Be smart from the start

News On App Stores, December 2020

Written by Angela Meduri | Dec 20, 2020 11:00:00 PM

App Store 

New apps and app updates will not be accepted December 23 through 27 (Pacific Time).


Starting from Dec 14, app clip codes are available. Codes can be created in App Store Connector with the new command lineApp Clip Code Generator, which provides the flexibility to build your own batch generation process. 
Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer

The following reports are now available for download in Sales and Trends: Summary Sales Report, Sales Events Report, Subscription Report, Subscription Event Report, Subscriber Report, Magazine & Newspapers Report, Opt-In Report, Pre-Order Report. DevOps can also automate downloading of Sales and Trends and Payments and Financial Reports with the command line tool or with the App Store Connect API.
Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer

The App Store now helps users understand an app’s privacy practices before they download the app on any Apple platform. This information is required to submit new apps and app updates to the App Store starting December 8, 2020. Existing apps will remain available for download. You may update your answers at any time without resubmitting your app or going through App Review.
Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer 

You can now enable Family Sharing for auto-renewable subscriptions and non-consumable in-app purchases, allowing users to share their purchases with up to five family members. 
Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer

Every year, the App Store celebrates exceptional apps that improve people’s lives while showcasing the highest levels of quality and impact. In the link below, the best of 2020.
Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer

The new App Store Small Business Program is designed to accelerate innovation and help small business develop great apps on the App Store. It features a reduced commission rate of 15% on paid apps and in-app purchases, so small companies can invest more resources into their business to continue building quality apps.
Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer


Google Play Store

On Dec 1, the first version of Android Studio Arctic Fox (2020.3.1) has been released on the canary channel, together with Android Gradle plugin (AGP) version 7.0.0-alpha01.
Use the latest version of Android Studio to have access to the latest features and quality improvements. 
Full content and details (external sources): Android Developers Blog

Since dev's biggest location issue is inaccuracy in dense urban areas, Android is working on improving urban GPS accuracy.
Full content and details (external sources): Android Developers Blog

In October, Android published the Android for Cars App Library to beta so Devs could start bringing navigation, parking, and charging apps to Android Auto. It is now possible to publish apps to closed testing tracks in the Google Play Store. 
Full content and details (external sources): Android Developers Blog

 

Huawei App Gallery

Huawei launched an initiative aiming to boost and support brands and enterprises in a difficult period for many businesses. The promotion includes prominent positioning on AppGallery's popular 'Collections' tab highlighting e-commerce brands, sliding banners on the home page, and free advertising worth up to €2500. Businesses and content providers can sign up before December 31st.
Full content and details (external sources): PRNeswire