X (formally Twitter) seems to be getting another free pass when it comes to iOS App Store & Google Play Store compliance. With the social media platform’s recent rebranding came Apple’s momentary decision to block the name change. The App Store’s guidelines include having at least two characters in the app name, but for X that requirement did not apply. In an exclusive rule change, Apple allowed X to rename their app without a hiccup.
Now, both Apple and Google seem willing to skew the rules in favor of Mr. Musk once again with the removal of the ‘Block’ feature. The two platforms require apps to contain a block feature for user-generated content and other users to help prevent abuse, but how that rule is interpreted can determine whether it will even affect X at all.
Elon Musk stated the block feature “makes no sense” and will only apply to direct messages. However, the announcement of a new “mute” functionality could bridge the gap between what a traditional block feature normally does, allowing the social media app to leverage a policy loophole.
Apple and Google’s leniency with X begs the question as to what is actually permissible and what is forbidden on each platform. If App Store and Play Store guidelines can be subjectively interpreted based on how features function, it may open the door for other developers to modify their apps in compliance with a seemingly malleable set of requirements – from the in-app experience itself to their App Store and Play Store listings.
Installing an app directly in search results can be a streamlined way for users to discover and download apps. Seeing screenshots in search can provide a glimpse into the in-app experience before jumping into the full app listing. Promotional content in search can help boost engagement and provide relevant time-sensitive information. The possibilities are endless for what users can discover on search – or at least that’s what Google looks to test.
When navigating search results, each app that appears can have vastly different information. Google’s recent Play Store changes show signs of experimenting with the content that appears in the dropdown section of each app’s results listing. Whereas previously the only metadata assets users would see in search are the app icon and app name, Google has been experimenting with showing different content in each app’s dropdown section.
From the current short description and promotional content to the app screenshots, apps now have an opportunity to showcase different app listing elements in search results.
The introduction of new content in search listings provides additional opportunities to attract users depending on what is being showcased. As a result, developers will want to make sure every single app listing asset is optimized to appear in this new section. They should also leverage native app marketing tools like Promotional Content to capitalize on the increased engagement and opportunity to communicate timely information.
Fan of the dark theme? Well, it’s getting even darker. Google has been spotted testing an even darker grey for their native apps, including the Play Store. The new near-black background creates increased contrast with the app listings, creatives, and other elements in the store. For some, the higher contrast between the backdrop and text makes it easier to read and makes Google’s new ‘blue theme’ more noticeable.
App developers should consider this if and when it rolls out live and adjust any creatives so that they fit well with the new color. As reported by 9to5Google, the new color has been seen on all tabs of the Play Store and looks to accommodate OLED displays for improved viewing.
A darker display means developers should consider the contrast between their creatives and the Play Store’s background to adjust accordingly. A great example of this can be seen in the above image where we can see little difference between TikTok’s logo and the newer dark theme backdrop. While it is an app that is instantly recognizable, other apps will want to make sure their color palette and elements within each image differentiate themselves effectively.
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