Google Play Store Deletion—Do Not Keep These Apps On Your Phone

Tired of dealing with slow, buggy, or even dangerous apps? Learn which apps Google is removing from the Play Store and why you should delete them now.

By Nora Belle || Senior Author of ADM

5 min read || September 10, 2024

Introduction

Google’s Play Store, the primary app marketplace for Android devices, has been undergoing significant changes in recent times. One of the most notable developments is the company’s decision to remove low-quality apps from the store. This policy change aims to improve the overall user experience and protect users from harmful software.

Understanding the Policy Change

Google’s announcement to remove low-quality apps from the Play Store was a major departure from its previous approach. The company had previously taken a more hands-off approach, allowing a wide range of apps to be listed on the store. However, with the increasing number of malware-infected and poorly-designed apps, Google realized the need for a more stringent policy.

The primary goal of this policy change is to improve the quality of apps available to users. By removing low-quality apps, Google can help to ensure that users have a positive experience when using the Play Store. Additionally, this policy can help to protect users from harmful software, such as malware and spyware.

Criteria for App Removal

To determine which apps to remove, Google has outlined four pillars of Android app quality: usability, technical resilience, safety, and privacy. These criteria are used to assess the overall quality of an app and to determine whether it meets Google’s standards.

Usability: This refers to how easy an app is to use. Apps that are difficult to navigate or understand are more likely to be removed.
Technical resilience: This refers to how stable an app is and how well it performs. Apps that frequently crash or have other technical issues are also more likely to be removed.
Safety: This refers to how well an app is protected from security vulnerabilities. Apps that are vulnerable to hacking or other security threats may be removed.
Privacy: This refers to how well an app protects user data. Apps that collect excessive amounts of personal data or do not handle user data securely may also be removed.

The Impact on Developers

The policy change has significant implications for developers. Those who create low-quality or harmful apps will face the risk of having their apps removed from the Play Store. This can have a negative impact on their business, as it can reduce their visibility and revenue.

On the other hand, developers who create high-quality apps will be rewarded. By adhering to Google’s standards, developers can ensure that their apps remain on the Play Store and continue to reach a large audience. Additionally, high-quality apps are more likely to be featured in the Play Store, which can boost their visibility and downloads.

The Impact on Users

The policy change is expected to have a positive impact on users. By removing low-quality and harmful apps, Google can help to improve the overall user experience. Users will be less likely to encounter malware or other security threats, and they will have access to a wider range of high-quality apps.

However, the policy change may also have some negative consequences for users. For example, some users may lose access to apps that they rely on, even if those apps are not harmful. Additionally, the policy change may lead to a reduction in the overall number of apps available on the Play Store.

Conclusion

Google’s decision to remove low-quality apps from the Play Store is a significant step towards improving the overall quality of the app marketplace. By adhering to Google’s standards, developers can help to ensure that their apps remain on the store and continue to reach a large audience. Users can also benefit from this policy change by having access to a wider range of high-quality apps and being protected from harmful software.

While the policy change may have some negative consequences, the overall benefits are likely to outweigh the costs. By removing low-quality apps, Google is helping to create a healthier and more secure app ecosystem for both developers and users.