Google Play#Play Music All Access

{{Further|Android (operating system)}}

File:Availability of Google Play in the World.svg

By 2017, Google Play featured more than 3.5 million Android applications.{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/266210/number-of-available-applications-in-the-google-play-store/|title=Number of Google Play Store apps 2017 {{!}} Statistic|website=Statista|language=en|access-date=2018-01-03|archive-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206141741/https://www.statista.com/statistics/266210/number-of-available-applications-in-the-google-play-store/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Number of Android applications |url=https://www.appbrain.com/stats/number-of-android-apps |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210051327/https://www.appbrain.com/stats/number-of-android-apps |website=AppBrain |date=February 9, 2017 |archive-date=February 10, 2017 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} After Google purged a lot of apps from the Google Play Store, the number of apps has risen back to over 3 million Android applications. As of 2017, developers in more than 150 locations could distribute apps on Google Play, though not every location supports merchant registration. Developers receive 85% of the application price, while the remaining 15% goes to the distribution partner and operating fees. Developers can set up sales, with the original price struck out and a banner underneath informing users when the sale ends. Google Play allows developers to release early versions of apps to a select group of users, as alpha or beta tests. Users can pre-order select apps (as well as movies, music, books, and games) to have the items delivered as soon as they are available.{{cite web|date=2019-02-05|title=How to use a Google Play gift card|url=https://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-google-play-gift-card|access-date=2020-06-30|website=Android Central|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112020307/https://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-google-play-gift-card|url-status=live}} Some network carriers offer billing for Google Play purchases, allowing users to opt for charges in the monthly phone bill rather than on credit cards. Users can request refunds within 48 hours after a purchase.{{cite web|date=2016-06-02|title=Two Years Later, Google Play Support Docs Acknowledge 48-Hour Refund Window|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/06/02/two-years-later-google-play-support-docs-acknowledge-48-hour-refund-window/|access-date=2020-06-30|website=Android Police|language=en-US|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108111431/https://www.androidpolice.com/2016/06/02/two-years-later-google-play-support-docs-acknowledge-48-hour-refund-window/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Google Play Games}}

At the Google I/O 2013 Developer Conference, Google announced the introduction of Google Play Games.{{cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=May 15, 2013|title=Google announces Play game services, Android's cross-platform answer to Game Center|url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4327880/google-announces-android-game-center-competitor|access-date=January 18, 2017|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126054012/https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4327880/google-announces-android-game-center-competitor|url-status=live}} Google Play Games is an online gaming service for Android that features real-time multiplayer gaming capabilities, cloud saves, social and public leaderboards, and achievements. Its standalone mobile app was launched on July 24, 2013.{{cite web |first=Nathan |last=Ingraham |title=Google takes on Game Center with Google Play Games for Android |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/24/4553190/google-play-games-app-for-android-will-be-available-today |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=November 5, 2018 |access-date=January 18, 2019 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035326/http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/24/4553190/google-play-games-app-for-android-will-be-available-today |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Google Play Books}}

File:Play Books availability.png

Google Play Books is an ebook digital distribution service. Google Play offers over five million ebooks available for purchase,{{cite web |first=Darrell |last=Etherington |title=Google Play Offers Over 5M eBooks And More Than 18M Songs, One Year After Its Rebranding |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/06/google-play-offers-over-5m-ebooks-and-more-than-18m-songs-one-year-after-its-rebranding/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 6, 2013 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202004726/https://techcrunch.com/2013/03/06/google-play-offers-over-5m-ebooks-and-more-than-18m-songs-one-year-after-its-rebranding/ |url-status=live }} and users can also upload up to 1,000 of their own ebooks in the form of PDF or EPUB file formats.{{cite web |author=m4tt |title=Google Play Books enables user ebook uploads, Google Drive support |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4334444/google-play-books-ios-android-sideloaded-ebooks |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170312014528/http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4334444/google-play-books-ios-android-sideloaded-ebooks |url-status=live }} {{As of|2017|01}}, Google Play Books is available in 75 countries.

{{Main|Google TV (service)}}

File:Google Play Movies & TV Availability.svg

Google Play Movies & TV was a video on demand service offering movies and television shows available for purchase or rental, depending on availability.{{cite web |title=Rent or buy movies & TV shows |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/topic/2438922 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118042800/https://support.google.com/googleplay/topic/2438922 |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2017|1|df=us}}, movies are available in over 110 countries, while TV shows are available only in Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the United States and the United Kingdom.

In October 2020, Google Play Movies & TV was renamed Google TV.

Google announced on March 22, 2022, that Google Play will remove Play Movies & TV from their store and will be moved to Google TV by May 2022.{{cite web|title=Play Movies & TV is moving to Google TV|url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/156571755/play-movies-tv-is-moving-to-google-tv?hl=en|publisher=Google Inc.|date=March 22, 2022|access-date=March 23, 2022|archive-date=March 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323124742/https://support.google.com/googleplay/thread/156571755/play-movies-tv-is-moving-to-google-tv?hl=en|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Google Play Pass}}

File:Availability of Google Play Pass in the World.svg

On September 23, 2019, Google launched its Google Play Pass games and apps subscription service in the US.{{cite web |last1=Bohn |first1=Dieter |title=Google Play Pass bundles 350 Android games and apps for $4.99 per month |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/23/20878843/google-play-pass-bundles-350-android-games-and-apps-for-4-99-per-month |website=The Verge |access-date=24 September 2019 |language=en |date=23 September 2019 |archive-date=December 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201231160558/https://www.theverge.com/2019/9/23/20878843/google-play-pass-bundles-350-android-games-and-apps-for-4-99-per-month |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=November 4, 2019 |title=Google Play Points: a rewards program for all the ways you Play |url=https://blog.google/products/google-play/google-play-points-rewards-program-all-ways-you-play/ |website=Google |language=en}} As of September 2019, subscribers could access the games and apps without ads and in-app purchases. The program is invitation-only for app developers, who then can integrate the service into their existing apps.{{cite web|title=Google launches apps and games subscription service 'Play Pass' for $4.99 per month|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/google-launches-apps-and-games-subscription-service-play-pass-for-499-per-month/story/380885.html|access-date=2021-03-12|website=www.businesstoday.in|date=September 24, 2019|archive-date=May 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517233700/https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/news/google-launches-apps-and-games-subscription-service-play-pass-for-499-per-month/story/380885.html|url-status=live}}

Google introduced Project Mainline in Android 10, allowing core OS components to be updated via the Google Play Store, without requiring a complete system update.{{cite web|url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/05/fresher-os-with-projects-treble-and-mainline.html|title=Fresher OS with Projects Treble and Mainline|website=Android Developers Blog|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=February 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220093711/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/05/fresher-os-with-projects-treble-and-mainline.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18531350/google-android-q-project-mainline-security-updates-play-store-io-2019|title=Project Mainline is Google's new attempt to send security updates directly to your phone|last=Kastrenakes|first=Jacob|date=2019-05-07|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309150530/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/7/18531350/google-android-q-project-mainline-security-updates-play-store-io-2019|url-status=live}}

Android 10 supports updates for core OS components including:

• Security: Media Codecs, Media Framework Components, DNS Resolver, Conscrypt
• Privacy: Documents UI, Permission Controller, ExtServices
• Consistency: Time zone data, ANGLE (developers opt-in), Module Metadata, Networking components, Captive Portal Login, Network Permission Configuration

On December 4, 2019, Qualcomm announced their Snapdragon 865 supports GPU drivers updated via the Google Play Store. This feature was initially introduced with Android Oreo but vendors had not added support yet.{{cite web|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/15178/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-865-and-765-5g-for-all-in-2020-all-the-details|title=Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 865 and 765(G): 5G For All in 2020, All The Details|last=Frumusanu|first=Andrei|website=www.anandtech.com|access-date=2020-01-06|archive-date=March 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306163809/https://www.anandtech.com/show/15178/qualcomm-announces-snapdragon-865-and-765-5g-for-all-in-2020-all-the-details|url-status=live}}

In 2020, Google launched a new children-focused 'Teacher Approved' section for the Google Play Store. Apps marked as 'Teacher Approved' meet higher standards approved for educational purposes.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/15/21221830/google-play-kids-section-teacher-approved-educational-apps|title=Google Play is getting a new Kids section filled with "Teacher Approved" apps|last=Porter|first=Jon|date=2020-04-15|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2020-04-16|archive-date=April 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416144138/https://www.theverge.com/2020/4/15/21221830/google-play-kids-section-teacher-approved-educational-apps|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blog.google/products/google-play/teacher-approved-apps/|title=Find high-quality apps for kids on Google Play|date=April 15, 2020|website=Google|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=September 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902175425/https://blog.google/products/google-play/teacher-approved-apps|url-status=live}}

File:Google Play logo (2012-2015).svg

Google Play (previously styled Google play) originated from three distinct products: Android Market, Google Music and Google Books, (formerly Google eBookstore).{{cite web|date=2017-03-06|title=From Android Market to Google Play: a brief history of the Play Store|url=https://www.androidauthority.com/android-market-google-play-history-754989/|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Android Authority|language=en-US|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808212559/https://www.androidauthority.com/android-market-google-play-history-754989/|url-status=live}}

