Gummicube - An airship company
MENU

2019 App Store Optimization: Year in Review

December 20th, 2019

2019 App Store Optimization: Year in Review

With 2019 nearing its end, it’s time to take a look back and see how App Store Optimization has changed over the past year. The year was filled with changes that impacted all parts of the app ecosystem, from new devices and operating systems to new store guidelines and developer tools. Let’s take a trip through the year and see some of the biggest changes to come out of 2019.

Technology

The technology that powers our apps continues to grow every year. From the devices that we use to the operating systems that power them, there’s always something new and exciting that developers have to keep up with.

Google launched new devices and a new operating system. Additionally, the company worked on expanding Google Play with new rewards and redesigns. The biggest technology changes were:

  • The launch of Android 10, which includes features like Dynamic Depth, Smart Replies, live captions and improved biometrics
  • The release of Pixel 3a and 3a XL.
  • Android 10 supported the newly-launched foldable phones, giving developers new screen shapes and sizes for their apps to work on

Apple had a busy year as well. Between new subscription services, devices and operating systems, there was scarcely a time when there wasn’t something new from Apple:

Developer Tools

Google introduced a number of tools to the App Store and Play Store on the developer end. These provided new ways to manage apps and track success. Google Play added the following developer tools:

Policy Changes

As new concerns and issues arise, Apple and Google often have to update their policies to address them. These changes can have an impact on what features developers include in their apps, how they’re marketed and what they have permission to control.

Google Play had the following changes in 2019:

  • Call and SMS logs can only be accessed by a single app selected as a user’s default app for calls or text messages
  • New policy and ad requirements for apps targeted at children
  • The app approval process was changed to take more time to analyze newer apps, but rejected or removed apps can appeal and get a more thorough understanding of why

Apple had similar changes, including:

Paid Marketing

Paid marketing can supplement an organic App Store Optimization strategy and help apps grow while reaching more users. Apple Search Ads and Google Ads both saw updates in 2019 designed to help developers market their apps.

Apple added new Search Ads territories and localizations, bringing ASA to 59 countries. Meanwhile, Google Ads changed its frequency caps to optimize how often an ad should be shown to individual users.

Other Changes

While those were the biggest changes for apps, ASO and app development, they’re far from the only ones. Other changes in the app marketing ecosystem include:

Looking back on 2019, we can see several significant changes across the app marketing ecosystem. While some changes were widespread and others only impacted certain markets, it’s a clear sign the app ecosystem is always changing. We at Gummicube wish you all a happy new year and are looking forward to the exciting changes to come in 2020.

Want more information regarding App Store Optimization? Contact Gummicube and we’ll help get your strategy started.

Similar Articles

ASO Weekly - Gummicube at App Growth Summit 2022

ASO Weekly - Gummicube at App Growth Summit 2022

Posted on October 21st, 2022

App Growth Summit (AGS) in San Francisco is a once-a-year event where some of the biggest names in the app marketing and mobile marketing industry come together to share industry insights.