In this edition of ASO News for June 2026, we cover the key changes in App Store and Google Play that affect mobile app optimization strategies. June was packed: Apple held WWDC26 with a full platform redesign, Android 17 shipped officially, and Google Play launched its new billing model. On top of that — Apple opened alternative distribution in Brazil, and iOS 27 is already available in beta.
App Store updates
1. WWDC26: iOS 27, Liquid Glass, Apple Intelligence — what matters for ASO
WWDC26 took place on June 8. The headline announcement: iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 with the new Liquid Glass design language. This is Apple's biggest platform redesign since 2013.
For ASO, this means concrete action items: screenshots and previews need to be updated for the new UI. Apps with Liquid Glass design get priority in featuring — Apple is clearly signaling which apps it will promote in editorial collections. Before iOS 27 ships this fall, it's worth updating design kits and rethinking the screenshot strategy.
The new Foundation Models framework opens on-device AI to developers. Apps with AI features built on Apple Intelligence are a separate featuring priority.
2. Apple Design Awards 2026 winners
On June 2, Apple announced the winners of the Apple Design Awards 2026. 12 apps across six categories: Delight and Fun, Interaction, Graphics and Animation, Innovation, Inclusivity, Social Impact.
Winners and finalists are essentially a list of what Apple will actively promote in the App Store over the coming months. Their UI decisions, onboarding approaches, and screenshot strategies are worth studying — they set the benchmark for editorial featuring.
3. App Review Guidelines and License Agreement updated
On June 8, Apple updated the App Review Guidelines and Apple Developer Program License Agreement. Changes support new features in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 and clarify policies. Sign in to your account at developer.apple.com and accept the updated terms.
4. iOS in Brazil: alternative marketplaces and payments from iOS 26.5
On June 18, Apple announced changes to iOS in Brazil following an agreement with CADE (Brazil's competition regulator). Starting with iOS 26.5 in Brazil: distribution through alternative marketplaces, operating alternative marketplaces, and processing payments for digital goods outside Apple IAP are all available. The same day, Apple updated the License Agreement (Attachment 12) with terms for iOS apps in Brazil — acceptance required.
Brazil is one of the largest mobile markets in Latin America. Alternative marketplaces will need to be monitored, as has been the case in the EU and Japan.
5. Time Allowances — new parental controls for apps
On June 8, Apple announced Time Allowances in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27. Parents can set flexible time limits for app usage across the Entertainment, Games, and Social Media categories. Apps in these categories with a large younger audience should factor this mechanism into user flow planning and push notification strategy.
6. Apps in Texas: age requirements from June 4
On June 3, a court lifted the injunction on Texas law SB 2420. As of June 4, new Apple Accounts in Texas must confirm that the user is 18 or older. Accounts for minors are automatically added to Family Sharing, with parents providing consent for downloads and IAP purchases.
Developers need to implement the Declared Age Range API and the Significant Change API (PermissionKit), and configure App Store server notifications to receive consent revocation alerts. Similar requirements are coming to Utah and Louisiana.
7. Apple Developer Center opening in Berlin
On June 3, Apple announced its fifth Apple Developer Center — in Berlin. This is the first center in Europe, joining existing locations in Cupertino, Shanghai, Bengaluru, and Singapore. The Berlin center will open later in 2026.
8. New domain for Sign in with Apple and iCloud+ Hide My Email
On June 15, Apple announced it will unify the email domains for Sign in with Apple and iCloud+ Hide My Email under a single domain: private.icloud.com. The transition will happen later this summer. Developers using Sign in with Apple should verify their app's email logic handles the new domain correctly.
9. Design kits for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 27
On June 23, Apple released design kits for Figma and Sketch for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS 27. The kits include Liquid Glass updates, expanded support for components and states, naming changes for better code alignment, improved resizing, and Dark Mode for macOS. The design kits are the starting point for updating screenshots and previews for iOS 27.
10. ImageCreator class deprecated
On June 11, Apple announced the deprecation of the ImageCreator class from the Image Playground framework. The class will stop working in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, and visionOS 27. Developers using ImageCreator need to migrate to the new APIs before iOS 27 ships this fall.
Google Play updates
1. Android 17 officially released
On June 16, Google released Android 17 for most supported Pixel devices. This is the first version of Android to make adaptive-first a mandatory development standard. Key changes: mandatory support for resizing and orientation changes on large screens; a new Location Button; Bubbles for multitasking; ProfilingManager for on-device performance monitoring; and enhanced privacy tools. Adaptive layouts are now a requirement, not a suggestion.
2. Google Play launches new billing model — June 30
On June 24, Google published details of the new billing model that takes effect on June 30 in the US, EEA, and UK. The service fee and the billing fee are now separate. Base rate for IAP from new installs — 20%. Subscriptions — 10%. Billing fee when using Google Play Billing — 5% (US, EEA, UK). Apps Experience Program and Google Play Games Level Up participants — 15% on new installs.
Level Up and Apps Experience programs officially open September 30 for the US, EEA, UK, and Australia. Lower commission rates change the UA and ASO budget math.
3. Android developer verification: system service rolling out
On June 18, Google published an update on developer verification. Timeline: July — global launch of Android Developer ID Status API and early access for Android Developer Console API; August — full launch of limited distribution accounts and advanced sideloading flow; September 30, 2026 — mandatory verification for installs in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand; 2027+ — global rollout.
4. Android XR: Developer Preview 4, Unreal Engine, Godot
On June 15, updates to Android XR SDK Developer Preview 4 shipped. Official support for Unreal Engine and Godot for Android XR. Samsung Galaxy XR is already on sale. Early adaptation and optimization of XR apps gives an advantage in featuring on the new platform.
Upcoming deadlines
June 30 — new Google Play commissions take effect in the US, EEA, and UK.
September 30 — mandatory Android developer verification in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Level Up and Apps Experience programs open for the US, EEA, UK, and Australia.
Stay updated 💙