Android Market was announced by Google on August 28, 2008,{{cite web |first=Stephen |last=Shankland |title=Google announces Android Market for phone apps |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-announces-android-market-for-phone-apps/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 28, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=November 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102113736/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-announces-android-market-for-phone-apps/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=John |last=Biggs |title=Android to Get Its Own App Market |url=https://techcrunch.com/2008/08/28/android-to-get-its-own-app-market/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=August 28, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052720/https://techcrunch.com/2008/08/28/android-to-get-its-own-app-market/ |url-status=live }} and was made available to users on October 22.{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Chu |title=Android Market: Now available for users |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/10/android-market-now-available-for-users.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=October 22, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131433/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2008/10/android-market-now-available-for-users.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |title=Google releases details on Android Market launch |url=https://venturebeat.com/2008/10/22/google-releases-details-on-android-market-launch/ |website=VentureBeat |date=October 22, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224062940/http://venturebeat.com/2008/10/22/google-releases-details-on-android-market-launch/ |url-status=live }} In December 2010, content filtering was added to Android Market, each app's details page started showing a promotional graphic at the top, and the maximum size of an app was raised from 25 megabytes to 50 megabytes.{{cite web |first=Ed |last=Burnette |title=Big changes in store for Android Market |url=https://www.zdnet.com/finance/big-changes-in-store-for-android-market/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=December 11, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=August 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804052054/http://www.zdnet.com/article/big-changes-in-store-for-android-market/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sean |last=Hollister |title=Android Market update streamlines content, nukes tabs, dismantles 24-hour return policy to appease devs |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/12/11/android-market-update-streamlines-content-nukes-tabs-dismantle/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=December 11, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224054819/https://www.engadget.com/2010/12/11/android-market-update-streamlines-content-nukes-tabs-dismantle/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Ziegler |title=Android Market adding content ratings to all apps, past, present, and future |url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/android-market-adding-content-ratings-to-all-apps-past-present/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=November 24, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224054804/https://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/android-market-adding-content-ratings-to-all-apps-past-present/ |url-status=live }} The Google eBookstore was launched on December 6, 2010, debuting with three million ebooks, making it "the largest ebooks collection in the world".{{cite web |first=Abraham |last=Murray |title=Discover more than 3 million Google eBooks from your choice of booksellers and devices |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2010/12/discover-more-than-3-million-google.html |website=Official Google Blog |date=December 6, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220013853/https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2010/12/discover-more-than-3-million-google.html |url-status=live }} In January 2011 Google eBookstore was rebranded as Google Books. In November 2011, Google announced Google Music, a section of the Google Play Store offering music purchases.{{cite web |first=Ross |last=Miller |title=Google Music store official: artist hubs, Google+ integration, and more |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/11/16/2566928/google-music-store-announcement |website=The Verge |date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613234912/https://www.theverge.com/2011/11/16/2566928/google-music-store-announcement |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Armando |last=Rodriguez |title=Get Started With Google's New Music Store |url=http://www.techhive.com/article/244066/getting_started_with_google_s_new_music_store.html |website=TechHive |publisher=International Data Group |date=November 16, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224053743/http://www.techhive.com/article/244066/getting_started_with_google_s_new_music_store.html |url-status=dead }} In March 2012, Google increased the maximum allowed size of an app by allowing developers to attach two expansion files to an app's basic download; each expansion file with a maximum size of 2 gigabytes, giving app developers a total of 4 gigabytes.{{cite web |first=Bams |last=Sadewo |title=Google Increases App Size Limit on Android Market to 4GB |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-increases-app-size-limit-4gb-60314/ |website=Android Authority |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052710/http://www.androidauthority.com/google-increases-app-size-limit-4gb-60314/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Chloe |last=Albanesius |title=Google Ups Android App Size Limit to 4GB |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/65818/news/google-ups-android-app-size-limit-to-4gb |website=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224134427/http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/65818/news/google-ups-android-app-size-limit-to-4gb |url-status=live }} Also in March 2012, Android Market was re-branded as Google Play.{{cite web |first=Jamie |last=Rosenberg |title=Introducing Google Play: All your entertainment, anywhere you go |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2012/03/introducing-google-play-all-your.html |website=Official Google Blog |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220014003/https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2012/03/introducing-google-play-all-your.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Joshua |last=Topolsky |title=Hello, Google Play: Google launches sweeping revamp of app, book, music, and video stores |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/3/6/2848223/google-play-store-rebranded-android-market |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=January 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118225216/http://www.theverge.com/2012/3/6/2848223/google-play-store-rebranded-android-market |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Velazco |title=Goodbye Android Market, Hello Google Play |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/06/goodbye-android-market-hello-google-play/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 6, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=November 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161104034412/https://techcrunch.com/2012/03/06/goodbye-android-market-hello-google-play/ |url-status=live }}

The Google Play Store, including all Android apps, came to ChromeOS in September 2016.{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=The Play Store comes to Chrome OS, but not the way we were expecting |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/the-play-store-comes-to-chrome-os-but-not-the-way-we-were-expecting/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 19, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222161435/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/05/the-play-store-comes-to-chrome-os-but-not-the-way-we-were-expecting/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Google Play is coming to Chrome OS in September |url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/19/google-play-is-coming-to-chrome-os-in-september/ |website=VentureBeat |date=May 19, 2016 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105124028/http://venturebeat.com/2016/05/19/google-play-is-coming-to-chrome-os-in-september/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2021, Google Play announced plans to implement a new section with privacy information for all applications in its storefront. The project is similar to App Store's privacy labels and is expected to be released in full in the first half of 2022. The feature will show users what kind of information each app collects, whether the data it stores is encrypted and whether users can opt out of being tracked by the application.{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Porter |title=Google Play's app listings will require privacy info next year, just like the App Store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/6/22422894/google-play-app-privacy-info-apple-app-store-labels |website=The Verge |date=May 6, 2021 |access-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506170636/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/6/22422894/google-play-app-privacy-info-apple-app-store-labels |url-status=live }}

In December 2023, Google agreed to pay $700 million, mostly to its customers, to resolve complaints of anti-competitive behavior from U.S. states.{{cite news |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/12/19/1220443874/google-to-pay-700-million-to-settle-a-lawsuit-over-how-it-runs-its-app-store |title=Google to pay $700 million to settle a lawsuit over how it runs its app store |date=December 19, 2023 |publisher=Heard on All Things Considered |author=Bobby Allyn}} Google also agreed to give users the option to pay through another party other than Google at download time, and make it easier to download apps from web sites directly. Google Play has until March 6, 2024, to comply with the new Digital Markets Act in the European Union.

{{Main|Google Play Music}}

File:Google Play Music Availability.png

Google Play Music was a music and podcast Streaming media and online music locker. It features over 40 million songs,{{cite web |first=Abner |last=Li |title=Play Music 7.4 adds 'Recents' to navigation drawer, now has 40 million songs in its library |url=https://9to5google.com/2017/02/22/google-play-music-7-4-recents-section/ |website=9to5Google |date=February 22, 2017 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224220615/https://9to5google.com/2017/02/22/google-play-music-7-4-recents-section/ |url-status=live }} and gives users free cloud storage of up to 50,000 songs.{{cite web |title=How to use Google Play Music |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4515411 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=January 21, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202010917/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/4515411 |url-status=dead }}

{{As of|2017|5|df=us}}, Google Play Music was available in 64 countries.{{cite web |title=Country availability for apps & digital content |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2843119 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=May 20, 2017 |archive-date=May 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520213014/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2843119 |url-status=live }}

In June 2018, Google announced plans to shut down Play Music by 2020 and offered users to migrate to YouTube Music, migration to Google Podcasts was announced in May 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/music/what-happens-to-google-play-music-youtube-music/|access-date=2020-10-05|website=www.digitaltrends.com|title=YouTube Music and YouTube Premium are now live in the U.S., 16 other nations|date=April 4, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104063704/https://www.digitaltrends.com/music/what-happens-to-google-play-music-youtube-music/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|last=Li|first=Abner|date=May 12, 2020|title=Google Podcasts can import all your Play Music podcast subscriptions|work=9to5Google|url=https://9to5google.com/2020/05/12/google-podcasts-play-music/|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118165205/https://9to5google.com/2020/05/12/google-podcasts-play-music/|url-status=live}} In October 2020, the music store for Google Play Music was shut down.{{Cite news|last=Li|first=Abner|date=October 12, 2020|title=Google completes worldwide shutdown of Play Music store|work=9to5Google|url=https://9to5google.com/2020/10/12/google-play-music-store-shutdown/|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118041302/https://9to5google.com/2020/10/12/google-play-music-store-shutdown/|url-status=live}} Google Play Music was shut down in December 2020 and was replaced by YouTube Music and Google Podcasts.{{cite web|title=Info about the Google Play Music phase-out|url=https://support.google.com/googleplaymusic/answer/9973710?hl=en-GB&ref_topic=6230811|access-date=November 13, 2020|website=Google Help|archive-date=December 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201219191358/https://support.google.com/googleplaymusic/answer/9973710?hl=en-GB&ref_topic=6230811|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|Google Play Newsstand}}

File:Availability of Google Play Newsstand in the World (2012-2018).svg

Google Play Newsstand was a news aggregator and digital newsstand service offering subscriptions to digital magazines and topical news feeds.{{cite web|last=Lyons|first=Kim|date=2020-01-03|title=Google News will discontinue its program that offered magazine subs in print replica format|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/3/21048297/google-news-print-replica-magazine-pdf-discontinued|access-date=2020-06-30|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=August 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801083552/https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/3/21048297/google-news-print-replica-magazine-pdf-discontinued|url-status=live}} Google released Newsstand in November 2013, combining the features of Google Play Magazines and Google Currents into a single product.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/11/20/google-play-newstand/ |title=Google Play Newsstand merges Currents, magazines and newspapers on Android today, iOS in 2014 |author=O'Brien, Terrence |website=Engadget.com |date=November 20, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2019 |archive-date=November 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121232042/https://www.engadget.com/2013/11/20/google-play-newstand/ |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2017|1|df=us}}, the basic Newsstand service, was available worldwide. As of 2017, paid Newsstand content was available in more than 35 countries.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}

