ASO News Digest. August 2024

ASO News Digest is our effort to stay up to date with the updates that have occurred in the mobile app market over the past month. Any update and change in the rules of the main app stores can have an impact on the tactics and strategy of ASO. Here you can find the update for August 2024 from the App Store and Google Play.

ASO News Review from the App Store

1. Apple has updated the StoreKit Purchase Link terms for developers of apps in the European Union App Store to comply with the Digital Markets Act.

Key changes include:

• Developers can promote and communicate offers available on alternative marketplaces, other apps, or websites accessible outside of the app or via a web view within the app.
• Ability to display subscription pricing and other offers in apps, as well as subscription instructions outside of the app.
• Ability to use clickable links that take users to their destination.
• There is no limit to the number of URLs that can be used without specifying them in the app's Info.plist file.
• Support for parameterized links, redirects, and intermediate links.

2. Apple opens applications for Apple Entrepreneur Camp

Participants will receive personalized code guidance, access to Apple engineers and experts, and become part of a global alumni network. This year, in-person events will return to Apple’s Cupertino headquarters, but an online program will also be available.

The application deadline is September 3, 2024.

3. Upcoming requirements for app distribution in the European Union

Apple reminds developers to declare their trader status in App Store Connect for apps distributed in the European Union to comply with the Digital Services Act.

Key dates and requirements:

• From 16 October 2024: trader status will be required to submit app updates. If you are a trader, you will need to provide this information before submitting your app for review.
• From 17 February 2025: apps without trader status will be removed from the EU App Store until the status is specified and reviewed.

4. Apple's special event, don't miss it on September 9 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time - iPhone 16 presentation.

ASO News Review from Google Play

1. Indie Games Fund

Google Play is once again accepting applications for the Indie Games Fund 2024 program for developers in Latin America. This initiative aims to support small studios looking to grow their projects on Google Play. This year, the total fund is $2 million, which will be distributed among selected studios, along with practical support.

The program is open to independent game developers who have already released their projects - whether on Google Play, another mobile platform, PC or console. Each selected studio will receive between $150,000 and $200,000 to help them take their games to the next level and build a successful business.

2. Streaming from Android devices: Samsung, Xiaomi and Oppo announce early access to device labs

At Google I/O 2024, Android Device Streaming was unveiled in public beta, making it much easier for developers to access and interactively test their apps on real devices located in Google data centers. This new feature allows developers to stream testing directly to Android Studio and provides access to a wide range of devices from leading manufacturers, such as Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy. Google plans to expand the number of devices available for this service by partnering with manufacturers such as Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo to connect their device labs to Android Device Streaming, giving them access to even more physical devices directly while working in Android Studio.

This integration will be offered with the same performance, stability, and security benefits you get with Google-provided devices. You can sign up for early access and learn more about how to take advantage of the new devices through the Android Studio platform.

3. New wearables in the Android ecosystem

Pixel recently announced the latest devices to join the Android ecosystem, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Watch 3. These devices represent significant innovation in foldable and wearable technology, giving users larger screens and faster performance. This opens up new opportunities for both consumers and developers, who need to consider these innovations when building their apps. These devices highlight the need for apps to adapt to larger screens and improve wearable experiences. To successfully bring their apps to the new Pixel devices, developers should focus on creating responsive user interfaces that take into account the unique capabilities of foldable screens and Wear OS 5 features.

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