# ASO Monthly #36 April 2019: App Store Under Investigation, Upcoming Google Play Awards & More!

- Link: https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-36-april-2019-app-store-under-investigation-upcoming-google-play-awards-more-968c4de44c75/
- Published: 2019-05-02T14:21:59+01:00
- Author: Adzsa Hatano

_In the _[_ASO Monthly-series_](https://phiture.com/asostack/)_ by _[_ASO Consultancy_](https://phiture.com/)_
Phiture, we reflect on the previous month and highlight trends in app store optimization,
algorithm changes, insights in conversion rate optimization and tools updates._

[_Subscribe_](https://mobilegrowthstack.us16.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4d2da17c757d7c515b6d50d6a&id=2e141c3528)_
to receive the ASO Monthly via email._

_This update was prepared by Adzsa Hatano, an ASO Specialist at Phiture._

⌊ASO Monthly #36 April 2019- App Store Under Investigation, Upcoming Google Play
Awards & More! ⌉⌊ASO Monthly #36 April 2019- App Store Under Investigation, Upcoming
Google Play Awards & More! ⌉

_It is less than a month until the _[App Store Optimization Conference 2019](https://asoconference.com/)_
in Berlin on 22nd May!_

⌊aso conference 2019 ⌉⌊aso conference 2019 ⌉

**_Over 8 Hours_**: Of pure ASO knowledge sharing.

**_Over 12 Speakers_**: The ASO Rockstars who will share the most exciting ASO strategies
and tactics.

**_Over 100 ASO Experts_**: Meet and exchange with the brightest minds in the industry.

Register before the limited number of tickets sells out! Find out more details [here](https://asoconference.com/berlin/)!

### **4th April — Decrease in downloads on App Store: FY Q2 2019**

[Kif Leswing](https://twitter.com/kifleswing/status/1113842720898994178), a technology
journalist, reported that the App Store is seeing a decline in the total number 
of downloads in FY Q2 (30 December 2018–30 March 2019) 2019* for the first time 
in four years. Downloads have dropped 5% in comparison with the same period of time
in the previous year. Original data by Morgan Stanley has not yet been published,
however, the App Store revenue is expected to remain robust.

The recent disputes with streaming providers (e.g. Netflix and Spotify) who have
stopped subscription offers from their apps could be one cause of the decline, as
well as a scaling down of downloads in China.

On 30th April, [Apple announced the results of FY Q2 (30 December 2018–30 March 2019) 2019](https://investor.apple.com/investor-relations/default.aspx),
and its quarterly revenue dropped by 5% to $58 billion. Sales in iPhone/iPad/Mac
declined, but sales in services including the App Store saw an increase, reaching
a record high of $11.5 billion, according to Apple. It seems that services are the
driving force of Apple’s business as the announcement of Apple Arcade’s launch last
month shows.

*Apple’s fiscal year for 2019: from 30th September 2018 to 28th September 2019.

### **8th April — More insights into your Android App on Search Console**

[Google Webmasters](https://twitter.com/googlewmc/status/1115229886547992576) tweeted
that [Search Console](https://search.google.com/search-console/about) provides with
more data for the linked app, such as impressions and Click-through rate.

⌊google webmasters tweet⌉⌊google webmasters tweet⌉

_Source:[ Google Webmasters](https://twitter.com/googlewmc/status/1115229886547992576)_

[Integration between a web page and an app](https://developer.android.com/training/app-indexing)
is the first step. Google allows Android apps to be associated with the web page
and appear in Google Search results. Android users can then be directly guided to
apps. This indicates that indie developers would benefit from access to more data
on their traffic sources.

### **10th April — Keyword dances on the App Store**

Keyword dances happening between 6–8th and 10–12th of April on the App Store have
been flagged by a few members of [the ASO Stack slack](https://asostack.com/aso-stack-slack-group-3757fc2aff0f).
An official announcement of algorithm changes has not come yet.

⌊apptweak's algorithm updates tracking tool⌉⌊apptweak's algorithm updates tracking
tool⌉

_Source: [AppTweak’s Algorithm Updates Tracking Tool](https://www.apptweak.com/free-aso-tools/algorithm-change-detector)_

### **11th April — Apple is targeted by the Dutch authorities.**

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) published [the report in the App Stores](https://www.acm.nl/sites/default/files/documents/2019-04/marktstudies-appstores.pdf)
and will start an investigation into Apple abusing its power by favouring its own
apps on the App Store. It was only a month ago that a complaint about Apple’s business
practices was filed by Spotify and the European Commission. The report suggests 
that app providers do not always have a fair chance, based on the fact that the 
Store managers push their own pre-installed apps, enforce the Store’s payment system
and take a commission. The ACM states that “ACM will investigate, among other aspects,
whether Apple acted in violation of the prohibition of abuse of dominance, for example,
by giving preferential treatment to its own apps.” Currently, the investigation 
is only targeting Apple due to the high volume of complaints from app providers,
but it is expected that Google will also come under scrutiny.

