ASO news digest for August 2024
Apple requires trader status for EU apps to comply with the Digital Services Act. Google is testing a trending searches feature on Google Play’s search screen. AltStore PAL is now available for free. Read the most important ASO news from the App Store, Google Play, and AltStore PAL.
Contents
1. Apple announced updates to prices and taxes for apps, In-App Purchases, and subscriptions
2. Apple announces upcoming changes to browser choice, default apps, and app deletion for EU users
3. Apple requires trader status information for EU apps to comply with the Digital Services Act
4. Apple updated the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement
5. Google is testing a trending searches feature on the Google Play search screen
6. Google Play is now enabling simultaneous downloads for multiple Android app updates
7. Google Play search results may now be influenced by the new “Personalization in Play” feature
8. Google released guidelines on using the Google Play Grouping API
9. Google Play Store could let users update third-party apps
10. AltStore PAL is now free for users
App Store news
Apple announced updates to prices and taxes for apps, In-App Purchases, and subscriptions
From September 16, prices for apps and In-App Purchases will be adjusted for storefronts in Chile, Laos, and Senegal — unless one of these countries has been set as the base for an app or In-App Purchase. These adjustments also take into account the new value-added tax (VAT) implementations outlined below.
If an app or In-App Purchase uses Chile, Laos, or Senegal as the base storefront, there will be no changes to prices. However, prices on other storefronts will be adjusted to match your selected base price.
No price changes will occur in any region for In-App Purchases that are auto-renewable subscriptions. Prices will also remain unchanged on storefronts where developers manually manage pricing instead of using automatically adjusted prices.
The Pricing and Availability section in App Store Connect has been updated to reflect these upcoming price changes.
Starting August 29, developers earnings from the sales of eligible apps and In-App Purchases have been adjusted to reflect tax updates:
- Laos: introduction of 10% VAT
- Senegal: introduction of 18% VAT
- India: Equalization levy of 2% no longer applicable
Exhibit B of the Paid Applications Agreement has been updated to specify that Apple will collect and remit applicable taxes in Laos and Senegal.
Starting in September, developers’ earnings from the sales of eligible apps and In-App Purchases will be affected in:
- Canada: Introduction of 3% Digital Services Tax
- Finland: VAT increase from 24% to 25.5%
Apple announces upcoming changes to browser choice, default apps, and app deletion for EU users
By the end of this year, Apple will implement updates to iOS and iPadOS for users in the EU. These changes, driven by ongoing discussions with the European Commission, are aimed at ensuring compliance with the Digital Market Act.
Developers of browsers featured on the EU browser choice screen will have more information about their browsers shown to users who view the choice screen. They will also gain access to additional data on how their browsers are performing on the choice screen. This updated screen will be shown to all EU users who have Safari set as their default browser. For more details, read this.
iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 will introduce a new Default Apps section in Settings, allowing users to see and manage their default apps for various tasks like dialing phone numbers, sending messages, and more. Future updates will include default settings for additional functions. For more information, follow this link.
Additionally, users in the EU will now be able to delete the App Store, Messages, Photos, Camera, and Safari apps.
Apple requires trader status information for EU apps to comply with the Digital Services Act
Apple reminded Account Holders and Admins enrolled in the Apple Developer Program to update their trader status in App Store Connect for apps available in the European Union (EU). This update is necessary to meet the requirements set by the Digital Services Act.
Here are the key dates and requirements to keep in mind:
- October 16, 2024: Trader status information will be mandatory for submitting app updates. If a developer qualifies as a trader, they must provide their trader information before submitting an app for review.
- February 17, 2025: Any apps that do not have trader status information on file will be removed from the EU App Store until the trader status is submitted and verified.
This change isn’t due to a decision by Apple but is instead a requirement under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which outlines various laws for online platforms. The DSA mandates that companies like Apple verify and display contact details for any traders offering digital apps, directly impacting the App Store.
Apple defines a developer as a trader under EU regulations if they generate any income through an app. This includes revenue from App Store sales, in-app purchases, or advertising. Therefore, only developers who offer entirely free apps without ads are exempt from providing this information.
For individual developers, the DSA requires that the EU App Store display their address or P.O. Box, phone number, and email address. For organizations, only the phone number and email address are necessary. Users will see these details directly below each app’s description on the App Store.
Learn more about trader status guidelines.
