News On App Stores, May 2022

App Store 

App Store Small Business Program 

Apple published the results of two independent studies showing the impacts of the App Store Small Business Program, which allows developers to qualify for a commission rate of 15% if they earn up to $1 million. 

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Mac

Account deletion requirement starts June 30

Apps that support account creation must let users initiate deletion of their account within the app starting June 30, 2022, as described in App Store Review Guideline 5.1.1(v). This deadline was extended.

Full content and details (external sources): Apple Developer

Google Play Store 

Google Play System Update for May 2022 Adds Self-Sharing to Nearby Share Option

Google Play system updates for the month of May have been released, and one of the changes include the addition of self-sharing to the Nearby Share feature and a redesign of the Google Help app. Google system updates include the Android operating system, Google Play store, and Google Play Services. 

Full content and details (external sources): Gadgets

Google Play Store showing more app info without having to open listings

Google is testing a Play Store tweak on Android that lets users see more information about apps without having to open the full listing. Google Play has long made use of carousels that feature the icon, name, and rating, with three full apps visible before you have to scroll. A design in testing sees this switch to lists, though you still swipe left to see more. The icon gets slightly smaller, and Google now lists the developer-provided promo text. Tapping the arrow still takes you to a full grid view.

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Google

Google Play Store now tags Android apps with accessibility (a11y) features

Google is making it easier to find accessible Android apps in the Play Store.

The purpose of a11y tags is to make it easier for Play Store users with diverse a11y needs to easily find apps they can actually use.

These accessibility tags appear as chips underneath the “About this app” section of a Google Play listing and can be tapped to see a list of other categorized applications:

• Screen reader-friendly
• Visual assistance
• Hearing assistance
• Learning disability
• Motor assistance
• Accessible communication (it will be added to relevant apps in the future)

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Google

Google Play Store web redesign widely rolling out

Google is rolling out a big redesign of the web Play Store that brings it inline with other services. Other notable highlights include:

• On mobile, it leverages a bottom bar.
• The tab indicator slides/animates over to a section upon selection.
• A developer page will immediately show all available apps.
• The bottom of the page contains links to: Play Pass, Play Points, Gift cards, Redeem, and Refund policy, as well as Parent Guide and Family sharing.

Full content and details (external sources): 9to5Google

Huawei App Gallery

Huawei to promote AppGallery and GameCenter at Nordic Game event

Huawei will showcase at the Nordic Game event how AppGallery and Huawei’s growing gaming hub – GameCenter can deliver a new opportunity to expand game developers’ user base. 

Full content and details (external sources): HuaweiCentral

Huawei AppGallery flaw 

Huawei has had to develop its own software solutions, as it's banned from using Google's. One of those is AppGallery, and it's basically Huawei's version of the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. AppGallery apparently has a pretty huge issue: it allegedly allows anyone to download paid apps for free.

Full content and details (external sources): GSMArena

Huawei AppGallery gets 12.2.1.301 app version

Huawei AppGallery is getting a new version 12.2.1.301 and it brings a number of new optimizations for your Huawei smartphone to collaborate with App installation and brings you better application services.

Full content and details (external sources): HuaweiCentral