While Apple comments that [all app developers are treated equally](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-apple-antitrust-netherlands/apple-in-dutch-antitrust-spotlight-for-allegedly-promoting-own-apps-idUSKCN1RN215),
many app providers remain sceptical about this. Apps that have given up certain 
keywords because of Apple’s domination will be grateful for these interventions 
by third party authorities. [The ACM is open for indications](https://www.acm.nl/en/publications/acm-launches-investigation-abuse-dominance-apple-its-app-store)
from app providers.

⌊screenshot of search results for music in the US⌉⌊screenshot of search results 
for music in the US⌉

_Screenshot of the search results for “music” in the US. Apple holds the first positions._

### **11th April — Apple added an extra confirmation for subscription plans**

[David Barnard](https://twitter.com/drbarnard/status/1116447489022996480) reported
that Apple implemented an additional step in order to confirm the subscription, 
which is expected to protect users from accidental and fake subscriptions. The pop-
up message will show up once users verify identifications by Face ID or Touch ID,
which is often the case when an accidental subscription occurs.

**_Confirm Subscription_**

_The subscription will continue unless cancelled in Settings at least one day before
a subscription period ends._

Earlier this year [the subscription guidelines ](https://developer.apple.com/design/human-interface-guidelines/subscriptions/overview/)
were updated. Now the subscription plan must be clear and comprehensive for users
in terms of prices, plans, renewals etc.

⌊confirm subscription pop-up⌉⌊confirm subscription pop-up⌉

_A new additional pop-up for confirming the subscription (via [David Barnard](https://twitter.com/drbarnard/status/1116447489022996480)
Twitter)_

### **13th April — Store listing layout test on the Google Play Store**

Ankur Shrivastava reported Google has been testing a potential new store listing
layout. Currently, the Google Play Store conducts A/B test for a “new” layout with
these changes:

_・ Feature graphic/ promo video _is back and placed at the top.

_・ The short description _is left-aligned and moves up to screenshots, with “READ
MORE” extension for description.

_・ Ratings and the number of reviews _go below the screenshots.

_・ Editors’ choice _is placed between the screenshots and ratings.

_・ Category and the number of downloads _are not displayed at the top

⌊period tracker clue screenshot⌉⌊period tracker clue screenshot⌉

_Store listing comparison: current (left) and new (right) (Clue)_

Since the feature graphic was removed from the store listings last year, Google 
has conducted this type of test several times. We expect that the current store 
listing without a feature graphic, which is the most impactful asset for conversion,
may not have achieved the desired result.

### **16th April — Applications open for Indie Games Accelerator program 2019**

⌊indie games accelerator ⌉⌊indie games accelerator ⌉

_Source: Google Play_

Google has opened applications for [Indie Games Accelerator program 2019](https://events.withgoogle.com/indie-games-accelerator/).
This is a part of the [Launchpad Accelerator](https://developers.google.com/programs/launchpad/accelerators/)
program that supports startups to build great products in their regions, and exclusively
targets top indie game startups in some countries in Asia, Middle East, Africa and
Latin America who are keen to boost their growth on Android.

The curriculum will cover “a broad variety of game topics including technical development,
design, gameplay, user retention, user acquisition, monetization, and team leadership,”
which could inform your ASO strategy going forward. Applications will close on 19th
May 2019. Find more details on the [program page](https://events.withgoogle.com/indie-games-accelerator/)!

### **17th April — Google has removed 46 apps for fraud and service abuse**

BuzzFeed News has revealed an investigation for “large-scale ad fraud and abusing
user permissions” by DO Global, Chinese developer owning 46 apps with more than 
800 million monthly active users overall on the Google Play Store. The apps were
consequently removed from the Store.

According to [the article](https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/google-play-store-ad-fraud-du-group-baidu),
at least six of their apps are generating revenues through dishonest means. A few
of them “contain code that could be used to engage in a different form of ad fraud”,
says BuzzFeed News. Its investigation has named 4,889 popular apps as problematic
apps which use unnecessary permissions and “[dangerous permissions](https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/permissions/overview#dangerous_permissions).”

The findings develop the discussion of Google Play’s controls on the Store.

“The findings demonstrate how Google’s Play store, the largest app store in the 
world, has been exploited by developers who easily conceal who they are from users,
offer apps with invasive permissions, and use these permissions to commit ad fraud—
all while collecting huge amounts of user data. The result is an app ecosystem that’s
easily taken advantage of to abuse users and steal money from advertisers.”

Further details on the investigation can be found [here](https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/craigsilverman/google-play-store-ad-fraud-du-group-baidu).