Apple updated the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement
Following the European Commission’s announcement in June, Apple is updating its compliance plan for the Digital Markets Act. This fall, new terms will be implemented for developers using the StoreKit External Purchase Link Entitlement in their apps available in EU App Store storefronts. Key updates include:
- Developers can now promote and share offers for purchases available through a destination of their choice, such as an alternative app marketplace, another app, or a website. These destinations can be accessed either outside the app or via an in-app web view.
- Developers are allowed to design and launch in-app promotions, providing details on subscription pricing or other offers available both inside and outside the app. Clear and accurate information must be provided about digital goods or services available for purchase.
- Developers can use actionable links that users can tap, click, or scan to be directed to their desired destination.
- There is no limit on the number of URLs developers can use, and there is no requirement to declare these URLs in the app’s Info.plist.
- Links can include parameters, redirects, and intermediate landing pages.
- These changes are accompanied by updated business terms for apps that utilize the External Purchase Link Entitlement to align with the expanded capabilities.
Google Play news
Google is testing a trending searches feature on the Google Play search screen
The ASO Updates group on LinkedIn shared that Google is now testing a trending searches section on the Google Play search screen. Moreover, branded queries are shown with short descriptions of their corresponding apps. The trend reports on this screen reflect mobile search volumes.
Google Play is now enabling simultaneous downloads for multiple Android app updates
The Google Play Store now allows users to download multiple Android app updates concurrently. This enhancement follows the rollout earlier this year that enabled simultaneous downloads for new app installations.
In the past, updating apps on Android could be cumbersome, as the Play Store could only process one update at a time. This meant that while one app was being downloaded and installed, others had to wait, which could be frustrating during extensive updates.
Earlier this year, Google started offering the option to download multiple new apps at once. Although this feature was fairly widespread by April, it was limited to new installations only. Some users experienced brief periods where multiple app updates could be downloaded simultaneously, but this functionality soon disappeared for many.
Currently, 9to5mac reports that the ability to download several app updates at once is reappearing across various devices. This feature seemed to be functioning for more users by the end of August, though it remains uncertain whether this is due to a server-side adjustment by Google or a Play Store update.
Google Play search results may now be influenced by the new “Personalization in Play” feature
Google released the previously announced “Personalization in Play” option.
As outlined on their official website, users who enable Web & App Activity may receive enhanced search results, personalized recommendations for apps and content, as well as tailored offers. Additionally, Google Play will prioritize the updates of apps users interact with most frequently.
This update could significantly alter how apps are ranked in the search and browse sections, with user preferences now playing a larger role in determining rankings.
Google released guidelines on using the Google Play Grouping API
Developers can use the Google Play Grouping API to tag users with relevant data, allowing for a more tailored Play Store experience. For instance, you might want long-term, engaged users to view different events, featured products, and store listings. Similarly, you could highlight exciting new additions to users who have been inactive for a while or promote specific app content to users who have previously shown interest.
To use the Google Play Grouping API, developers first need to create tags with the API. These tags can then be applied in the Play Console to define audiences and target specific content, such as promotional materials, within the Play Store. Learn more in these instructions.
Google Play Store could let users update third-party apps
The Google Play Store might enable users to update apps that were sideloaded or obtained from third-party sources. Recent findings in Play Store version 42.0.18 indicated that a new feature called “Update from Play” could be introduced. This option would allow users to update apps through the Play Store rather than the original third-party source. Mishaal Rahman later confirmed this feature’s availability via Telegram.
Screenshots reveal that the Play Store has in some instances listed updates for apps from external sources and included a new “Update from Play” button on the app listing. This button would allow users to transfer update management from the original source to the Play Store.
The updated listing would include a notification stating, “The app installed on your device didn’t come from Google Play. You can update the app from the original source or from Google Play”.
Alternative app stores
AltStore PAL is now free for users
The AltStore PAL, a third-party iOS app store, is now available for free thanks to a grant from Epic Games. This means no annual subscription fee for new users, and current subscribers will not receive renewal charges.
Launched in 2019, AltStore initially allowed iPhone users to install apps outside the official App Store. It gained new relevance with recent EU antitrust regulations, which mandated that Apple accept third-party app stores. Originally limited to apps by its developer Riley Testut, AltStore PAL recently began supporting third-party apps as well.
Previously, AltStore PAL required a €1.50 annual subscription to cover Apple’s Core Technology Fee (CTF) of €0.50 per year. With Epic Games’ grant now covering this fee, a subscription is no longer necessary.
Existing subscribers will see no changes to their accounts or charges upon renewal. Testut also hinted at future plans to reward current subscribers, though details are not yet available.
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