The Google Play Store could see the number of available apps drop by almost a third as Google prepares to clear outdated apps. Google and Apple will take measures to address old applications or applications that have not get updates for two years. In the case of Google, this amounts to 869,000 applications, while Apple has about 650,000. According to CNET, Google is preparing to hide these applications, making it impossible for users to download them until the developers update them.
The main reason both companies take these measures is to protect the safety of their users. Older applications do not take advantage of changes to Android and iOS, new APIs, or new development methods that offer enhanced protection. As a result, older applications may have security issues that newer applications do not.
Google will remove 900,000 outdated apps from Google Play
At the same time, some developers have complained about plans to remove apps that have not been updated in the Google Play Store for two years. Some developers believe that the actions of Apple and Google are not fair. Neither company seems willing to change course and – despite the concerns of developers – it’s the right move for the safety of users.
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Recently, Google has introduced additional restrictions for users of its digital content store in Russia. Now developers will not be able to upload paid applications; and updates for them in the Russian version of the Google Play Store. The corresponding notice appeared on the company’s support page.
At the same time, downloading free Android applications from the Russian Google Play Store is still available. Paid apps and games that were previously downloaded by users will also continue to function. In March, Google suspended the Play Store payment system for Russian users.
For paid apps, when you try to purchase or sign up for a paid subscription using the Google payment system, an error will appear. The message says that developers can extend the grace period for existing subscribers after the next current period ends. Additionally, using the Developer API, developers can defer paid subscription renewals for up to a year. If the application provides “critical services”; then developers are advised to make it free or temporarily refuse to provide the possibility of issuing a paid subscription.
Google notes that the current situation continues to evolve rapidly; and further changes to the company’s policy may take place in the future. Google will notify users of all innovations on the support page.