On May 15, 2018, the mobile app merged with Google News & Weather to form Google News. The Newsstand section continued to appear on the Google Play website until November 5, 2018, but now is only available through the Google News app.{{cite web|last=Hartmans|first=Avery|title=We compared Google News and Apple's built-in News app for the iPhone to see which one is better — and there's a clear winner|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/google-news-vs-apple-news-2018-7|access-date=2020-06-30|website=Business Insider|archive-date=June 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630212940/https://www.businessinsider.com/google-news-vs-apple-news-2018-7|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Google Store}}

Until March 2015, Google Play had a "Devices" section for users to purchase Google Nexus devices, Chromebooks, Chromecasts, other Google-branded hardware, and accessories. A separate online hardware retailer called the Google Store was introduced on March 11, 2015, replacing the Devices section of Google Play.{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Bowers |title=Meet the updated Chromebook Pixel and the new Google Store |url=https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2015/03/meet-updated-chromebook-pixel-and-new.html |website=Official Google Blog |date=March 11, 2015 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929231621/https://googleblog.blogspot.no/2015/03/meet-updated-chromebook-pixel-and-new.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Google launches the Google Store, a new place to buy hardware [Updated] |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/03/google-launches-the-google-store-a-new-second-place-to-buy-hardware/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=March 11, 2015 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210105081653/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/03/google-launches-the-google-store-a-new-second-place-to-buy-hardware/ |url-status=live }}

{{Redirect-distinguish|Google Play Console|Google Search Console|Google Stadia}}

Apart from searching for content by name, apps can also be searched through keywords provided by the developer.{{cite web |title=Get discovered on Google Play search |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/4448378 |website=Developer Console Help |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225053217/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/4448378 |url-status=live }} When searching for apps, users can press on suggested search filters, helping them to find apps matching the determined filters.{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Play Store suggested search filters are rolling out to all |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/06/06/play-store-suggested-search-filters-rolling/ |website=Android Police |date=June 6, 2017 |access-date=June 8, 2017 |archive-date=June 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170606204032/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/06/06/play-store-suggested-search-filters-rolling/ |url-status=live }} For app discoverability, Google Play Store consists of lists featuring top apps in each category, including "Top Free", a list of the most popular free apps of all time; "Top Paid", a list of the most popular paid apps of all time; "Top Grossing", a list of apps generating the highest amounts of revenue; "Trending Apps", a list of apps with recent installation growth; "Top New Free", a list of the most popular new free apps; "Top New Paid", a list of the most popular new paid apps; "Featured", a list of new apps selected by the Google Play team; "Staff Picks", a frequently updated list of apps selected by the Google Play team; "Editors' Choice", a list of apps considered the best of all time; and "Top Developer", a list of apps made by developers considered the best.{{cite web |title=Types of featured app lists |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/1295940 |website=Developer Console Help |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225053038/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/1295940 |url-status=live }} In March 2017, Google added a "Free App of the Week" section, offering one normally paid app for free.{{cite web |first=Abhimanyu |last=Ghoshal |title=Google Play now offers a free Android app every week |url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2017/03/27/google-play-now-offers-free-android-app-every-week/ |website=The Next Web |date=March 27, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100201/https://thenextweb.com/apps/2017/03/27/google-play-now-offers-free-android-app-every-week/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Emil |last=Protalinski |title=Google Play gets a Free App of the Week section |url=https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/26/google-play-gets-a-free-app-of-the-week-section/ |website=VentureBeat |date=March 26, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427004004/https://venturebeat.com/2017/03/26/google-play-gets-a-free-app-of-the-week-section/ |url-status=live }} In July 2017, Google expanded its "Editors' Choice" section to feature curated lists of apps deemed to provide good Android experiences within overall themes, such as fitness, video calling, and puzzle games.{{cite web |first=Mallory |last=Locklear |title=Google Play wants to help users find apps with curated lists |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/19/google-play-help-find-apps-curated-lists/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720000940/https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/19/google-play-help-find-apps-curated-lists/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Williams |last=Pelegrin |title=Google Play's editorial pages put a human touch on finding high-quality apps |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-editors-choice-788456/ |website=Android Authority |date=July 19, 2017 |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720022527/http://www.androidauthority.com/google-play-editors-choice-788456/ |url-status=live }}

Google Play enables users to know the popularity of apps by displaying the number of times the app has been downloaded. The download count is a color-coded badge, with special color designations for surpassing certain app download milestones, including grey for 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000 downloads, blue for 10,000 and 50,000 downloads, green for 100,000 and 500,000 downloads, and red/orange for 1 million, 5 million, 10 million, and 1 billion downloads.{{cite web |first=Blake |last=Stimac |title=Google Play Store now showcases app download numbers with new badges |url=http://www.greenbot.com/article/2463910/google-play-store-now-showcases-app-download-numbers-with-new-badges.html |website=Greenbot |publisher=International Data Group |date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225051852/http://www.greenbot.com/article/2463910/google-play-store-now-showcases-app-download-numbers-with-new-badges.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Grush |title=Play Store introduces colorful badges denoting number of app downloads |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/play-store-badges-417072/ |website=Android Authority |date=August 12, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225051601/http://www.androidauthority.com/play-store-badges-417072/ |url-status=live }}

Users can submit reviews and ratings for apps and digital content distributed through Google Play, which are displayed publicly. Ratings are based on a 5-point scale. App developers can respond to reviews{{cite web |first=Jeff |last=Blagdon |title=Google Play now lets all developers respond to user reviews |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/14/4329042/google-play-lets-all-developers-respond-to-user-reviews |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 14, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427095724/http://www.theverge.com/2013/5/14/4329042/google-play-lets-all-developers-respond-to-user-reviews |url-status=live }} using the Google Play Console.{{cite web |title=View & analyze your app's ratings & reviews |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/138230 |website=Developer Console Help |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226050637/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/138230 |url-status=live }}

Google has redesigned Google Play's interface on several occasions. In February 2011, Google introduced a website interface for the then-named Android Market that provides access through a computer.{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Chu |title=Introducing the Android Market website |url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2011/02/introducing-android-market-website.html |website=Google Mobile Blog |date=February 2, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=March 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170326120302/http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2011/02/introducing-android-market-website.html |url-status=live }} Applications purchased are downloaded and installed on an Android device remotely, with a "My Market Account" section letting users give their devices a nickname for easy recognition.{{cite web |first=Vlad |last=Savov |title=Android Market gets a web store with OTA installations, in-app purchases coming soon |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/android-market-gets-a-web-store/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=February 2, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110204055420/https://www.engadget.com/2011/02/02/android-market-gets-a-web-store/ |url-status=live }} In May 2011, Google added new application lists to Android Market, including "Top Paid", "Top Free", "Editor's Choice", "Top Grossing", "Top Developers", and "Trending".{{cite web |first=Kim-Mai |last=Cutler |title=Android Market Now Highlights Top-Grossing and Trending Apps |url=http://www.adweek.com/digital/android-market-new-categories-trending-top-grossing/ |website=Adweek |publisher=Beringer Capital |date=May 11, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052559/http://www.adweek.com/digital/android-market-new-categories-trending-top-grossing/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Jeffrey Van |last=Camp |title=Google revamps Android Market, adds more lists |url=http://www.digitaltrends.com/android/google-revamps-android-market-adds-more-lists/ |website=Digital Trends |date=May 12, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224054751/http://www.digitaltrends.com/android/google-revamps-android-market-adds-more-lists/ |url-status=live }} In July, Google introduced an interface with a focus on featured content, more search filters, and (in the US) book sales and movie rentals.{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Montoy-Wilson |title=A new Android Market for phones, with books and movies |url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2011/07/new-android-market-for-phones-with.html |website=Google Mobile Blog |date=July 12, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224053744/http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2011/07/new-android-market-for-phones-with.html |url-status=live }}

