ASO News. April 2025

ASO News is our effort to stay up to date with the changes that have occurred in the mobile app market during April. Any update or rule change from the major app stores can influence ASO optimization tactics and strategies.

App Store continues to surprise us with its silence - April passed without any news from the platform. The same calm can be observed in iOS ASO communities. Perhaps something significant is in preparation - we’re keeping our finger on the pulse.

ASO News from Google Play. April 2025

1. Build user trust with Android Photo Picker

Google Play is strengthening data protection measures: access to photos and videos is now restricted. Instead of requesting broad permissions, use Android Photo Picker - it allows users to select individual media files without granting access to their entire library. Ensure that you clearly explain to users why your app requires access and maintain transparency in your privacy policy.

By protecting data, you build trust and create successful apps.

2. New design and new metrics in Google Play Console

New redesign of the app dashboard, where metrics are now grouped by four goals: testing & release, quality improvement, user growth, and monetization.

The main page now shows the status of the latest release, key metrics with yearly trends, and news.

New Notification Center – quick access to all critical events in one place.

A new KPI Trends section has appeared – you can customize the display of the metrics you need.

In the release section, quality issues are now highlighted automatically: crashes, ANRs, and new checks for large screens and edge-to-edge rendering.

New metrics in Android Vitals:

Low Memory Kill – helps detect cases where apps are terminated due to insufficient memory
Excessive Wake Locks (beta) – a metric to combat excessive battery drain

These updates provide developers with more transparency, enabling them to identify and resolve critical issues more quickly. More updates are available on the new What’s new in Play Console page, where goals conveniently group all changes.

3. New blog series: “Testing at Scale”

A new blog series has been launched, where experts share real-world strategies for app testing, including advice, experiences, and challenges. This complements the latest documentation on testing strategies, focusing on fundamental technical and organizational aspects. Even if your app isn’t yet scaling to millions of users, you’ll find helpful ideas for growth and quality improvement.

4. Android 16 Beta 4: Final update before release

Google has released Android 16 Beta 4 – the final planned update in the beta program. Now that APIs and system behavior are finalized, developers can start preparing compatible versions of their apps for release on Google Play.

What’s new:

• Platform stability: all APIs and system changes are finalized
• Expanded availability: Android 16 Beta is available on smartphones, tablets, and foldables from Pixel, Honor, Lenovo, OnePlus, OPPO, Realme, vivo, and Xiaomi
• Library and SDK preparation: It’s vital to update SDKs, libraries, and game engines to avoid blocking app developers
• Testing: special focus on new system changes:
  • Strict JobScheduler quota enforcement
  • Changes to Ordered Broadcasts
  • Improved Intent security
  • Support for 16KB memory pages
  • Updates for accessibility and Bluetooth
• New metrics: “Low Memory Kill” and “Excessive Wake Locks” metrics added to Android Vitals
• Large screen support: devices now ignore orientation and aspect ratio restrictions – adapt your interfaces
• Future updates: two releases are expected in 2025 – a major one in Q2 with platform changes and a minor one in Q4 without breaking changes

It’s important to start testing for compatibility now and update your targetSdkVersion to meet Google Play requirements.

Stay informed and succeed 💙