App Industry Weekly: Google Play Policy Shifts, Apple’s New Tools & EU Tech Regulations
The mobile app ecosystem continues its explosive growth, with record-breaking 204 billion downloads and \(120 billion in consumer spending in 2019. Users now average [3 hours and 40 minutes daily](https://www.emarketer.com/content/average-us-time-spent-with-mobile-in-2019-has-increased) on apps, rivaling television consumption. Mobile-first companies reached a staggering [\)544 billion combined valuation](https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/15/app-stores-saw-record-204-billion-app-downloads-in-2019-consumer-spend-of-120-billion/) in 2019—6.5x higher than non-mobile-focused firms.
Key Developments This Week
Google Play Store Policy Updates
Following Apple’s recent App Store revisions, Google has updated its Play Store policies to:
- Clarify in-app purchase commission requirements
- Improve third-party app store accessibility in Android 12
Google states only 3% of Play Store apps are affected, with 97% already compliant. The changes primarily target major services like Netflix and Spotify that circumvent payment systems.
EU’s Digital Services Act Proposal
The European Union is considering regulations that would:
- Require data sharing between compe*****s
- Ban pre-installed apps on devices
- Prevent platform favoritism
This could fundamentally alter how Apple and Google distribute their services. Both companies have begun making small concessions, like Apple allowing default app changes in iOS 14.
Apple’s New Developer Tools
Apple introduced marketing enhancements including:
- App Store short links
- Embeddable product page codes
- QR code generation
Platform Updates
iOS & Android Developments
- iOS 14.2 Beta: New emoji (transgender flag, hugging figures) and Control Center updates
- Android Security: Launched Partner Vulnerability Initiative for OEM-specific issues
- Pixel Camera: Beauty filters now default to off for mental health considerations
Notable App Changes
- Google Play Pass: Expanded to 24 European countries (34 total markets)
- Twilio: Launched frontline worker app and free video chat toolkit
- TikTok: Released U.S. election guide with privacy protections
Market Trends
- iOS 14 Customization Boom: Designer earned $116K in six days selling icon packs
- Q3 App Revenue: Global spending grew 32% YoY to $29.3B (Sensor Tower)
- India’s App Store Challenge: 150+ startups exploring alternative to Google Play
Legal & Business Developments
- Apple vs. Epic: Case will proceed as bench trial (judge-only)
- Funding Highlights:
- Homer ($50M for early learning apps)
- Humane ($30M for secretive “next iPhone” project)
- Macrometa ($7M for edge computing)
- Notable Acquisition: Sina Corp going private in $2.6B deal
App Spotlight: HoloVista
This innovative iOS game ($4.99) blends:
- 360-degree camera exploration
- Puzzle-solving mechanics
- Social media commentary
Players assume the role of an architect investigating a mysterious mansion, with themes exploring technology’s societal impact.
For continuous updates on the evolving app landscape, bookmark our weekly industry analysis.
📚 Featured Products & Recommendations
Discover our carefully selected products that complement this article’s topics:
🛍️ Featured Product 1: Johanne Linen Vest – Black
Image: Premium product showcase
Premium quality johanne linen vest – black designed for professional use with excellent performance and reliability.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading performance metrics
- Versatile application capabilities
- Robust build quality and materials
- Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
🛍️ Featured Product 2: Dianna 2⁄4 O-Neck Top Noos – Oatmeal Melange
Image: Premium product showcase
High-quality dianna 2⁄4 o-neck top noos – oatmeal melange offering outstanding features and dependable results for various applications.
Key Features:
- Industry-leading performance metrics
- Versatile application capabilities
- Robust build quality and materials
- Satisfaction guarantee and warranty
🔗 View Product Details & Purchase
💡 Need Help Choosing? Contact our expert team for personalized product recommendations!