In May 2013, a redesign to the website interface matched the then-recently redesigned Android app.{{cite web |first=Nathan |last=Ingraham |title=Google redesigning Play apps and Play Store on the web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333780/google-redesigning-play-apps-and-play-store-on-the-web |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100317/https://www.theverge.com/2013/5/15/4333780/google-redesigning-play-apps-and-play-store-on-the-web |url-status=live }} In July 2014, the Google Play Store Android app added new headers to the Books/Movies sections, a new Additional Information screen offering a list featuring the latest available app version, installed size, and content rating, and simplified the app permissions prompt into overview categories.{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=[Update #2: 4.8.22] Latest Google Play Store 4.8.22 With PayPal Support, Simplified App Permissions, Bigger Buttons, And More [APK Download] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/07/15/google-rolling-out-play-store-v4-8-19-with-paypal-support-simplified-app-permissions-bigger-buttons-and-more-apk-download/ |website=Android Police |date=July 15, 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224053458/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/07/15/google-rolling-out-play-store-v4-8-19-with-paypal-support-simplified-app-permissions-bigger-buttons-and-more-apk-download/ |url-status=live }} A few days later, it got a redesign consistent with the then-new Material Design design language,{{cite web |first=David |last=Ruddock |title=Google Play Store Update 4.9.13 Adds Material Design App And Content Pages [APK Download] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/07/22/google-play-store-update-4-9-13-adds-material-design-app-and-content-pages-apk-download/ |website=Android Police |date=July 22, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=December 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207035116/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/07/22/google-play-store-update-4-9-13-adds-material-design-app-and-content-pages-apk-download/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Derek |last=Walter |title=Google Play Store gets a Material Design-inspired makeover |url=http://www.greenbot.com/article/2456235/google-play-store-gets-a-material-design-inspired-makeover.html |website=Greenbot |publisher=International Data Group |date=July 23, 2014 |access-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225130149/http://www.greenbot.com/article/2456235/google-play-store-gets-a-material-design-inspired-makeover.html |url-status=live }} and the app was again updated in October 2015 to feature new animations, divide up the content into "Apps and Games" and "Entertainment" sections, as well as added support for languages read right-to-left.{{cite web |first=James |last=Vincent |title=A first look at the Google Play store redesign |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/16/9549121/google-play-redesign |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224133321/http://www.theverge.com/2015/10/16/9549121/google-play-redesign |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Google Play Is Getting A Makeover |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/16/google-play-is-getting-a-makeover/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052758/https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/16/google-play-is-getting-a-makeover/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Billy |last=Steele |title=Google Play's pending redesign gets an early tease |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/10/16/google-play-app-store-redesign/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=October 16, 2015 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131756/https://www.engadget.com/2015/10/16/google-play-app-store-redesign/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2016, Google announced a redesign of all the icons used for its suite of Play apps, adding a similar style and consistent look.{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Google Announces New Google Play App Icons |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/04/04/google-announces-new-google-play-app-icons/ |website=Android Police |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052926/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/04/04/google-announces-new-google-play-app-icons/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Nick |last=Statt |title=Google Play app icons are getting the candy-colored flat design treatment |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/4/4/11362476/google-play-store-app-icon-redesign |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131407/http://www.theverge.com/2016/4/4/11362476/google-play-store-app-icon-redesign |url-status=live }} In May 2017, Google removed the shopping bag from the Google Play icon, with only the triangle and associated colors remaining.{{cite web |first=Cody |last=Toombs |title=The Play Store adopts new app and notification icons with v7.8.16 [APK Download] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/10/the-play-store-adopts-new-app-and-notification-icons-with-v7-8-16-apk-download/ |website=Android Police |date=May 10, 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527111545/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/05/10/the-play-store-adopts-new-app-and-notification-icons-with-v7-8-16-apk-download/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Ashley |last=Carman |title=Google drops the shopping bag from the Play Store icon |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/11/15624990/google-updated-play-store-icon |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 10, 2017 |access-date=June 2, 2017 |archive-date=May 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517063329/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/11/15624990/google-updated-play-store-icon |url-status=live }} In March 2018, Google experimented by changing the format of the screenshots used for the App pages from the WebP format to PNG but reverted the change after it caused the images to load more slowly. The update also saw small UI tweaks to the Google Play Store site with the reviews section now opening to a dedicated page and larger images in the light box viewer.{{Cite news |url=https://9to5google.com/2018/12/01/google-play-redesign-android-rolling-out/ |title=Google Play redesign w/ revamped navigation, organization, and bright UI more widely rolling out on Android |last=Li |first=Abner |date=December 1, 2018 |website=9to5Google |access-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629005635/https://9to5google.com/2018/12/01/google-play-redesign-android-rolling-out/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/03/17/google-rolling-new-web-play-store-design-much-larger-screenshots-new-reviews-page/#1|title=[Update: More details] Google is rolling out a new web Play Store design with much larger screenshots, a new reviews page, and more|date=2018-03-17|work=Android Police|access-date=2018-05-10|language=en-US|archive-date=May 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511081347/https://www.androidpolice.com/2018/03/17/google-rolling-new-web-play-store-design-much-larger-screenshots-new-reviews-page/#1|url-status=live}}

In July 2022, Google announced a new logo for the Google Play Store that is more uniform in color with other Google services.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=2022-07-25 |title=Google Play gets a new logo for its 10-year anniversary |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/25/23277042/google-play-new-logo-10-year-anniversary |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727052551/https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/25/23277042/google-play-new-logo-10-year-anniversary |url-status=live }}

Launched in 2017, Google Play Instant, also known as Google Instant Apps, allows a user to use an app or game without installing it first.{{cite web|url=https://developer.android.com/topic/google-play-instant|title=Google Play Instant|website=Android Developers|access-date=May 3, 2020|archive-date=December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210190815/https://developer.android.com/topic/google-play-instant|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3234532/android-instant-apps-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them-on-your-phone.html|title=Android Instant Apps: What they are and how to use them on your phone|date=October 24, 2017|website=PCWorld|access-date=May 3, 2020|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119023813/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3234532/android-instant-apps-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them-on-your-phone.html|url-status=live}}

Google states in its Developer Policy Center that "Google Play supports a variety of monetization strategies to benefit developers and users, including paid distribution, in-app products, subscriptions, and ad-based models", and requires developers to comply with the policies in order to "ensure the best

user experience". It requires that developers charging for apps and downloads through Google Play must use Google Play's payment system. In-app purchases unlocking additional app functionality must also use the Google Play payment system, except in cases where the purchase "is solely for physical products" or "is for digital content that may be consumed outside of the app itself (e.g. songs that can be played on other music players)."{{cite web |title=Monetization and Ads |url=https://play.google.com/about/monetization-ads/ |website=Developer Policy Center |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729125044/https://play.google.com/about/monetization-ads/ |url-status=live }} Support for paid applications was introduced on February 13, 2009, for developers in the United States and the United Kingdom,{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Chu |title=Android Market update: support for priced applications |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2009/02/android-market-update-support-for.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=February 13, 2009 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131645/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2009/02/android-market-update-support-for.html |url-status=live }} with support expanded to an additional 29 countries on September 30, 2010.{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Chu |title=More Countries, More sellers, More buyers |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2010/09/more-countries-more-sellers-more-buyers.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052523/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2010/09/more-countries-more-sellers-more-buyers.html |url-status=live }} The in-app billing system was originally introduced in March 2011.{{cite web |first=Eric |last=Chu |title=In-App Billing on Android Market: Ready for Testing |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2011/03/in-app-billing-on-android-market-ready.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=March 24, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131647/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2011/03/in-app-billing-on-android-market-ready.html |url-status=live }} All developers on Google Play are required to feature a physical address on the app's page in Google Play, a requirement established in September 2014.{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Google Will Now Require All App Publishers With Paid Apps Or In-App Purchases To Have An Address On File And Displayed Publicly In Google Play [Update] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/09/18/google-will-now-require-all-app-publishers-with-paid-apps-or-in-app-purchases-to-have-an-address-on-file-in-google-play/ |website=Android Police |date=September 18, 2014 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=September 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140920192745/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/09/18/google-will-now-require-all-app-publishers-with-paid-apps-or-in-app-purchases-to-have-an-address-on-file-in-google-play/ |url-status=live }}

In February 2017, Google announced that it would let developers set sales for their apps, with the original price struck out and a banner underneath informing users when the sale ends. Google also announced that it had made changes to its algorithms to promote games based on user engagement and not just downloads. Finally, it announced new editorial pages for what it considers "optimal gaming experiences on Android", further promoting and curating games.{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Bankhead |title=Welcome to Google Developer Day at Game Developer Conference 2017 |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2017/02/welcome-to-google-developer-day-at-game.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=February 27, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301142654/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2017/02/welcome-to-google-developer-day-at-game.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |title=Google now lets apps display sale prices in the Play Store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/28/14760940/google-play-store-app-sales |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=February 28, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111234741/http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/28/14760940/google-play-store-app-sales |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Derrick |last=Rossignol |title=Google now lets developers offer sales on Android apps |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/02/28/google-now-lets-developers-offer-sales-on-android-apps/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=February 28, 2017 |access-date=March 1, 2017 |archive-date=February 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228204850/https://www.engadget.com/2017/02/28/google-now-lets-developers-offer-sales-on-android-apps/ |url-status=live }}

File:Google Play Money.jpg

Google allows users to purchase content with credit or debit cards, carrier billing, gift cards, or through PayPal.{{cite web |title=Accepted payment methods on Google Play |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2651410 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=May 29, 2017 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110141141/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/2651410 |url-status=live }} Google began rolling out carrier billing for purchases in May 2012,{{cite web |first=Terrence |last=O'Brien |title=Google Play adds carrier billing for music, movies and books |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/google-play-adds-carrier-billing-for-music-movies-and-books/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=May 2, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224054815/https://www.engadget.com/2012/05/02/google-play-adds-carrier-billing-for-music-movies-and-books/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Ziegler |title=Google Play now lets you charge movies, music, and books to your phone bill on some carriers |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/5/2/2994146/google-play-music-movies-books-carrier-billing |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 2, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224061004/http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/2/2994146/google-play-music-movies-books-carrier-billing |url-status=live }} followed by support for PayPal in May 2014.{{cite web |first=David |last=Ruddock |title=Play Store Now Accepts PayPal In 12 Countries, Carrier Billing, Gift Cards, And Developer Sales Countries Expanded, Too |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/05/15/play-store-now-accepts-paypal-in-12-countries-carrier-billing-gift-cards-and-developer-sales-countries-expanded-too/ |website=Android Police |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052923/http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/05/15/play-store-now-accepts-paypal-in-12-countries-carrier-billing-gift-cards-and-developer-sales-countries-expanded-too/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Seifert |title=You can now use PayPal to buy apps from the Google Play Store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/5/15/5721192/google-play-store-android-paypal-integration |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 15, 2014 |access-date=May 29, 2017 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316174053/http://www.theverge.com/2014/5/15/5721192/google-play-store-android-paypal-integration |url-status=live }}

On July 31, 2023, Hong Kong and Macau added support for China UnionPay cards, and users can bind UnionPay cards through the Play Store app.{{Cite web |date=2023-07-30 |title=Google Play 香港区目前已经可以使用内地的银联卡 |url=https://www.v2ex.com/t/960960 |access-date=2023-08-01 |website=V2EX |language=zh-CN |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029090210/https://www.v2ex.com/t/960960 |url-status=live }}

