Android New restrictions in the Google Play Store – misleading icons and descriptions are prohibited

Google is tidying up the Play Store and is tightening the thumbscrews for app developers: After many access rights were restricted and options are forbidden in recent years, they are now starting with app listing. Strict but understandable rules for app names and the app icon will apply in just a few weeks. Some developers are likely to start rotating.

As strict as the guidelines for the features under the hood are, Google has so far been lax in the Play Store: unsuitable apps have always been removed (often unauthorized thanks to the algorithms ), but the app has been displayed with very few rules so far connected. That will change now, because from June 1st you would like to change or no longer see the following things:

Misleading ranking

The app icon may no longer contain a ranking, such as “# 1 app”.

The developer designation may no longer contain such a ranking. Certainly could lead to a discussion about some company names.

Of course, the app name may no longer contain a ranking either. This is likely to lead to most of the discussions and false bans.

Misleading price promise

The app icon must not contain a price or a promotion.

The developer name must not suggest that something is free or discounted.

The app name must not contain any information about a possible price. Here, too, there should be big discussions again, because how many masses of apps have the word “free” or something similar in their names.

Misleading Play Store Items

The app icon must not contain a request for an update or a similar action carried out via the Play Store.

The app name must not contain a request for action.

Emojis and special characters

The app name may no longer contain WORDS IN CAPITAL LETTERS unless it is a registered trademark written in this way.

The app name cannot contain emojis or emoticons.

The developer designation must not contain any emojis or emoticons.

The perfect app entry

Above you can see how Google envisions a perfect app listing. At first glance, of course, it doesn’t motivate you to click, but that is of course the whole point of the whole thing. Ultimately, things like download numbers and ratings based on app quality should be the focus again and not the graphical refinements of the developers. Certainly a good thing that may also point to an upcoming Play Store redesign.

These new guidelines will apply from June 1st and will be enforced from that date. New and updated apps must adhere to these guidelines. Existing, older apps will be removed from any promotions from June 1st and will not be suggested as app tips. The thumbnails must also meet certain conditions, but at this point we are not quite as strict and first recommend using meaningful and not misleading thumbnails.