### **23rd April — Google Play conducts a survey for feedback and shows some potentially new features**

Moritz Daan spotted that Google Play has conducted a survey in order to “help us
organize Play Console pages better by telling us your opinion. (Currently only available
in English).”

⌊google play survey ⌉⌊google play survey ⌉

_Screenshot of Google Play survey by Moritz Daan_

It ranges from reports to products. Some of the questionnaires address potential
new features, such as:

_・ Permission declarations_ — Declare the use cases that are served using sensitive
permissions whose usage Google Play restricts

_・App size report_ — Understand and analyze your app’s size over time and compared
with peers (including download size and installed size)

_・Uninstall report_ — Identify user segments that are more likely to uninstall,
and get insights into actions you can take to reduce uninstalling

This suggests that there will be updates on the Google Play Console with additional
functions but it remains unknown as to when this will happen.

### **24th April — New app icon specification for the Google Play Store can now be implemented**

Flagged by Ondrej Veverka on the [ASO Stack Slack](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-stack-slack-group-3757fc2aff0f/),
new app icon specification can be applied on the Google Play Console now.

⌊graphic assets ⌉⌊graphic assets ⌉

_Source: Ondrej Veverka via the ASO Stack slack_

This allows you either to:

_・ Use your existing icon for now. We’ll scale down your icon on June 24_

_・ Use the new icon specification now_

Last month, [Google announced uniform app icons](https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/03/introducing-new-google-play-app-and.html)
with an expectation that “these updates will help us all provide a more unified 
and consistent look and feel for Google Play, allowing us to better showcase your
apps and games and provide a higher quality user experience.” App icons on the Google
Play Store is one of the most powerful assets for the first impression as it is 
the only visual asset shown before arriving at the store listing for many apps. 
From 1st May onward, a newly uploaded icon must follow [the new icon specification](https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/03/introducing-new-google-play-app-and.html),
while you are still allowed to use the original app icon until 23rd June.

### **25th April — Nominees for the 2019 Google Play Awards are announced**

⌊google play awards ⌉⌊google play awards ⌉

_Source: Google Play_

Google has announced 45 apps as nominees of [the 2019 Google Play Awards](https://play.google.com/store/apps/editorial_collection/promotion_topic_googleplayawards2019),
which “_highlight developers who strive for quality and drive innovation on Android.”
_The nominated apps were selected based on certain criteria including a high star
rating, Android vitals and release/ major updates since April last year, according
to [Android Developers Blog](https://android-developers.googleblog.com/).

Who is excited to know which apps will pick up awards? The winners will be announced
on Monday, 6th May (8:15 PM PST)!

### **25th April — App Store bug: Endless prompts to accept the Terms and Conditions**

[9to5Mac](https://9to5mac.com/2019/04/25/app-store-terms-and-conditions-error/) 
reported that a small (unknown) percentage of iOS users are affected by a bug that
prevents them from downloading new apps or updating apps on the App Store by asking
to agree on the Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions numerous times. While 
[TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2019/04/25/apple-patches-ios-app-store-bug-that-was-preventing-app-downloads/?guccounter=1&guce_referrer_us=aHR0cHM6Ly85dG81bWFjLmNvbS9wYWdlLzQv&guce_referrer_cs=NHaEe-A2g_l04rpOngtWmA),
later on, reported that Apple has fixed the bugs, it might explain the slight decrease
that ASO practitioners could see in their app units.

### **Upcoming events in May**

[**_Mobile Apps Unlocked_**](https://mau.grow.co/?utm_source=phiture_conf_list) (
Las Vegas, US, 1st -2nd May)

**_App Marketing Summit _**[**_London_**](https://www.mobilemarketingsummits.com/events/app-marketing-london/?utm_source=phiture_conf_list)**_/_**
[**_New York_**](https://www.mobilemarketingsummits.com/events/app-marketing-new-york/?utm_source=phiture_conf_list)(
London, UK/ New York, US, 9th May)

[**_App Store Optimization Conference Berlin 2019_**](https://www.asoconference.com/?utm_source=phiture_conf_list)(
Berlin, Germany, 22nd May)

[**_App Growth Summit Berlin_**](https://appgrowthsummit.com/events/app-growth-summit-berlin-2019/?utm_source=phiture_conf_list)(
Berlin, Germany, 23th May)

More Mobile Growth events can be found in our list [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HU-HGlUyjruHUyimv3L0CY8Kn0UBaFAIiKNrCu1TQPc/edit#gid=1739888262)!

