Jakarta, INTI – The Google Play Store is suddenly quiet. Without many users realizing it, the number of Android applications on the Play Store has decreased dramatically in recent months. According to a report by analytics platform Appfigures, in early 2024, the Play Store had around 3.4 million apps. However, now the number has shrunk to only 1.8 million, a sharp decline of 47%.
Why did the number of apps drop that much?
This decline is not due to market trends or declining developer interest. In fact, Apple's App Store actually experienced growth-up from 1.6 million to 1.64 million apps in the same period.
The main factor behind the loss of millions of apps on the Play Store is Google's new policy that comes into effect from July 2024. Google is tightening the quality standards of apps allowed on their platform. Apps that crash frequently, can't be opened, or only offer basic functionality-such as displaying a single PDF file or wallpaper-are immediately removed.
Google Tightens Developer Oversight
Google not only relies on automated systems, but also conducts manual checks. Some important steps that are enforced include:
1. Stricter verification of developer identity
2. Mandatory trial for new developer accounts
3. Live review by moderator team
During 2024, Google also introduced a variety of new tools, including AI to detect security threats, stronger privacy protection features, and improved tools for developers.
The impact is being felt. Over the past year, Google:
1. Blocked 2.63 million apps before launch for violating policies 2.
2. Deactivated 158,000 developer accounts for malicious violations 3.
EU regulations pose additional challenges
Starting February 2025, the European Union requires all developers to list their names and addresses on their app listings. Otherwise, the app could be removed from the digital market in the region. Apple has also implemented similar rules in the App Store, but has still recorded growth. This shows that the internal impact of Google's policy is more significant to their own ecosystem.
Industry continues to grow positively
Despite the “big purge,” this does not mean that the Android ecosystem is weakening. On the contrary, the number of new apps on the Play Store increased by 7.1% compared to the previous year. To date, 10,400 new apps have been released throughout 2025.
What does this mean for the app industry?
Google is pushing for a healthier and higher quality ecosystem. For developers, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: anyone who can meet Google's new standards has a better chance of thriving in a market that is now more competitive but also more trusted.
Conclusion
The major steps Google has taken to spruce up the Play Store ecosystem show a strong commitment to quality, security, and transparency. While the number of apps has dropped dramatically, this is not a sign of decline, but rather a selection process that nourishes the Android ecosystem.
For developers and digital industry players, this is an important moment to adapt to the new standards and be part of an era of better, safer, and more valuable apps for users.
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