ASO News Digest: November 2024
The ASO News Digest provides a monthly overview of key updates in the mobile app market. Changes in App Store and Google Play policies and features can significantly impact ASO strategies. Below are highlights from November 2024.
ASO news App Store
- Push Notifications for Live Activities
With iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, users can subscribe to updates on Live Activity channels. New metrics for push notifications via Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) are now available, including:
- Delivery statistics to APNs
- Number of devices receiving notifications
- Maximum number of channel subscribers
These updates improve audience engagement analysis and notification performance.
- Featuring Nominations in App Store Connect
Developers can now nominate their apps for featuring using the new Featuring Nominations feature in App Store Connect. Share upcoming launches, updates, or new content with the App Store team for consideration. Featured apps will receive notifications in App Store Connect.
Additionally, promote your app's milestones, like launches or updates, with ready-made marketing assets directly in App Store Connect and share them on social media.
- Price and Tax Updates
- Nepal: VAT no longer collected for local developers, increasing their revenue.
- Kazakhstan: Similar VAT updates for local developers.
- Madeira: VAT on publications reduced from 5% to 4%.
- App Store Awards Finalists
This year, 45 finalists across 12 categories were announced for the App Store Awards, highlighting the best and most impactful apps and games. Winners will be revealed soon.
ASO news Google Play
- Supporting Global Growth
Google Play continues to enhance tools and resources for compliance with global regulations. Key improvements include:
- Simplified tax management for increased developer revenue, especially in regions like India.
- Streamlined onboarding to adapt to global standards.
- Enhanced reporting tools for clear transaction insights.
- Improved user conversion rates through subscription and in-app purchase optimization.
The Android Studio team launched Project Quartz to enhance the Android Emulator's stability, cutting crashes by 30%. Over 1,100 automated tests were implemented across all platforms, resolving 43.5% of open issues.
The first preview of Android 16 introduces features for more frequent API releases, including:
- Photo Picker: A seamless, permission-minimized image selector.
- Health Connect: Early access APIs for managing medical records.
- Privacy Sandbox: Advanced user privacy protection.
Developers can start testing apps now and provide feedback.
Gaze Link, leveraging Gemini API, won Best Android App in the Gemini API Developer competition. The app enables ALS patients to communicate using eye movements, showcasing innovative AI integration for accessibility.