updated the Play Store's developer console, moving Custom Store Listings (CSLs) from the Custom Store Listing menu to the main Store Listing menu. This change centralizes the management of both Main Store Listings and CSLs, simplifying navigation, streamlining workflows, and reducing complexity. The update aims to improve the user experience for app developers, making app listing management more intuitive and efficient.

Google Play Tests Trending Searches Feature

4 months ago

ASO

Google is testing a new feature on the Google Play Store that introduces trending searches to users' search screens. Users can now see popular search terms and short descriptions of apps directly on the search screen. The trend reports reflect mobile search volumes, differing from Google Trends and Keyword Planner. This update aims to help users discover popular apps and topics more easily and provide developers with insights into mobile search trends.

Apple Updates StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement for EU Developers

4 months ago

ASO

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.

Google Play Console Introduces Custom Audiences Feature for Targeted User Engagement

4 months ago

ASO

Google Play Console has introduced "Custom Audiences" under the Store Presence menu, enabling developers to engage users more effectively. Key features include user grouping based on behaviors or attributes, personalized content delivery, behavior-based targeting, and API integration using Google's Grouping API. This feature aims to improve app marketing strategies by creating targeted content for user segments, potentially increasing conversion rates.

Apple Updates App Store Guidelines with New Rules for Emulators and Mini-Apps

4 months ago

ASO

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.

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