In this edition of ASO news for July 2026, we cover the key changes in App Store and Google Play that affect mobile app optimization strategies. July was asymmetric: Apple had one update, but with practical consequences for every app with social features. Google had several posts, including a global launch of the Play Age Signals API and a full shift to Compose-first UI development.
App Store updates
1. Age rating questionnaire now includes social media questions
On July 9, Apple updated the age rating questionnaire in App Store Connect, adding questions about social media capabilities. This follows Time Allowances announced at WWDC26: in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, parents will be able to set time limits for apps by category, including Social Media.
Social media capability is now defined specifically: the ability to redistribute, amplify, or interact with user-generated content through a social feed or similar discovery method. The Time Allowance category for Social Media is assigned based on these answers — regardless of the app's category in App Store Connect. Apps with social features will get a new "Social Media" content descriptor on their App Store product page.
Exception: if social features are disabled for users under 13, the Social Media category doesn't apply to that age group.
The questionnaire is available to fill out now. From September 2026, responses become mandatory when submitting new apps and updates to the App Store, and when submitting apps for notarization for alternative distribution.
This isn't just about obvious social networks. Any app with a feed, likes, comments, reposts, or public profiles falls under this. Check the questionnaire now — a mismatch between what's declared and how the app actually behaves will become a submission risk starting September.
Google Play updates
1. Play Age Signals API launches globally
On July 29, Google announced the global expansion of the Play Age Signals API to all Play developers. The API was previously available in Brazil; it expands to Australia and Canada by mid-August, with a full global rollout by end of year.
How it works: parents voluntarily allow apps to receive their child's age range (e.g. 16–17) through Google Family Link. One setting in Family Link covers all Play apps. Developers receive the signal and adapt content on their side. Age data is not shared by default.
Unlike Apple's platform-level rating approach, Google gives developers a tool and lets them decide how to adapt the experience. A weather app doesn't need the same restrictions as an entertainment app.
Apps in Entertainment, Social, and Games that integrate the Play Age Signals API get an additional quality signal and better chances of featuring in Family sections of Play Store. It also reduces regulatory risk in countries with age assurance laws.
2. 5 years of Jetpack Compose — Google goes Compose-first
On July 28, Google published a post marking five years of Jetpack Compose. The headline from Google I/O 2026: all future UI development will happen in Compose only, while the Views toolkit moves to maintenance mode. Material Design is also shifting focus entirely to Compose.
Apps built on Views won't break — maintenance mode means security patches, not new features. But adaptive layouts, new Material 3 components, and Android 17 integrations are Compose-only going forward. For rankings, this matters through Android Vitals: adaptive apps with modern UI get priority in Play Store.
3. Optimizing for next-generation Samsung Galaxy devices
On July 22, Google and Samsung published guidance on optimizing apps for new Galaxy devices running Android 17. Specific recommendations on window size classes, foldable layouts, and performance optimization.
Samsung is the largest Android OEM. Performance on Galaxy devices feeds directly into Android Vitals rankings — and that's a significant share of the active audience in key ASO markets.
4. R8 made Kotlin Coroutines on Android 2x faster
On July 27, Google published a technical case study: starting with AGP 9.2, R8 in full mode significantly optimizes Kotlin Coroutines. Monzo previously demonstrated a 35% ANR rate reduction from enabling R8 full mode.
ANR rate is a direct Android Vitals signal that affects Play Store rankings. Apps that update to AGP 9.2 with R8 full mode get a concrete improvement on this metric.
5. July Google Play system updates
Play Services updated to v26.21, Play Store to v51.7. Play Shorts expanding to new markets outside the US. New app card formats in search with a focus on video previews. Improvements to the App Safety section for developers.
Updates roll out gradually.
Upcoming deadlines
Mid-August — Play Age Signals API expands to Australia and Canada.
September 2026 — social media questions in the App Store Connect age rating questionnaire become mandatory with any submission. Check the questionnaire now.
September 30 — mandatory Android developer verification in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Deadline for registering apps in the Play Console.
