Welcome to this month’s edition of ASO Monthly — your go-to update for the most impactful developments in App Store Optimization. Each month, we cover algorithm changes, emerging trends, conversion rate optimization insights, tool updates, and everything that matters in the world of app stores.
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August 20
August 20 – Amazon Appstore for Android shuts down
Amazon has announced it will discontinue the Appstore for Android devices effective August 20, 2025, while keeping it alive only on its own Fire tablets and Fire TVs, according to Android Police, The Verge. After this date, apps installed via the Amazon Appstore on Android may stop working entirely or become unstable, as they’ll no longer receive updates or support. For ASO professionals, it’s a reminder that overreliance on third-party stores may carry greater risks—backup conversions and retention now by urging players to move to mainstream stores like Google Play.
August 15 – Quick insights: Gemini now explains Play Console charts
Google has introduced an AI-powered chart explanation in the Play Console’s Statistics page. A new Gemini icon lets you ask questions like “Describe this chart”, generating instant summaries of your data. While the breakdowns remain at a fairly high level, they help spot patterns: for example, compare acquisition trends across countries or understand spikes linked to featured events. Gemini also takes into account contextual signals, such as campaign dates or promotional placements, when explaining performance. For ASO teams, this makes it easier to scan through large datasets and quickly grasp directional insights, even if deeper analysis will still need manual follow-up. It’s a step toward faster, more accessible performance reviews directly within the Console.
August 27 – Smooth installs: Play Store now offers auto-open toggle
Google is rolling out a handy new “Auto-open when ready” toggle on the Play Store, giving users the option to launch apps automatically after installation is complete, according to Android Police. Positioned just below the install progress bar, the toggle is turned off by default, so users only activate it if they want to jump straight into the app. Once enabled, a five-second countdown is initiated via a notification, complete with Open and Cancel buttons, allowing users to override the auto-open if needed. For ASO pros, this introduces a subtle new tactic for engagement: apps that open immediately may benefit from improved first-session retention and higher post-install activity.
Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches
Steam Page Optimization: Optimizing Your Steam Page for Discovery | Phiture
The Global Rise of AI Apps: Key Takeaways for Mobile Marketers | App Samurai
Ask Engine Optimization (AEO): The Future of Ranking on ChatGPT and AI Answer Engines | SEM Nexus
ASO with Phiture Experts:
If you’re not leaning on AI yet in your ASO work, you’re probably working harder than you need to. Tools like Perplexity can quickly show you how a competitor’s influencer campaign is doing in a region, saving you hours of digging. ChatGPT or Gemini in Sheets can help spot patterns in your data without the heavy number crunching. And when you’re stuck on creatives, Claude or ChatGPT are great for sparking ideas. The point isn’t to replace your strategy; it’s to cut down the repetitive work so you can focus on the actual strategy. Just be smart about it and avoid sharing anything sensitive unless you’re using a secure setup.
Talha Mumtaz, Growth Manager
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