### **Tool updates**

#### 󠀁[**See Which Apps Are Listed in ‘Similar Apps’ – ASO Blog**](https://www.apptweak.com/aso-blog/see-which-apps-are-listed-in-similar-apps)󠁿

#### 󠀁[Similar Apps & Apps You May Like are now on AppTweak. Discover which apps Apple and Google suggest to users visiting…](https://www.apptweak.com/aso-blog/see-which-apps-are-listed-in-similar-apps)󠁿

#### 󠀁[www.apptweak.com](https://www.apptweak.com/aso-blog/see-which-apps-are-listed-in-similar-apps)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**ASO Analytics Tool: Track App Downloads and Conversion Rate with AppFollow**](https://appfollow.io/blog/aso-analytics-tool-track-app-downloads-and-conversion-rate-with-appfollow)󠁿

#### 󠀁[Analytics data from App Store Connect and Google Play Console is now available right in the AppFollow dashboard.](https://appfollow.io/blog/aso-analytics-tool-track-app-downloads-and-conversion-rate-with-appfollow)󠁿

#### 󠀁[appfollow.io](https://appfollow.io/blog/aso-analytics-tool-track-app-downloads-and-conversion-rate-with-appfollow)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**Find Out Which Apps Got Featured in the Today Tab – ASO Blog**](https://www.apptweak.com/aso-blog/find-out-which-apps-got-featured-in-the-today-tab)󠁿

#### 󠀁[You can now see on AppTweak when and in which country your app (or a competitor) got featured in the Apple App Store.](https://www.apptweak.com/aso-blog/find-out-which-apps-got-featured-in-the-today-tab)󠁿

#### 󠀁[www.apptweak.com](https://www.apptweak.com/aso-blog/find-out-which-apps-got-featured-in-the-today-tab)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**[Product Update] Featured Apps feature is now live! – Mobile Action Blog**](https://www.mobileaction.co/blog/mobile-action-news/product-update-featured-apps-feature-live/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[You asked, and we delivered. The long-awaited ‘Featured Feature’ is now available on our dashboard. Head on over right…](https://www.mobileaction.co/blog/mobile-action-news/product-update-featured-apps-feature-live/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[www.mobileaction.co](https://www.mobileaction.co/blog/mobile-action-news/product-update-featured-apps-feature-live/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**4.6 April Update**](https://appfollow.io/blog/46-april-update)󠁿

#### 󠀁[ASO Analytics official release; replies to reviews from Telegram; Semantic Analysis reports; auto-added keywords for…](https://appfollow.io/blog/46-april-update)󠁿

#### 󠀁[appfollow.io](https://appfollow.io/blog/46-april-update)󠁿

### **Interesting Reads**

#### 󠀁[**Apple Search Ads: 46 new storefronts, multi-storefront campaigns, and more**](https://asostack.com/apple-search-ads-46-new-storefronts-multi-storefront-campaigns-and-more-a7863d2c225a)󠁿

#### 󠀁[March 27th was one of the biggest days for Apple Search Ads since its launch in 2017. Apple opened up 46 more…](https://asostack.com/apple-search-ads-46-new-storefronts-multi-storefront-campaigns-and-more-a7863d2c225a)󠁿

#### 󠀁[asostack.com](https://asostack.com/apple-search-ads-46-new-storefronts-multi-storefront-campaigns-and-more-a7863d2c225a)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**Do in-app purchases affect ASO for App Store?**](https://asodesk.com/blog/?p=935)󠁿

#### 󠀁[Competition between App Store applications is immense – using standard methods of work with metadata is not enough…](https://asodesk.com/blog/?p=935)󠁿

#### 󠀁[asodesk.com](https://asodesk.com/blog/?p=935)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**7 Tips to Create Successful Mobile Games**](https://appfollow.io/blog/7-tips-to-create-a-top-selling-mobile-game)󠁿

#### 󠀁[Game publishers from GameAnalytics, Lab Cave, Kolibri Games, Wooga share core elements of a successful mobile game…](https://appfollow.io/blog/7-tips-to-create-a-top-selling-mobile-game)󠁿

#### 󠀁[appfollow.io](https://appfollow.io/blog/7-tips-to-create-a-top-selling-mobile-game)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**The Power of APIs and System-to-System Integrations | TUNE**](https://www.tune.com/blog/power-apis-system-integrations/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[As part of our commitment to empowering marketers to Do More With Less, Worry Free, the teams at TUNE are always…](https://www.tune.com/blog/power-apis-system-integrations/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[www.tune.com](https://www.tune.com/blog/power-apis-system-integrations/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[**Google Play Store v14.5.52 tests a Material Theme redesign and lays groundwork for installing APEX…**](https://www.xda-developers.com/google-play-store-material-theme-redesign-apex-packages-android-q/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[Google has rolled out (or has started testing) Material Theme redesign for apps like Google Photos, Google Calculator…](https://www.xda-developers.com/google-play-store-material-theme-redesign-apex-packages-android-q/)󠁿

#### 󠀁[www.xda-developers.com](https://www.xda-developers.com/google-play-store-material-theme-redesign-apex-packages-android-q/)󠁿