The rumor of Google Play gift cards started circulating online in August 2012 after references to it were discovered by Android Police in the 3.8.15 version update of the Google Play Store Android app.{{cite web |first=Artem |last=Russakovskii |title=Google Is Gearing Up To Finally Introduce Play Store Gift Cards And A Wishlist [APK Teardown] |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/08/15/exclusive-google-is-gearing-up-to-finally-introduce-play-store-gift-cards/ |website=Android Police |date=August 15, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=June 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610190556/http://www.androidpolice.com/2012/08/15/exclusive-google-is-gearing-up-to-finally-introduce-play-store-gift-cards/ |url-status=live }} Soon after, images of the gift cards started to leak,{{cite web |first=Phil |last=Nickinson |title=Google Play gift cards are real - and here's what they look like |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-gift-cards-are-real-and-heres-what-they-look |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=August 16, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=January 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106091258/http://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-gift-cards-are-real-and-heres-what-they-look |url-status=live }} and on August 21, 2012, they were made official by Google and rolled out over the next few weeks.{{cite web |first=Phil |last=Nickinson |title=Google Play Gift Cards are official, rolling out over the next few weeks |url=http://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-gift-cards-get-official-site |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=August 21, 2012 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170527203657/http://www.androidcentral.com/google-play-gift-cards-get-official-site |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Michael |last=Lee |title=Google rolls out Google Play gift cards |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-rolls-out-google-play-gift-cards/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=August 22, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052813/http://www.zdnet.com/article/google-rolls-out-google-play-gift-cards/ |url-status=live }}

As of August 2024, Google Play gift cards are available in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam.{{cite web |title=Where to buy Google Play gift cards |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/3422734 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=April 12, 2023 |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405055027/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/3422734 |url-status=live }}

Starting from June 2021, Google began enforcing region-locking by preventing users from redeeming gift cards of other countries despite usage of VPNs, based on location history tracking and device fingerprint activity data associated with a user's Google account usage history.{{citation|url=https://piunikaweb.com/2021/08/11/google-play-gift-card-complete-transaction-error-reported-to-google/|title=Google Play Gift card complete transaction error reported to Google - PiunikaWeb|date=August 11, 2021 }}{{citation|url=https://www.mydigitalbn.com/issue-to-redeem-google-play-card/|title=Issue to redeem Google Play Card – MyDigitalBN}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Google introduced in-app subscriptions to Google Play in May 2012.{{cite web |first=Chris |last=Ziegler |title=Google Play adds in-app subscription billing |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/5/24/3040919/google-play-in-app-subscriptions |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=December 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206050615/http://www.theverge.com/2012/5/24/3040919/google-play-in-app-subscriptions |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Nathan |last=Olivarez-Giles |title=Google Introduces in-App Subscriptions for Android |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/05/android-in-app-subscriptions/ |website=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052436/https://www.wired.com/2012/05/android-in-app-subscriptions/ |url-status=live }} In June 2016, some sources reported that Google announced that subscriptions charged through Google Play would now split the revenue 85/15, where developers receive 85% of revenue and Google takes 15%, a change from the traditional 70/30 split in years prior. The move followed Apple's then-recently announced change of the same model, although commentators were quick to point out that while Apple grants the 85/15 revenue share after one year of active subscriptions, Google's subscription change takes effect immediately.{{cite web |first=Mark |last=Bergen |title=Google is offering app developers the same revenue-sharing terms Apple just announced — with one big advantage |url=https://www.recode.net/2016/6/8/11889298/google-apple-subscription-app-revenue-share |website=Recode |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 8, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=June 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608221911/https://www.recode.net/2016/6/8/11889298/google-apple-subscription-app-revenue-share |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sean |last=King |title=Google planning to let developers keep 85% of app subscription payments |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/devs-to-keep-85-percent-of-subscription-payments-697528/ |website=Android Authority |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195141/http://www.androidauthority.com/devs-to-keep-85-percent-of-subscription-payments-697528/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Abner |last=Li |title=Report: Google also working on 85-15 revenue split with developers, but without year long wait |url=https://9to5google.com/2016/06/08/google-play-revenue-split/ |website=9to5Google |date=June 8, 2016 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328105912/https://9to5google.com/2016/06/08/google-play-revenue-split/ |url-status=live }} As of January 1, 2018, the transaction fee for subscription products decreased to 15% for any subscribers developers retain after 12 paid months,{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/112622?hl=en|title=Transaction fees - Play Console Help|website=Google Help|language=en|access-date=2018-03-30|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201230526/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/112622?hl=en|url-status=live}} establishing that, unlike what sources were reporting, Google is using the same model as Apple with in-app subscriptions on the App Store.

Google has deals with some companies to pay less fees than the rest of Android app developers.{{Cite web |last=Hollister |first=Sean |date=2023-11-20 |title=A secret Google deal let Spotify completely bypass Android's app store fees |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/20/23969690/google-spotify-android-billing-commission-secret-deal |website=The Verge |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407173615/https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/20/23969690/google-spotify-android-billing-commission-secret-deal |archive-date= Apr 7, 2024 }}

{{Anchor|Google_Play_Store_.28Android_application.29}}

{{Infobox software

| name = Google Play Store

| logo =

| developer = Google

| released = {{Start date and age|2008|10|22}}

| ver layout = stacked

| operating system = Android

| genre = Digital distribution, App store

| screenshot_size = 220px

}}

File:Get it on Google play.svg

Google Play Store, shortened to Play Store on the Home screen and App screen, is Google's official pre-installed app store on Android-certified devices. It provides access to content on Google Play, including apps, books, magazines, music, movies, and television programs.{{cite web |title=Find the Google Play Store app |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/190860 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031045441/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/190860 |url-status=live }} Devices do not ship with the Google Play Store in China, with manufacturers offering their own alternative.{{cite web |title=ARCore supported devices |url=https://developers.google.com/ar/discover/supported-devices#android_china |website=Google Developers |access-date=23 October 2019 |language=en |archive-date=August 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200830061020/https://developers.google.com/ar/discover/supported-devices#android_china |url-status=live }}

Google Play Store filters the list of apps to those compatible with the user's device. Developers can target specific hardware components (such as compass), software components (such as widget), and Android versions (such as 7.0 Nougat).{{cite web |title=Device Compatibility |url=https://developer.android.com/guide/practices/compatibility.html |website=Android Developers |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=October 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017081434/http://developer.android.com/guide/practices/compatibility.html |url-status=live }} Carriers can also ban certain apps from being installed on users' devices, for example tethering applications.{{cite web |first=Terrence |last=O'Brien |title=Carriers crack down on Android tethering apps, rain on our mobile hotspot parade |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/carriers-crack-down-on-android-tethering-apps-rain-on-our-mobil/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL (a division of Verizon Communications) |date=May 2, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220092403/https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/carriers-crack-down-on-android-tethering-apps-rain-on-our-mobil/ |url-status=live }}

There is no requirement that Android applications be acquired using the Google Play Store. Users may download Android applications from a developer's website or through a third-party app store alternative.{{cite web |first=Priya |last=Ganapati |title=Independent App Stores Take On Google's Android Market |url=https://www.wired.com/2010/06/independent-app-stores-take-on-googles-android-market/ |website=Wired |publisher=Condé Nast |date=June 11, 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220083727/https://www.wired.com/2010/06/independent-app-stores-take-on-googles-android-market/ |url-status=live }} Google Play Store applications are self-contained Android Package files (APK), similar to .exe files used to install programs on Microsoft Windows computers.{{cite web |first=Scott Adam |last=Gordon |title=What is an APK file and how do you install one? |url=https://www.androidpit.com/android-for-beginners-what-is-an-apk-file |website=Android Pit |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810225533/https://www.androidpit.com/android-for-beginners-what-is-an-apk-file |url-status=live }} On Android devices, an "Unknown sources" feature in Settings allows users to bypass the Google Play Store and install APKs from other sources.{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Graziano |title=How to install apps outside of Google Play |url=https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-install-apps-outside-of-google-play/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=September 12, 2013 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=March 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326084943/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-install-apps-outside-of-google-play/ |url-status=live }} Depending on developer preferences, some apps can be installed to a phone's external storage card.{{cite web |title=App Install Location |url=https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/install-location.html |website=Android Developers |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=July 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170716144227/https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/data/install-location.html |url-status=live }}

In 2020, Google decided to rewrite the Play Store app's UI code using Jetpack Compose, which was in pre-alpha at the time. It stated that the "existing code was 10+ years old and had incurred tremendous tech debt over countless Android platform releases and feature updates."{{Cite web|url=https://9to5google.com/2022/03/10/google-play-jetpack-compose/|title=Google rewrote the Play Store's UI with Jetpack Compose for up to 50% less code, faster rendering|date=March 10, 2022|access-date=April 14, 2024|website=9to5Google|last=Li|first=Abner|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330064310/https://9to5google.com/2022/03/10/google-play-jetpack-compose/|url-status=live}}

The Google Play Store app features a history of all installed apps. Users can remove apps from the list, with the changes also synchronizing to the Google Play website interface, where the option to remove apps from the history does not exist.{{cite web |first= Jason |last= Cipriani |title= Delete downloaded app history from Google Play |url= https://www.cnet.com/how-to/delete-downloaded-app-history-from-google-play/ |website= CNET |publisher= CBS Interactive |date= November 28, 2012 |access-date= February 25, 2017 |archive-date= April 14, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140414180212/https://www.cnet.com/how-to/delete-downloaded-app-history-from-google-play/ |url-status= live }}

