There is always a risk to safety and security when a mobile application is abandoned or out of date. To ensure users have the latest privacy and security features, both Google and Apple are taking additional measures to eliminate apps that pose a threat to consumers’ credibility. The latest report shows that there are over 1.5 million mobile apps on Google and Apple that appear to be abandoned by the end of the first quarter of 2022. Chances are that these apps may soon exit your Play Store or iOS.
Research conducted by Pixalate shows that there are more than 1.5 million apps listed in Google Play and Apple The App Store appears to be “abandoned”, meaning they haven’t been updated in two years.
Notably, the 1.5 million apps are 30% of all the 5 million mobile apps available for download, which have been abandoned.
Pixalate analysis shows there are 314,000 “super-abandoned” apps on Google and Apple. This means that apps don’t get updated in more than 5 years. Out of total super abandoned apps – 58% or 184,000 apps are in Apple Store and 42% or 130,000 apps in Google Play Store.
The application categories most likely to be skipped are education, context, and sports, which are often popular with children.
On the other hand, by the end of Q1 2022, 1.3 million mobile apps have been updated in the last six months, accounting for 28% of all apps.
Data from Pixalate highlights that ‘more updates means more downloads’. It states that of the apps with over 1 million downloads, 88% have been updated within the last six months.
Meanwhile, categories like finance, health and shopping top the charts that are updated regularly and are likely to be the most innovative.
According to Pixalate, “abandoned” apps can pose serious security and security concerns. With the increasing awareness of consumer privacy concerns, this issue becomes even more important.
It added that the most innovative apps regularly release new improved versions with bug fixes and security patches. In addition, Pixalate directed that advertisers should take into account how often apps are updated before making an investment decision.
Apple and Google have both announced their own measures to remove outdated apps.
On its App Store improvements, Apple has said, “To make it easier for customers to find great apps that fit their needs, we want to ensure that the apps available on the App Store are functional and up-to-date. We implement an ongoing process.” Evaluating apps, removing apps that no longer work as intended, do not comply with current review guidelines, or are out of date.
Apple has said that the App Store will evaluate apps in all categories to ensure they work as expected, adhere to current review guidelines, and are up to date.
In addition, Apple mentions that developers of apps that haven’t updated in the past three years fail to meet the minimum download limit — meaning that apps may be downloaded at all or very rarely during the rolling 12-month period. Not Downloaded – Receive an email informing them that their app has been identified for potential removal from the App Store.
Apple said on its developer website, “The App Store team will contact you and ask you to make any necessary changes for your app to remain on the App Store. However, apps that crash upon launch may be removed from the App Store.” Will be removed immediately.”
Last month, Google said, “As part of the latest policy update for Google Play, we are taking additional steps to protect users from installing apps that contain the latest privacy and security requirements by expanding our Target Level API requirements.” The facilities may not be there.”
According to Google, from November 1, 2022, existing apps that do not target the API level within two years of the latest major Android release version will not be available for discovery or installation for new users who have an Android OS version. There are more than one device running. Target API level of apps. As new Android OS versions launch in the future, the requirements window will adjust accordingly.
In its argument, Google states that users with the latest devices or who are completely caught up on Android updates expect to realize the full potential of all of Android’s privacy and security protections. Expanding our targeted level of API requirements will prevent users from installing older apps that don’t have these protections.