Google is done asking nicely for foldable app optimization
App developers will soon have more incentives to develop well-adapted foldable apps.
Google has announced at the Android Dev Summit that the Play Store will begin evaluating the quality of apps designed for foldable devices starting next year. This move aims to incentivize developers to optimize their applications for the unique form factor of foldables. While the specific criteria for Play Store visibility will be revealed later this year, it remains uncertain if non-compliant apps will face search penalties or simply lose out on promotional benefits.
The push for improved foldable app optimization coincides with the introduction of updated developer tools, such as Compose adaptive skills and platform updates, which simplify the process of creating adaptable apps across various devices, including foldables, laptops, and more. Although foldable devices have been available for nearly a decade, Google acknowledges that Android apps have not optimized well enough for this form factor.
The company hopes that the upcoming launch of Apple's iPhone Duo will broaden the foldable user base, encouraging developers to enhance their apps for both iOS and Android platforms. However, Google is no longer relying on voluntary improvements from developers and is proactively implementing measures to ensure better foldable app experiences.
Starting next year, the Google Play Store will assess how apps and games perform on foldables, providing well-adapted apps with increased visibility and prominent placement in the store. Google confirmed these plans during the ongoing Android Dev Summit.
Written by urgent.news from Android Authority's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