Google publishes the source code for Android through its "Android Open Source Project", allowing enthusiasts and developers to program and distribute their own modified versions of the operating system. However, not all these modified versions are compatible with apps developed for Google's official Android versions. The "Android Compatibility Program" serves to "define a baseline implementation of Android that is compatible with third-party apps written by developers". Only Android devices that comply with Google's compatibility requirements may install and access the Google Play Store application. As stated in a help page for the Android Open Source Project, "Devices that are "Android compatible" may participate in the Android ecosystem, including Android Market; devices that don't meet the compatibility requirements exist outside that ecosystem. In other words, the Android Compatibility Program is how we separate "Android compatible devices" from devices that merely run derivatives of the source code. We welcome all uses of the Android source code, but only Android compatible devices—as defined and tested by the Android Compatibility Program—may participate in the Android ecosystem."{{cite web|title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://source.android.com/faqs.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523025416/http://source.android.com/faqs.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 23, 2010 |website=Android Open Source Project |access-date=February 26, 2017 |df=mdy-all }}

Since August 2019, all new and updated Google Play apps must have 64-bit binaries, with some exceptions. Since August 2021, Google Play will not serve apps that only have 32-bit binaries to devices compatible with 64-bit apps. This requirement does not apply to Android TV or Wear OS apps.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-13 |title=The Google Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are the first Android phones to only support 64-bit apps |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-7-64-bit-only-apps/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=XDA |language=en-US |archive-date=October 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013191159/https://www.xda-developers.com/google-pixel-7-64-bit-only-apps/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Google to 64-bit Android device owners: No more 32-bit only apps from Aug 2021 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-to-64-bit-android-device-owners-no-more-32-bit-only-apps-from-aug-2021/ |access-date=2022-10-15 |website=ZDNET |language=en |archive-date=October 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015150515/https://www.zdnet.com/article/google-to-64-bit-android-device-owners-no-more-32-bit-only-apps-from-aug-2021/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Google Play Services}}

In 2012, Google began decoupling certain aspects of its Android operating system (particularly its core applications) so they could be updated through the Google Play store independently of the OS. One of those components, Google Play Services, is a closed-source system-level process providing APIs for Google services, installed automatically on nearly all devices running Android 2.2 "Froyo" and higher. With these changes, Google can add new system functionality through Play Services and update apps without having to distribute an upgrade to the operating system itself.{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Balky carriers and slow OEMs step aside: Google is defragging Android |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/balky-carriers-and-slow-oems-step-aside-google-is-defragging-android/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=September 3, 2013 |access-date=March 11, 2017 |archive-date=September 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130903011541/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/09/balky-carriers-and-slow-oems-step-aside-google-is-defragging-android/ |url-status=live }} As a result, Android 4.2 and 4.3 "Jelly Bean" contained relatively fewer user-facing changes, focusing more on minor changes and platform improvements.{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Review: Android 4.3's multitude of minor changes future-proofs the platform |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/08/review-android-4-3-future-proofs-the-platform-with-multitude-of-minor-changes/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 9, 2013 |access-date=March 13, 2017 |archive-date=August 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811132737/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/08/review-android-4-3-future-proofs-the-platform-with-multitude-of-minor-changes/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2016, Google announced the Google Play Awards, described as "a way to recognize our incredible developer community and highlight some of the best apps and games". The awards showcase 5 nominees across ten award categories, and the apps are featured in a dedicated section of Google Play. Google stated that "Nominees were selected by a panel of experts on the Google Play team based on criteria emphasizing app quality, innovation, and having a launch or major update in the last 12 months", with the winners announced in May.{{cite web |first=Purnima |last=Kochikar |title=The Google Play Awards coming to Google I/O |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/04/the-google-play-awards-coming-to-google.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227150129/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/04/the-google-play-awards-coming-to-google.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Google showcases the best Android apps for its first-ever Google Play Awards |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/22/google-showcases-the-best-android-apps-for-its-first-ever-google-play-awards/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 22, 2016 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062205/https://techcrunch.com/2016/04/22/google-showcases-the-best-android-apps-for-its-first-ever-google-play-awards/ |url-status=live }}

Google has also previously released yearly lists of apps it deemed the "best" on Google Play.{{cite web |first=David |last=Goldman |title=The best apps of 2015 ... according to Apple and Google |url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/12/10/technology/best-apps-2015-apple-google/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=December 10, 2015 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=October 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001165354/http://money.cnn.com/2015/12/10/technology/best-apps-2015-apple-google/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |first=Victor |last=Luckerson |title=Google Says These Are 2014's Best Android Apps |url=https://time.com/3611709/best-android-google-play-apps-2014/ |magazine=Time |publisher=Time Inc. |date=December 1, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 9, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209121329/http://time.com/3611709/best-android-google-play-apps-2014/ |url-status=live }}

On March 6, 2017, five years after Google Play's launch, Google released lists of the best-selling apps, games, movies, music, and books over the past five years.{{cite web |first=Chaim |last=Gartenberg |title=The top-selling Google Play Store content of all time is exactly what you think it is |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/6/14829514/google-play-store-top-selling-content-fifth-anniversary |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=March 6, 2017 |access-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306191508/http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/6/14829514/google-play-store-top-selling-content-fifth-anniversary |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Richard |last=Nieva |title=At 5, Google Play calls out Adele, Candy Crush as most popular |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-play-store-top-apps-adele-candy-crush-the-interview/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=March 6, 2017 |access-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-date=March 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306183503/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-play-store-top-apps-adele-candy-crush-the-interview/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2017, Google introduced "Android Excellence", a new editorial program to highlight the apps deemed the highest quality by the Google Play editors.{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Google Play introduces 'Android Excellence' collections that showcase editorially selected top apps and games |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/13/google-play-introduces-android-excellence-collections-that-showcase-editorially-selected-top-apps-and-games/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614103351/https://techcrunch.com/2017/06/13/google-play-introduces-android-excellence-collections-that-showcase-editorially-selected-top-apps-and-games/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Dani |last=Deahl |title=Google Play's new Android Excellence collections highlight the very best in apps |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15794786/google-play-android-excellence-collections |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=June 13, 2017 |access-date=June 14, 2017 |archive-date=June 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613212422/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15794786/google-play-android-excellence-collections |url-status=live }}

In 2020, Google Play awarded Disney+ as the top app of the year for users in the US, and SpongeBob: Krusty Cook-Off taking the honors in the gaming category.{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/google-play-awards-disney-plus-genshin-impact-080149376.html|title=Disney+ is the best app of the year, according to Google Play users|access-date=1 December 2020|website=Engadget|date=December 2020 |archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205004941/https://www.engadget.com/google-play-awards-disney-plus-genshin-impact-080149376.html|url-status=live}}

Google places some restrictions on the types of apps that can be published, in particular not allowing sexually explicit content, child endangerment, violence, bullying & harassment, hate speech, gambling, illegal activities, and requiring precautions for user-generated content.{{cite web |title=Let's build the world's most trusted store for apps and games |url=https://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy/ |website=Developer Policy Center |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=March 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320193620/https://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy/ |url-status=live }}

In March 2015, Google disclosed that over the past few months, it had begun using a combination of automated tools and human reviewers to check apps for malware and terms of service violations before they are published in the Google Play Store. At the same time, it began rolling out a new age-based ratings system for apps and games, based on a given region's official ratings authority (for example, ESRB in most of the Americas and PEGI in Europe).{{cite web |first=Eunice |last=Kim |title=Creating Better User Experiences on Google Play |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2015/03/creating-better-user-experiences-on.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131525/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2015/03/creating-better-user-experiences-on.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=App Submissions On Google Play Now Reviewed By Staff, Will Include Age-Based Ratings |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/17/app-submissions-on-google-play-now-reviewed-by-staff-will-include-age-based-ratings/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052642/https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/17/app-submissions-on-google-play-now-reviewed-by-staff-will-include-age-based-ratings/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Andrew |last=Cunningham |title=Google Play apps and updates are now subject to a review process |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/03/google-play-apps-and-updates-are-now-subject-to-a-review-process/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224053905/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/03/google-play-apps-and-updates-are-now-subject-to-a-review-process/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2016, Google announced a new detection and filtering system designed to provide "additional enhancements to protect the integrity of the store". The new system is aimed to detect and filter cases where developers have been attempting to "manipulate the placement of their apps through illegitimate means like fraudulent installs, fake reviews, and incentivized ratings".{{cite web |first=Kazushi |last=Nagayama |title=Keeping the Play Store trusted: fighting fraud and spam installs |url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/10/keeping-the-play-store-trusted-fighting-fraud-and-spam-installs.html |website=Android Developers Blog |date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224052435/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2016/10/keeping-the-play-store-trusted-fighting-fraud-and-spam-installs.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Sarah |last=Perez |title=Google gets better at flagging apps trying to fake their way into the Play Store's top charts |url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/10/31/google-gets-better-at-flagging-apps-trying-to-fake-their-way-into-the-play-stores-top-charts/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224131509/https://techcrunch.com/2016/10/31/google-gets-better-at-flagging-apps-trying-to-fake-their-way-into-the-play-stores-top-charts/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/10/31/google-rolling-improved-fraud-spam-detection-play-store/ |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Google rolling out improved fraud and spam detection in the Play Store |website=Android Police |date=October 31, 2016 |access-date=February 23, 2017 |archive-date=April 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170407095857/http://www.androidpolice.com/2016/10/31/google-rolling-improved-fraud-spam-detection-play-store/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2019, Google announced changes to the store's app review process, stating that it would take several days to review app submissions from new and less-established developers.{{cite web|title=Improving the update process with your feedback|url=https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/04/improving-update-process-with-your.html |date=15 April 2019 |first1=Sameer |last1=Samat |access-date=2020-08-21|website=Android Developers Blog|language=en|archive-date=August 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825034450/https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2019/04/improving-update-process-with-your.html|url-status=live}} The company later clarified that, in exceptional cases, certain apps may be subject to an expanded review process, delaying the publication by seven days or longer.{{cite web|title=Publish an app - Play Console Help|url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/6334282|access-date=2020-08-21|website=Google Help|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818104009/https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/6334282|url-status=live}}{{cite web|date=2019-08-30|title=[Update 2: Up to 7 Days or Longer] Google Play Store approval for new apps will now take more time|url=https://www.xda-developers.com/google-play-store-approval-new-apps-time/ |first1=

