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Welcome to the ASO News Digest, where we keep you updated on the latest developments in the mobile app world. Every change or update in major app stores can impact your ASO tactics and strategies. Here's a look at the updates from the App Store and Google Play in September 2024.
App Store ASO News
The latest operating systems – iOS 18, iPadOS 18, macOS Sequoia, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, and watchOS 11 – will soon be available to users worldwide. Developers can already start building apps and games using Xcode 16 Release Candidate and the newest SDKs, testing via TestFlight, and submitting them to the App Store. Xcode Cloud now streamlines deployment to both TestFlight and the App Store. New features like Live Activities on watchOS, customizable app icons, and improvements in Swift, Siri, Controls, and Core ML will allow you to offer even more unique experiences on Apple platforms.
Starting next month, you'll be able to integrate Apple Intelligence features into your apps, enhancing how users communicate, work, and express themselves.
Important Deadlines:
- From April 2025, all apps submitted to App Store Connect must be built using SDKs for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, tvOS 18, visionOS 2, or watchOS 11.
App Store Connect now supports setting up refund offers for auto-renewable subscriptions. These offers are designed to bring back former subscribers, encouraging them to resubscribe to your app or game. For example, you might offer a prepayment of $9.99 for six months, followed by the standard price of $39.99 per year. Depending on your setup, Apple will display these offers to eligible customers in various locations, including:
- Your app’s product page, personalized recommendations, and collections in “Today,” “Games,” and “Apps” sections
- Inside your app or game
- Through direct links shared in your marketing channels
- In subscription settings
Starting September 16, users in the EU can download iPadOS apps from both the App Store and alternative distribution channels. As previously mentioned, if you've signed the Alternative Conditions Addendum for apps in the EU, the first annual installations of iPadOS will be tracked, with a lower App Store commission rate applied. iPadOS apps can also now use alternative browser engines.
Apple is introducing region-specific age ratings in Australia and France to align with local regulations. No action is required from developers, as the regional ratings will automatically appear alongside Apple’s global ratings:
- Australia: Apps featuring simulated gambling will receive an R18+ rating.
- France: Apps rated 17+ globally will also receive an 18+ rating.
Key Takeaway for ASO Specialists:
You now only need to upload screenshots (and videos) in one format for iPhone and one for iPad. For iPhone, you can choose between screen sizes of 6.9 inches and 6.5 inches. If you’ve already uploaded 6.5-inch screenshots, uploading 6.9-inch versions is optional.
PS: The Google Play Console app is now available on the App Store.
Google Play ASO News
- Android 15 Coming Soon to Supported Devices
Google has announced that Android 15 will roll out to supported Pixel devices in the coming weeks, followed by a broader release to devices from brands like Samsung, Honor, OnePlus, Xiaomi, and more in the coming months.
Android 15 continues Google’s mission to create a secure, closed platform. It offers enhanced app development capabilities, improved multimedia and camera features, and a more intuitive user interface, especially on tablets and foldable devices.
- Edge-to-Edge Mode for API 35 Apps
With Android 15, apps targeting API 35 will now support Edge-to-Edge mode by default, making the status bar and gesture navigation bar transparent, providing a more immersive experience.
What Does This Mean for Your App?
If your app targets API 35, parts of your user interface might be hidden behind system panels or display cutouts. This can cause layout issues, but you can test your app’s UI, including cutouts and navigation bars, using Compose Preview in the Canary version of Android Studio Ladybug. You can also automate testing using the new DeviceConfigurationOverride tool.
Key Takeaway for ASO Specialists:
Google Play now allows deep links in events. You can use these links in promotional materials to direct users to specific sections of your app when opened from an event. If a user with your app installed clicks on an event with a deep link, they’ll be redirected to the designated part of your app.
Stay tuned for more updates, as these changes will continue to influence how we approach ASO and maximize app visibility in both stores.
