Google Play Cuts Apps Nearly In Half To Improve Quality And Security

The number of apps on the Google Play Store has dropped 47 percent in the past year due to new policies that emphasize quality and security. From 3.4 million apps in early 2024, there are now around 1.8 million left. 

This move is part of Google's larger effort to clean up apps that don't meet its standards. The main focus is on removing low-quality, misleading, or risky apps. 

In mid-2024, Google began tightening the rules on the Play Store. This policy targets apps with minimal content, no interaction, or only containing static displays such as PDFs and wallpapers. 

Google is also tightening developer verification by requiring app testing for new accounts. In addition, the company is using AI and human supervision to detect threats. 

Quoted from TechCrunch, Monday (5/5/2025), more than 2.3 million apps were blocked throughout 2024. In addition, 158 thousand developer accounts were also suspended. 

Although the number of apps has decreased, developer activity remains high. In early 2025, more than 10,400 new apps were released, up 7.1 percent from the previous year. 

This shows that strict policies have not dampened developer interest. 

This decline is not directly related to the European Union's regulation on 'merchant status', as Apple's App Store remains stable. 

Google's major cleanup has actually been welcomed positively by many users and developers because it makes Google Play safer and more curated. 

Tag: Apple's App Store Google Play Misleading Risky Apps