Google to remove low-functioning and low-quality apps from Play Store

Google has announced a mass app deletion set to take place on 31 August. The company is updating its Spam and Minimum Functionality policy to ensure apps meet higher standards for functionality and user experience, Forbes reports.

Targeted apps include those “that are static without app-specific functionalities, for example, text only or PDF file apps, apps with very little content and that do not provide an engaging user experience, for example, single wallpaper apps, and apps that are designed to do nothing or have no function.”

Google is raising its quality threshold, recognising that many seemingly harmless apps are used as conduits for malware or as decoys for more dangerous alternatives. By focusing on apps that serve little legitimate purpose, Google aims to tighten its net.

It is expected that some popular apps with millions of installs and legitimate low-quality apps may also fail to meet the new standards.

For developers, Google warns that apps must "provide a stable, responsive, and engaging user experience." Apps that crash, lack basic utility, or fail to offer engaging content will not be allowed on Google Play.

These changes are part of broader enhancements to Play Store security. Google's 17 July policy changes include enhanced malware prevention, requiring developers to remove third-party code from known malware providers and introducing stricter rules on spyware prevention and enforcement.

Developers should not be surprised by these changes and have six weeks to ensure compliance.

The upcoming Android 15 promises the most comprehensive set of privacy and security updates in a single release.

Android 15 will introduce "live threat detection," using on-device AI to "analyse behavioural signals related to the use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps and services" to quickly flag abusers.

This will reduce the time between an app misbehaving and its removal.