Company
Date Published
Author
Matt Netkow
Word count
494
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Google Play has implemented a new rule requiring new personal Play Console accounts to test their apps with at least 20 users for a minimum of two weeks before they can apply for production access, a measure aimed at combating fraud and ensuring higher quality apps. This change does not affect organizational or business accounts, thus allowing established entities to continue their processes without interruption. The policy shift is designed to filter out low-quality submissions from less experienced developers while maintaining the platform's standards. However, this could lead to slower app review times, a concern as Google Play has traditionally been favored over the Apple App Store for its speed in app publishing. To mitigate potential delays, developers are encouraged to plan their launches carefully, utilize tools like Appflow Live Updates for quick post-launch iterations, and seek testing support from the Ionic Community. While the rationale behind Google's decision is to improve user experience by reducing deceptive or fraudulent apps, it presents challenges for indie developers in finding sufficient testers during the pre-launch phase.