ASO news digest for May 2026
Apple announced WWDC26 and updated App Store age ratings for Australia and Vietnam, while Google introduced the new AI-powered Ask Play search experience and Gemini integration for Google Play. All the key ASO updates from May — in our latest digest.
App Store News
Apple announced WWDC26
Apple officially announced the dates for WWDC26 — the conference will take place from June 8 to June 12.
During WWDC, mobile app developers traditionally get announcements about new iOS versions, App Store tools, and updates to App Store Connect.
For ASO, WWDC has traditionally been one of the key events of the year, as Apple often introduces updates affecting the App Store, subscriptions, search, and featuring opportunities.
App Store age rating updates for Australia and Vietnam
Starting June 18, Apple will update the App Store age rating system for Australia and Vietnam.
In Australia, the 15+ age rating will be removed, and some apps will automatically be reclassified as 16+ depending on their content and age rating settings in App Store Connect.
In Vietnam, Apple will introduce a localized age rating system in accordance with regional regulations. Apps will receive 0+, 12+, 16+, or 18+ ratings.
Apple also recommends that developers review their age rating settings in App Store Connect, as the updated ratings will be displayed directly on app store listings.
Apple announced the finalists of the 2026 Apple Design Awards
Apple published the list of finalists for the 2026 Apple Design Awards — the annual award recognizing the best apps and games on the App Store.
The selection includes projects across the following categories:
• Innovation;
• Interaction;
• Inclusivity;
• Social Impact;
• Visuals and Graphics;
• Delight and Fun.
Apple traditionally uses the Apple Design Awards as a showcase for best practices in design, UX, technology, and integration with the Apple ecosystem.
Mobile app developers can explore the list of finalists to gain deeper insights into visual trends, UX approaches, and product decisions that Apple highlights within the App Store.
Google Play News
Ask Play — a new AI-powered app search experience in Google Play
Google introduced Ask Play — a new AI-powered search interface within Google Play.
Users can now search for apps and games using natural language queries and receive recommendations through an AI-powered conversational interface.
Ask Play understands the context of user queries, processes follow-up questions, and helps users discover more relevant apps.
Google is also testing Ask Play Highlights — AI-generated summaries directly in search results that explain the results page and help users choose the right app or game more quickly.
Google announced a Google Play integration with Gemini.
In the coming weeks, users of the Android and web versions of Gemini will start receiving app and game recommendations directly within the AI assistant.
Google also plans to introduce deep linking, allowing users to navigate directly from Gemini to content within apps.
