Google: Google wants to ensure Android app developers make ‘quality’ apps, introduces new rules

In a significant step towards ensuring the quality of apps on the Google Play Store, Google is introducing a new requirement for developers with newly created personal Play Console accounts. These developers will now be required to test their apps with at least 20 people for a minimum of two weeks before applying for access to production.
This new requirement is outlined in the latest blog post on AndroidDevelopers, where Google emphasises the importance of providing a positive user experience and meeting certain quality standards.The company acknowledges that developing a high-quality app takes time and effort, and this new testing requirement aims to ensure that apps are thoroughly vetted before they are made available to the wider public.
In the blog post, Google said that developers who regularly use Play’s app testing tools before publishing release higher-quality apps and games, which can lead to higher ratings and more success on Google Play. “In fact, apps that use our testing tools have on average 3 times the amount of app installs and user engagement compared to those that don’t,” the company noted in the blog post.

Changes for existing developers

Google said that it knows that developers of different types and sizes have different priorities, and that it might take some developers longer to verify than others. “Because of this, we’re allowing you to choose your own deadline by which to complete account verification,” said Google. Deadlines are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so developers can chose their deadline that suits their requirement. However, not doing so will mean Google enforces a deadline on developers. “If you don’t choose a deadline before February 29, 2024, we’ll assign one for you automatically.
The company also said that it is looking to provide users with information on whether an app may not perform as well on their device, including phones, large screens, and wearables.