Aamir |last1=Siddiqui |access-date=2020-08-21|website=XDA |language=en-US|archive-date=September 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929084522/https://www.xda-developers.com/google-play-store-approval-new-apps-time/|url-status=live}}

In 2023, Google imposes strict guidelines for personal loan apps on Play Store from 31 May that make the customer's data vulnerable.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/personal-finance/digital-lending-apps-new-policy-from-may-31-how-to-fill-form-impact-benefit-google-ban-16789461.htm |last1=Anshul |title=New policy for digital lending apps from May 31 — here's what users should know|work=cnbctv18|date=31 May 2023|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531145559/https://www.cnbctv18.com/personal-finance/digital-lending-apps-new-policy-from-may-31-how-to-fill-form-impact-benefit-google-ban-16789461.htm|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/technology/google-to-impose-strict-guidelines-for-personal-loans-applications-on-play-store-from-31-may-heres-what-it-is-11685495176553.html|title=Google to impose strict guidelines for personal loans apps on Play Store from 31 May|work=livemint |editor-first1=Karishma Pranav |editor-last1=Bhavsar |date=31 May 2023|access-date=May 31, 2023|archive-date=May 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531145559/https://www.livemint.com/technology/google-to-impose-strict-guidelines-for-personal-loans-applications-on-play-store-from-31-may-heres-what-it-is-11685495176553.html|url-status=live}}

Some mobile carriers can block users from installing certain apps. In March 2009, reports surfaced that several tethering apps were banned from the store.{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Krazit |title=Google bans tethering app from Android Market? |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-bans-tethering-app-from-android-market/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=March 31, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226215732/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-bans-tethering-app-from-android-market/ |url-status=live }} However, the apps were later restored, with a new ban preventing only T-Mobile subscribers from downloading the apps. Google released a statement:{{cite web |first=Tom |last=Krazit |title=Google restores tethering app for Android users outside U.S. |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-restores-tethering-app-for-android-users-outside-u-s/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=April 2, 2009 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062214/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-restores-tethering-app-for-android-users-outside-u-s/ |url-status=live }}

{{cquote|On Monday, several applications that enable tethering were removed from the Android Market catalog because they were in violation of T-Mobile's terms of service in the US. Based on Android's Developer Distribution Agreement (section 7.2), we remove applications from the Android Market catalog that violate the terms of service of a carrier or manufacturer.

We inadvertently unpublished the applications for all carriers, and today we have corrected the problem so that all Android Market users outside the T-Mobile US network will now have access to the applications. We have notified the affected developers.|30px|30px}}

In April 2011, Google removed the Grooveshark app from the store due to unspecified policy violations. CNET noted that the removal came "after some of the top music labels have accused the service of violating copyright law".{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Sandoval |title=Google boots Grooveshark from Android Market |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/google-boots-grooveshark-from-android-market/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=April 6, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 11, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411051538/https://www.cnet.com/news/google-boots-grooveshark-from-android-market/ |url-status=live }} TechCrunch wrote approximately two weeks later that Grooveshark had returned to Android, "albeit not through the official App Market", but rather "Playing on Android's ability to install third-party applications through the browser, Grooveshark has taken on the responsibility of distributing the application themselves".{{cite web |first=Greg |last=Kumparak |title=Grooveshark Back On Android, Bypasses The Android App Market |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/04/18/grooveshark-back-on-android-skips-the-app-market/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=April 18, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=September 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923004735/https://techcrunch.com/2011/04/18/grooveshark-back-on-android-skips-the-app-market/ |url-status=live }}

In May 2011, Google banned the account of the developer of several video game emulators. Neither Google nor the developer publicly revealed the reason for the ban.{{cite web |first=David |last=Murphy |title=Google Pulls Yongzh's Emulator Apps Off Android Market |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/android-apps-reviews-news-tips/5636/news/google-pulls-yongzhs-emulator-apps-off-android-market |website=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=May 30, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062310/http://uk.pcmag.com/android-apps-reviews-news-tips/5636/news/google-pulls-yongzhs-emulator-apps-off-android-market |url-status=live }}

In March 2013, Google began to pull ad blocking apps from the Google Play Store, per section 4.4 of the developers' agreement, which prohibits apps that interfere with servers and services.{{cite web |last=Gordon |first=Whitson |date=March 13, 2013 |title=Google Has Started Removing Ad Blockers from the Play Store |url=http://lifehacker.com/5990448/google-has-started-removing-ad-blockers-from-the-play-store |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315214946/http://lifehacker.com/5990448/google-has-started-removing-ad-blockers-from-the-play-store |archive-date=March 15, 2013 |access-date=February 17, 2017 |website=Lifehacker |publisher=Gizmodo Media Group}}

Apps that exempt themselves from power management policies introduced on Android Marshmallow without being "adversely affected" by them are banned.{{cite news|title=Optimizing for Doze and App Standby|url=http://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby.html#whitelisting-cases|access-date=November 17, 2015|work=Android developers portal|quote=Google Play policies prohibit apps from requesting direct exemption from Power Management features in Android 6.0+ (Doze and App Standby) unless the core function of the app is adversely affected.|archive-date=March 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304134852/https://developer.android.com/training/monitoring-device-state/doze-standby.html#whitelisting-cases|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Tasker has been pulled from the Play Store|url=http://www.androidauthority.com/tasker-pulled-from-play-store-656147/|website=Android Authority|access-date=November 17, 2015|archive-date=November 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118132215/http://www.androidauthority.com/tasker-pulled-from-play-store-656147/|url-status=live}}

In July 2018, Google banned additional categories of apps, including those that perform cryptocurrency mining on-device, apps that "facilitate the sale of explosives, firearms, ammunition, or certain firearms accessories", are only used to present ads, contain adult content but are aimed towards children, "multiple apps with highly similar content and user experience," and "apps that are created by an automated tool, wizard service, or based on templates and submitted to Google Play by the operator of that service on behalf of other persons."{{Cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/27/google-follows-in-apples-footsteps-by-cleaning-up-its-play-store/?sr_share=twitter|title=Google follows in Apple's footsteps by cleaning up its Play Store|work=TechCrunch|access-date=2018-07-27|language=en-US|archive-date=May 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506080223/https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/27/google-follows-in-apples-footsteps-by-cleaning-up-its-play-store/?sr_share=twitter|url-status=live}}

In 2022, two Iranian state-supported ridesharing apps and three messenger apps were deleted through Play Protect for being malware and spyware.{{cite web | url=https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/news/720969/%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%B4-%D9%88%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AD%D8%B0%D9%81-%DA%86%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%BE-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%AF%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%84-%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C | title=واکنش وزیر ارتباطات نسبت به حذف چند اپ ایرانی از گوگل پلی | date=November 17, 2022 | access-date=November 25, 2022 | archive-date=November 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125153146/https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/news/720969/%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9%D9%86%D8%B4-%D9%88%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B7%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%86%D8%B3%D8%A8%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D8%AD%D8%B0%D9%81-%DA%86%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%BE-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%AF%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%84-%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/news/720747/%DA%86%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9%DB%8C%D8%B4%D9%86-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%AF%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%84-%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%B0%D9%81-%D8%B4%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7 | title=چند اپلیکیشن ایرانی از گوگل پلی حذف شدند | دوباره پای آمریکا در میان است؟ | date=November 16, 2022 | access-date=November 25, 2022 | archive-date=November 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221125151642/https://www.hamshahrionline.ir/news/720747/%DA%86%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C%DA%A9%DB%8C%D8%B4%D9%86-%D8%A7%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%DA%AF%D9%88%DA%AF%D9%84-%D9%BE%D9%84%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D8%B0%D9%81-%D8%B4%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%AF-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%87-%D9%BE%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D8%A2%D9%85%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%A7 | url-status=live }}

In February 2012, Google introduced a new automated antivirus system, called Google Bouncer, to scan both new and existing apps for malware (e. g. spyware or trojan horses).{{cite web |first=Hiroshi |last=Lockheimer |title=Android and Security |url=http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2012/02/android-and-security.html |website=Google Mobile Blog |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062701/http://googlemobile.blogspot.no/2012/02/android-and-security.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Chloe |last=Albanesius |title=Google 'Bouncer' Now Scanning Android Market for Malware |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/66697/news/google-bouncer-now-scanning-android-market-for-malware |website=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=February 2, 2012 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227160213/http://uk.pcmag.com/apps/66697/news/google-bouncer-now-scanning-android-market-for-malware |url-status=live }} In 2017, the Bouncer feature and other safety measures within the Android platform were rebranded under the umbrella name Google Play Protect, a system that regularly scans apps for threats.{{cite web |first=Jon |last=Fingas |title=Google Play protects your Android phone against rogue apps |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/google-play-protect/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=May 17, 2017 |access-date=May 22, 2017 |archive-date=May 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518124530/https://www.engadget.com/2017/05/17/google-play-protect/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |title=Android 8.0 Oreo, thoroughly reviewed |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/09/android-8-0-oreo-thoroughly-reviewed/5/#h1 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=September 4, 2017 |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=October 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002142138/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/09/android-8-0-oreo-thoroughly-reviewed/5/#h1 |url-status=live }}

