Google will deploy a "major purge" on the Play Store, removing a large number of applications that do not meet user experience standards.
Android is rated worse than iOS in terms of safety and privacy when Google cannot prevent dangerous applications from appearing on the Play Store. On Android 15, Google used AI to detect threats, analyze behavioral signals related to demanding sensitive access rights, and flag abusive apps. This shortens the time to detect and remove suspicious applications. However, it does not solve the problem if the application is already available on the Play Store.
Therefore, Google is planning a purge of existing applications on the Play Store in 6 weeks. "We're updating our Spam and Minimum Functionality policies to ensure apps meet enhanced standards," Google said.
From August 31, the apps that will be targeted by Google are "static applications, without specific functions, for example only text or PDF files; have little content, do not provide an engaging experience, such as only single wallpaper". Applications that frequently crash and behave abnormally will also be on the radar.
For app developers, Google warns apps need to "provide a stable, responsive experience. Apps are buggy, don't have a basic level of utility, lack engaging content, or have erratic behavior." consistent with user experience will not be allowed on Google Play".
Developers have 6 weeks to evaluate whether their application is compliant and make timely adjustments. "A mass deletion event may be imminent," tech site PCMag stated. "It means thousands of apps on the Google Play Store could suddenly disappear next month."
Forbes predicts that among the thousands of deleted applications, there will be some popular applications on users' phones, because they do not meet Google's criteria.