Google is cranking up the quality control dial on the Play Store, and it’s making some waves. Starting August 31, 2024, Google’s updated Spam and Minimum Functionality policy will be in full swing. The aim? To weed out apps that are more crash-prone and straight-up boring.
So, what’s changing? If your app is unstable, unresponsive, or just plain boring, it’s getting the boot — think apps that don’t install, or worse, those that install but don’t load. Google is giving these the stink eye. Apps that are just static, like text-only or PDF viewers, and those with scant content like single wallpaper apps, will also be shown the exit. The goal is to ensure that every app on the Play Store provides a delightful user experience, something that keeps users coming back for more.
A tough road for small app developers
Now, here’s where things get a bit tricky, especially for indie developers in Kenya and other developing markets. For many, creating apps is not just about business; it’s a labor of love, a hobby, or a way to connect ideas with friends. But with Google’s new rules, the casual approach might no longer cut it. Small developers might find themselves spending more time on research, social media engagement, and finding testers than on actual coding.
For some developers, this change makes the Play Store feel like a place only for big devs. Is Google trying to push out indie developers altogether?
Adding another layer of complexity, Google now requires developers in certain categories to register as an organization. This includes apps offering financial products, health services, VPNs, and government-related functions.
Indie developers will no longer be able publish apps under these categories unless they register as a company pic.twitter.com/YTj39EL9zB
— Samuel Owino (@SamProgramiz) July 24, 2024
For indie developers, particularly in regions where resources and support are limited, this could feel like being asked to climb a mountain in flip-flops.
New and updated policies
-
We’re requiring developers providing the following services to register as an Organization: financial products and services, health, VPN, and government. This is to promote transparency and continuity for critical and sensitive services. This update will roll out to new developer accounts first. Existing developers will receive more information later this year.
In Kenya, where the tech scene is vibrant yet still developing, these changes could hit hard. Indie developers here are known for their creativity and ingenuity, often working with limited resources to produce amazing apps. But the new requirements might make it harder for them to get their apps onto the Play Store, potentially stifling innovation.
However, all is not doom and gloom. These policy changes also aim to enhance user trust and security, making the Play Store a safer place. Google blocked 2.28 million apps in 2023 alone for violating policies and banned 333,000 accounts for fraud and malware suspicions. For end users, this means a cleaner, more reliable app ecosystem.
Going forward, indie developers might need to pivot. Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) could become an attractive alternative, offering a way to bypass some of the stringent Play Store requirements. Plus, focusing on quality and user engagement could help indie apps stand out in the long run.
So, while the road ahead might be bumpier than before, it’s not impassable. For indie developers in Kenya and beyond, adapting to these changes could be a challenge, but also an opportunity to innovate and thrive in a more competitive landscape. Stay creative, stay engaged, and keep those coding skills sharp — you’ve got this.
