Google Play Store plans to hide neglected apps

[Daniel Sims]

Why it matters: When Apple stopped supporting 32-bit apps in 2017, many were lost for various reasons. Google's upcoming requirements for Play Store apps might create a milder version of this situation, though with a reasonable explanation.

This fall, Google will begin hiding apps on the Play Store that don't support recent Android API versions. The measure is meant to stop users from downloading apps that don't meet the latest security standards.

Starting November 1, Android users won't be able to see or download Play Store apps that don't target an API version released within two years of the latest major Android OS. Android 13 is expected to have launched by then, so apps that don't support Android 11 or later will get stashed. The cut-off date rolls forward as newer Android versions arrive.

This rule only applies to devices running an Android version newer than the one an app targets. Users with older devices that don't support recent Android releases will still have access to older apps that developers have abandoned. Likewise, users with the latest OS can see and redownload outdated apps as long as they have previously installed them.

The new rule extends Google's existing requirement that new apps and updates support Android versions within one year of the latest. Starting August 1, any new app must target Android 12, released last October.

Adding requirements like this will inevitably make some apps inaccessible. Google says most Play Store apps already meet the new conditions. It's in the process of notifying developers, but it probably won't reach them all. Some developers may have closed shop or no longer deem updating older apps cost-effective.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/94102-google-play-store-plans-hide-neglected-apps.html

 

[Theinsanegamer]

So anyone who wants tp play old games or use old non pozzed apps that actually have functionality can just get ****ed?

Thanks google. Really appreciate it.

 

[VaRmeNsI]

So useful apps that don't need updates will disappear...

 

[Watzupken]

So anyone who wants tp play old games or use old non pozzed apps that actually have functionality can just get ****ed?

Thanks google. Really appreciate it.

This is the problem when you “purchase” a digital product. I won’t even call it purchase. It is more like renting for as long as they want/ able to to support it. I’ve experienced this first hand when Apple made this transition. I think a quarter of the games purchased cannot be found nor downloaded. I assume even if I can download it somehow, I don’t think it will run anyway.

 

[Usukosej]

This is the problem when you “purchase” a digital product. I won’t even call it purchase. It is more like renting for as long as they want/ able to to support it. I’ve experienced this first hand when Apple made this transition. I think a quarter of the games purchased cannot be found nor downloaded. I assume even if I can download it somehow, I don’t think it will run anyway.

Do you expect to run old unsupported games on a brand new phone anyway. This is just the way things are. Don't "buy" stuff then.

I have experienced dead floppys, discs etc. What is the difference? Game/software was broken because media failed. So?

I have every single piece of software I ever bought on my iPhone available for download in AppStore. Not a single piece missing.
On my Android work phone tho, it's a different story... Tons of stuff I bought are missing now

 

[Theinsanegamer]

Do you expect to run old unsupported games on a brand new phone anyway. This is just the way things are. Don't "buy" stuff then.

I have experienced dead floppys, discs etc. What is the difference? Game/software was broken because media failed. So?

I have every single piece of software I ever bought on my iPhone available for download in AppStore. Not a single piece missing.
On my Android work phone tho, it's a different story... Tons of stuff I bought are missing now

This is not the way things should be. These apps run perfectly fine on newer android phones, there is no reason to pull them from the market other then "security" which is a laughable claim. Most of these apps and games are not a security issue. If they are, then put a disclaimer up, like they do for sideloaded apps.

This is not the same as your media breaking, google.isnt coming to your house and breaking your cds. Complete whataboutism argument.

 

[Usukosej]

This is not the way things should be. These apps run perfectly fine on newer android phones, there is no reason to pull them from the market other then "security" which is a laughable claim. Most of these apps and games are not a security issue. If they are, then put a disclaimer up, like they do for sideloaded apps.

This is not the same as your media breaking, google.isnt coming to your house and breaking your cds. Complete whataboutism argument.

Sideloading unsecure apps is the reason why most android users gets infected.. Outside of Play Store hahah