News On App Stores, March 2022

App Store 

Dutch class action lawsuit raises App Store stakes from millions to billions

A new Dutch class action lawsuit is going after the Cupertino company for billions rather than millions. The lawsuit alleges that the 15% or 30% commission Apple charges makes app prices higher than they should be, and that the total cost to consumers is almost €5B ($5.5B).

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Mac

App Store submission requirement starts April 25

Starting April 25, 2022, iOS, iPadOS, and watchOS apps submitted to the App Store must be built with Xcode 13, which includes the SDKs for iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and watchOS 8. 

Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer

Google Play Store 

Google Play announces support for third-party ‘User Choice’ app billing, starting with Spotify

Google will soon allow Android apps to use their own payment system as long as Play Store billing is an option alongside it, with Spotify notably the first “User Choice Billing” partner. In the future, users of the Android streaming application will see Google Play Billing as an in-app option alongside Spotify’s existing payment system.

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Google

Google Play Store getting an additional touch of Material You

The Play Store will soon get new Material You buttons throughout the app. The new features’ preview is from APK Insight. Keep in mind that Google may or may not ever ship these features, and our interpretation of what they are may be imperfect.

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Google

Google Play Store now lets you pay for apps, games, and more with your Play Points balance

The Play Points reward program has existed for a few years and came to the US in late 2019 before expanding to even more regions in the intervening years. Effectively, the program allows you to opt-in and start collecting Play Points for app, IAP, subscription, movie, television show, book, audiobook, and music purchases. 

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Google

Huawei App Gallery

Huawei AppGallery getting latest 12.0.1.302 app version & 12.1.1.200 beta version

Huawei AppGallery has started receiving a new application update that holds the latest version 12.0.1.302. This update rolled out with a firmware package size of 46.4 Megabytes, which is very small. The Huawei AppGallery 12.0.1.302 will surely improve the stability and performance of the applications. Huawei AppGallery is also receiving a new 12.1.1.200 beta version that comes with an update size of 48.03 Megabytes and it will definitely improve the app usability and stability to provide a better user experience.

Full content and details (external sources): HuaweiCentral, HuaweiCentral

Huawei AppGallery exceeds 580 million users worldwide

Huawei AppGallery has now exceeded 580 million monthly active users (MAU) for this app distribution platform among global consumers. Aside from AppGallery 580 million users, in the upcoming 5 to 10 years, Huawei will expand its full scenario smart life long-term strategy for Huawei’s consumer business and will focus on five scenarios including sports health, smart home, smart travel, smart office, and audiovisual entertainment.

Full content and details (external sources): HuaweiCentral