Google is putting the clamp on low-effort apps in the Play Store. Apps that don’t offer basic functionality or quality may be removed.
Google explains that text-only apps, single wallpaper apps, apps that don’t install or load after installation, and unresponsive apps are most at risk of being in violation of the company’s new policy. This update is expected to go into effect on August 31, 2024.
Doesn’t seem that apps with an actual use are being placed in the crosshairs at all, nor is interest being factored.
Did you miss the “most” keyword? Also, what is their definition of a “text-only” app? What devices are they using for the “don’t install or load” check? When is something called “unresponsive”?
There are so many ways to trigger false positives on any check google introduces. Their way of handling developers who don’t understand why they have their app pulled is by giving a blanket “violates the rules” remark.
I imagine SD card reliant apps, apps where a server is down, apps with specific time based information in text on start, apps calculating a lot of data etc. all potential victims.
Also, in regards to the interest not being factored, if they implement a check the limits for what is being checked could be interest (number of installs or active uses) based. An app doesn’t show anything after 1 second? If there are 500.000 users it’s probably fine, but if there are 10? It’s way less likely to be a false positive, and way less impactful if it is a false positive.