# ASO Monthly #99: Easier discovery with interests, New search tab placements, Android apps deletion, Play Store Collections, Launching apps automatically, Algorithm changes, … and more!

- Link: https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/
- Published: 2024-09-08T12:22:09+01:00
- Author: Talha Mumtaz

![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/3-lines-1024x561.png)

This month’s ASO Monthly edition outlines the most relevant ASO developments from
August. Here, we shed light on trends in App Store Optimization, algorithm changes,
insights into conversion rate optimization, and tool updates.

 

August 1

## Apple updated guidelines to clarify that PC emulators can offer to download games

Apple has clarified guidelines for apps offering embedded software like mini apps,
games, streaming services, chatbots, and emulators. According to the guideline, 
the developers must ensure compliance with privacy rules, provide mechanisms for
content filtering and user safety, and use in-app purchases for digital goods. Extending
native platform APIs or sharing data without explicit user consent is prohibited.
Additionally, developers must provide a detailed index of all software and ensure
that age ratings reflect the highest-rated content in the app. Non-compliance with
these rules will result in app rejection.

You can find the full App Store guidelines [here](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/).

 

August 8

## Google Play Store’s new Search Tab and AI Highlights roll out widely

Earlier this year, we reported Google testing versions of a dedicated Search Tab
and AI Highlights on the Play Store. This month, these changes rolled out to a larger
number of Android devices, which means more users will now see the dedicated Search
Tab as well as the AI Highlights. This separate Search Tab also offers a new ad 
placement similar to the sponsored section on the Apps & Games tab. AI Highlights
are available for many apps with enough ratings and reviews to showcase an overview
of what the app offers to the users.

![](https://phiture.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ASO-Monthly-99-Search-Tab-and-
AI-Highlights-on-Google-Play-983x1024.png)

 

August 9

## Google introduces Custom Audience feature to the Play Store

The Google Play Store has introduced Custom Audiences to help app and game developers
segment their user base into specific groups based on behavior, demographics, and
other criteria — such as targeting players at certain levels. By using the Google
Play Grouping API, developers can create tags that enable them to personalize the
user experience with tailored content, including promotional materials, store listings,
and featured products. Currently, this feature is available for apps that have access
to Promotional Content.

 

August 18

## AppTweak recorded a high anomaly score on the App Store

According to [AppTweak’s App Store Algorithm Change Detector](https://www.apptweak.com/en/free-tools/algorithm-change-detector),
the App Store in the US experienced a high anomaly (a score of 3.272 vs. the usual
>0.5), with a similar spike observed in China. If you’ve noticed any irregularities
in your app’s analytics or KPIs around that time, this algorithm change might be
the cause. Keep an eye on these fluctuations as they could impact your app’s performance
metrics.

 

August 20

## Google adds new personalization settings to the Play Store

Google Play Store has been widely rolling out a new “Personalization in Play” menu,
allowing users to control how their app data is used for personalization. According
to Android Police, this feature, found inside the Play Store’s account switcher,
lets users toggle data sharing for each app they’ve downloaded. While this enhances
privacy, the process is still a bit cumbersome, especially for users with many apps.
Google plans to improve the experience by adding search and filter options, addressing
current usability concerns. The update reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance
Play Store functionality and user privacy.
 Source: [Android Police](https://www.androidpolice.com/google-play-store-personal-data-controls-wide-rollout/)

 

August 25

## Google Play can now update multiple apps simultaneously

Users with multiple apps on their Android devices often face long wait times as 
apps were updated one by one. However, according to Android Police, Google Play 
is now rolling out an update that allows up to three apps to be updated simultaneously.
This improvement will significantly reduce the time users need to wait for their
apps to update, making the process quicker and more efficient.
 Source: [Android Police](https://www.androidpolice.com/google-play-store-update-multiple-apps-together/)

 

## Tools/Updates:

[Introducing Custom Instructions: Personalize Your AI-Generated Responses](https://appfollow.io/blog/custom-instructions-personalized-ai-generated-responses-in-appfollow)
| AppFollow

 

## Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches

[4 ways to Monitor Performance of All Your Ranked App Store Keywords](https://www.apptweak.com/en/aso-blog/overall-keyword-report-monitor-all-your-ranked-keywords)
| AppTweak

[The State of Gaming App Marketing – 2024 Edition](https://www.appsflyer.com/resources/reports/gaming-state/)
| AppsFlyer

[Benefits of leveraging ASO with ASA](https://appsamurai.com/blog/benefits-of-leveraging-aso-with-asa/)
| AppSamurai

 

## Phiture’s ASO tip of the month:

With the holiday season fast approaching, staying ahead of the competition is crucial.
If you’re planning Black Friday specials, start preparing now! Submit your pitch
at least two weeks before your in-app event or promotional content goes live. Being
featured will help you capitalize on heightened user interest and maximize your 
downloads during this critical period.

**[Joy Staples](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joy-staples/) — Senior Growth Manager,
Phiture**

Table of Contents

 * [Apple updated guidelines to clarify that PC emulators can offer to download games](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#apple_updated_guidelines_to_clarify_that_pc_emulators_can_offer_to_download_games)
 * [Google Play Store’s new Search Tab and AI Highlights roll out widely](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#google_play_stores_new_search_tab_and_ai_highlights_roll_out_widely)
 * [Google introduces Custom Audience feature to the Play Store](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#google_introduces_custom_audience_feature_to_the_play_store)
 * [AppTweak recorded a high anomaly score on the App Store](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#apptweak_recorded_a_high_anomaly_score_on_the_app_store)
 * [Google adds new personalization settings to the Play Store](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#google_adds_new_personalization_settings_to_the_play_store)
 * [Google Play can now update multiple apps simultaneously](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#google_play_can_now_update_multiple_apps_simultaneously)
 * [Tools/Updates:](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#toolsupdates)
 * [Interesting Reads/Listens/Watches](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#interesting_readslistenswatches)
 * [Phiture’s ASO tip of the month:](https://phiture.com/asostack/aso-monthly-99-easier-discovery-with-interests-new-search-tab-placements-android-apps-deletion-play-store-collections-launching-apps-automatically-algorithm-changes-and-more/#phitures_aso_tip_of_the_month)