# ASO Monthly #103: New ASA Countries, Trending Searches, Most Downloaded Apps, 2024 App Store Awards, Google’s Next Phase for 2025, and More! - Link: https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/ - Published: 2025-01-08T16:48:21+01:00 - Author: Talha Mumtaz ![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ASO-Monthly-103-Cover-1024x561. png)   This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant App Store Optimization developments from December. We shed light on trends in ASO, algorithm changes, insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates to keep you ahead of the curve.   ---   December 03 ## Apple Search Ads Expands to 21 New Countries Apple Search Ads are now available in 21 new markets, including Türkiye, Cyprus, Morocco, Slovakia, and more. This expansion presents new opportunities to refine your ASA strategy. Early adoption is key—these regions often feature lower competition initially, giving brands a strong advantage. Target markets like Türkiye hold particularly high potential for gaming apps. The full list of new countries includes: Türkiye, Cyprus, Morocco, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Uzbekistan, Ghana, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Kenya, Iraq, Nepal, Luxembourg, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Iceland, Armenia, Slovenia, Mongolia, and Algeria.   December 09 ## Google May Be Widely Rolling Out “Trending Searches” The Google Play Store now seems to be rolling out the new “Trending Searches” feature more widely, which highlights popular search terms directly in the app’s search bar. This addition aims to help users discover trending apps, games, and content more easily. It enhances discoverability while providing insight into current user interests. For more details, visit the original article: [Android Police](https://www.androidpolice.com/play-store-trending-searches-rolling-out-now/).   ![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ASO-Monthly-103-Google-Play-Trending- Searches-270x300.png) Source: [Android Police](https://www.androidpolice.com/play-store-trending-searches-rolling-out-now/)   ---   ## Subscribe to the ASO Monthly Newsletter Get the latest ASO updates straight to your inbox, once a month.   ---   December 09 ## Google’s Next Chapter for Google Play Google Play is evolving to become more than just a storefront. The platform is introducing updates designed to amplify app discovery, gaming experiences, and user engagement. In 2024, key features released included: * AI-powered discovery tools. * Pre-launch quality testing. * Enhanced custom store listings for targeted campaigns. * New subscription models and flexible payment options. * Upgraded trust and safety measures, including enhancements to the Play Integrity API. This year, Google Play even more sees itself as a “dynamic platform that connects users with your amazing content, wherever they are”, and has bold plans for: * Leaning into content-rich and interactive experiences for apps both within and beyond the Play store, * Building out features focused on gaming to make Google Play even more personalized, engaging, and part of daily routines, and, * Simplifying the payment and checkout experience for apps and content. We’re looking forward to seeing what Google Play has _in store_ for 2025!   ![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ASO-Monthly-103-Google-Play-Updates- 300x170.png) Source: [Android Developers Blog](https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2024/12/notes-from-google-play.html)   December 11 ## Apple Honors 2024 App Store Award Winners Apple’s 2024 App Store Awards celebrated 17 standout apps and games that showcased innovation, exceptional design, and creative utility. Highlights included: * **Apps**: _Kino_, _Moises_, and _Lightroom_ stood out as creative tools. * **Games**: Titles like _AFK Journey_ and _Squad Busters_ offered immersive, engaging gameplay. * **Apple Vision Pro Category**: Featured _What If…?,_ An immersive story showing the power of immersive technology like Vision Pro.     December 16 ## Most Downloaded Apps & Games of 2024 Apple has released its 2024 year-end charts, spotlighting the most downloaded apps and games across over 30 regions. Curated in the App Store’s Today tab, these lists highlight top-performing apps and games, both free and paid. They’re an essential resource for understanding what resonated with global audiences this year.   ![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/ASO-Monthly-103-Top-Apps-2024- 229x300.png) Source: [Apple Newsroom](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2024/12/apple-reveals-2024s-most-downloaded-apps-and-games-on-the-app-store/)   December 25 ## Google Play Introduces Achievement Highlights on Store Listings Google Play now showcases in-game achievements directly within the store listing of installed games. This update aims to enhance personalization and engagement for returning users by highlighting their in-app progress. Developers can leverage this feature to re-engage users and foster loyalty.   [[   ## Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches [Year in Review: AppTweak’s 2024 Product Highlights](https://www.apptweak.com/en/aso-blog/year-in-review-apptweaks-2024-product-highlights) | AppTweak [The State of App Marketing in Asia](https://www.appsflyer.com/resources/reports/report-the-state-of-marketing-in-asia/) | AppsFlyer [An Ultimate Guide to Growing Google Play Store Rating of Your App in 2025](https://appfollow.io/blog/google-play-store-rating) | AppFollow [Why You Should Explore OEMs in 2025](https://appsamurai.com/blog/why-you-should-explore-oems-in-2025/) | AppSamurai   ## Phiture’s ASO Tip of the Month With Apple Search Ads expanding to new markets, early adoption is critical. Competitive pressure is lower in these markets initially, allowing brands to establish a strong foothold. For instance, markets like Türkiye offer promising opportunities, particularly for gaming apps. To succeed: * Focus on **brand defense campaigns** to protect your market share. * Use **competitor targeting** to attract users from rival apps. * Invest in **generic campaigns** to increase overall visibility. When combined with a robust ASO strategy, these efforts can maximize visibility and ROI as competition increases. _— Talha Mumtaz, Growth Manager_ Table of Contents * [Apple Search Ads Expands to 21 New Countries](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#apple_search_ads_expands_to_21_new_countries) * [Google May Be Widely Rolling Out “Trending Searches”](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#google_may_be_widely_rolling_out_%e2%80%9ctrending_searches%e2%80%9d) * [Subscribe to the ASO Monthly Newsletter](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#subscribe_to_the_aso_monthly_newsletter) * [Google’s Next Chapter for Google Play](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#googles_next_chapter_for_google_play) * [Apple Honors 2024 App Store Award Winners](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#apple_honors_2024_app_store_award_winners) * [Most Downloaded Apps & Games of 2024](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#most_downloaded_apps_games_of_2024) * [Google Play Introduces Achievement Highlights on Store Listings](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#google_play_introduces_achievement_highlights_on_store_listings) * [Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#interesting_readslistenswatches) * [Phiture’s ASO Tip of the Month](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-103-new-asa-countries-trending-searches-most-downloaded-apps-2024-app-store-awards-googles-next-phase-for-2025-and-more/#phitures_aso_tip_of_the_month)