Android apps can ask for or require certain permissions on the device, including access to body sensors, calendar, camera, contacts, location, microphone, phone, SMS, storage, Wi-Fi, and access to Google accounts.{{cite web |title=App permissions for Android 6.0 and up |url=https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6270602 |website=Google Play Help |access-date=April 12, 2017 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031222247/https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/6270602 |url-status=live }}

In July 2017, Google described a new security effort called "peer grouping", in which apps performing similar functionalities, such as calculator apps, are grouped together and attributes compared. If one app stands out, such as requesting more device permissions than others in the same group, Google's systems automatically flag the app and security engineers take a closer inspection. Peer grouping is based on app descriptions, metadata, and statistics such as download count.{{cite web |first=James |last=Vincent |title=Google is using machine learning to sort good apps from bad on the Play Store |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/12/15958372/google-machine-learning-ai-app-store-malware-security |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=July 14, 2017 |archive-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713094900/https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/12/15958372/google-machine-learning-ai-app-store-malware-security |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Jerry |last=Hildenbrand |title=Google is using deep learning and data analysis to curate the Play Store |url=https://www.androidcentral.com/google-using-deep-learning-and-data-analysis-curate-play-store |website=Android Central |publisher=Mobile Nations |date=July 12, 2017 |access-date=July 14, 2017 |archive-date=July 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713005322/https://www.androidcentral.com/google-using-deep-learning-and-data-analysis-curate-play-store |url-status=live }}

In early March 2011, DroidDream, a trojan rootkit exploit, was released to the then-named Android Market in the form of several free applications that were, in many cases, pirated versions of existing priced apps. This exploit allowed hackers to steal information such as IMEI and IMSI numbers, phone model, user ID, and service provider. The exploit also installed a backdoor that allowed the hackers to download more code to the infected device.{{cite web |first=Aaron |last=Gingrich |title=The Mother Of All Android Malware Has Arrived: Stolen Apps Released To The Market That Root Your Phone, Steal Your Data, And Open Backdoor |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/01/the-mother-of-all-android-malware-has-arrived-stolen-apps-released-to-the-market-that-root-your-phone-steal-your-data-and-open-backdoor/ |website=Android Police |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304042731/http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/01/the-mother-of-all-android-malware-has-arrived-stolen-apps-released-to-the-market-that-root-your-phone-steal-your-data-and-open-backdoor/ |url-status=live }} The exploit only affected devices running Android versions earlier than 2.3 "Gingerbread".{{cite web |first=Cade |last=Metz |title=Google vanishes 'DroidDream' malware from citizen phones |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/07/google_remotely_kills_android_malware_apps/ |website=The Register |publisher=Situation Publishing |date=March 7, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428050834/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/03/07/google_remotely_kills_android_malware_apps/ |url-status=live }} Google removed the apps from the Market immediately after being alerted,{{cite web |first=Aaron |last=Gingrich |title=[Update: Plug The Hole Yourself] Malware Monster: DroidDream Is An Android Nightmare, And We've Got More Details |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/02/update-on-the-malware-monster-droiddream-is-an-android-nightmare-and-weve-got-more-details/ |website=Android Police |date=March 2, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810172820/http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/02/update-on-the-malware-monster-droiddream-is-an-android-nightmare-and-weve-got-more-details/ |url-status=live }} but the apps had already been downloaded more than 50,000 times, according to Android Police{{'}}s estimate. Android Police wrote that the only method of removing the exploit from an infected device was to reset it to a factory state, although community-developed solutions for blocking some aspects of the exploit were created. A few days later, Google confirmed that 58 malicious apps had been uploaded to Android Market, and had been downloaded to 260,000 devices before being removed from the store. Google emailed affected users with information that "As far as we can determine, the only information obtained was device-specific (IMEI/IMSI, unique codes which are used to identify mobile devices, and the version of Android running on your device)" as opposed to personal data and account information. It also announced the then-new "remote kill" functionality, alongside a security update, that lets Google remotely remove malicious apps from users' devices.{{cite web |first=Jason |last=Kincaid |title=Google Responds To Android Malware, Will Fix Infected Devices And 'Remote Kill' Malicious Apps |url=https://techcrunch.com/2011/03/05/android-malware-rootkit-google-response/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=March 5, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425120205/https://techcrunch.com/2011/03/05/android-malware-rootkit-google-response/ |url-status=live }} However, days later, a malicious version of the security update was found on the Internet, though it did not contain the specific DroidDream malware.{{cite web |first=Aaron |last=Gingrich |title=PSA: Infected "Android Market Security Tool March 2011" App Floating Around |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/09/psa-infected-android-market-security-tool-march-2011-apk-floating-around/ |website=Android Police |date=March 9, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427194532/http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/09/psa-infected-android-market-security-tool-march-2011-apk-floating-around/ |url-status=live }} New apps featuring the malware, renamed DroidDream Light, surfaced the following June, and were also removed from the store.{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Paul |title=DroidDream Light a malware nightmare, booted from Android Market |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/06/droiddream-light-a-malware-nightmare-booted-from-android-market-encumbered-boobies-out-of-android-marketdroiddream-light-an-malware-nightware-booted-from-android-market/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=June 2, 2011 |access-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-date=April 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170428050929/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2011/06/droiddream-light-a-malware-nightmare-booted-from-android-market-encumbered-boobies-out-of-android-marketdroiddream-light-an-malware-nightware-booted-from-android-market/ |url-status=live }}

At the Black Hat security conference in 2012, security firm Trustwave demonstrated their ability to upload an app that would circumvent the Bouncer blocker system. The application used a JavaScript exploit to steal contacts, SMS messages, and photos, and was also capable of making the phone open arbitrary web pages or launch denial-of-service attacks. Nicholas Percoco, senior vice president of Trustwave's SpiderLabs advanced security team, stated that "We wanted to test the bounds of what it's capable of". The app stayed on Google Play for more than two weeks, being repeatedly scanned by the Bouncer system without detection, with Percoco further saying that "As an attack, all a malware attacker has to do to get into Google Play is to bypass Bouncer". Trustwave reached out to Google to share their findings, but noted that more manual testing of apps might be necessary to detect apps using malware-masking techniques.{{cite web |first=Ellen |last=Messmer |title=Black Hat demo: Google Bouncer malware detection can be beaten |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2617648/application-security/black-hat-demo--google-bouncer-malware-detection-can-be-beaten.html |website=InfoWorld |publisher=International Data Group |date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=April 12, 2017 |archive-date=April 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413074241/http://www.infoworld.com/article/2617648/application-security/black-hat-demo--google-bouncer-malware-detection-can-be-beaten.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Black Hat: Researchers find way to "bounce" malware into Google app store |url=https://www.scmagazine.com/black-hat-researchers-find-way-to-bounce-malware-into-google-app-store/article/542351/ |website=SC Magazine |date=July 26, 2012 |access-date=April 12, 2017 |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215194750/https://www.scmagazine.com/black-hat-researchers-find-way-to-bounce-malware-into-google-app-store/article/542351/ |url-status=live }}

According to a 2014 research study released by RiskIQ, a security services company, malicious apps introduced through Google Play increased 388% between 2011 and 2013, while the number of apps removed by Google dropped from 60% in 2011 to 23% in 2013. The study further revealed that "Apps for personalizing Android phones led all categories as most likely to be malicious".{{cite web |title=RiskIQ Reports Malicious Mobile Apps in Google Play Have Spiked Nearly 400 Percent |url=https://www.riskiq.com/press-release/riskiq-reports-malicious-mobile-apps-google-play-have-spiked-nearly-400/ |publisher=RiskIQ |date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227153214/https://www.riskiq.com/press-release/riskiq-reports-malicious-mobile-apps-google-play-have-spiked-nearly-400/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Steven J. |last=Vaughan-Nichols |title=RiskIQ claims malicious Android apps up by almost 400 percent on Google Play |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/riskiq-claims-malicious-android-apps-up-by-almost-400-percent-on-google-play/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=February 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227062606/http://www.zdnet.com/article/riskiq-claims-malicious-android-apps-up-by-almost-400-percent-on-google-play/ |url-status=live }} According to PC World, "Google said it would need more information about RiskIQ's analysis to comment on the findings."{{cite web |first=Zach |last=Miners |title=Report: Malware-infected Android apps spike in the Google Play store |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099421/report-malwareinfected-android-apps-spike-in-the-google-play-store.html |website=PC World |publisher=International Data Group |date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=February 26, 2017 |archive-date=March 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170310013140/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2099421/report-malwareinfected-android-apps-spike-in-the-google-play-store.html |url-status=live }}

In October 2016, Engadget reported about a blog post named "Password Storage in Sensitive Apps" from freelance Android hacker Jon Sawyer, who decided to test the top privacy apps on Google Play.{{cite web|first=Bill|last=Key|title=Top Android Privacy Apps|url=https://8bitsumo.com/best-privacy-apps-for-android/|access-date=February 24, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809023758/https://8bitsumo.com/best-privacy-apps-for-android/|url-status=live}} Testing two applications, one named "Hide Pictures Keep Safe Vault" and the other named "Private Photo Vault", Sawyer found significant errors in password handling in both, and commented, "These companies are selling products that claim to securely store your most intimate pieces of data, yet are at most snake oil. You would have near equal protection just by changing the file extension and renaming the photos."{{cite web |first=Violet |last=Blue |title='Secure' apps in Google's Play Store are a crapshoot |url=https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/14/secure-apps-in-googles-play-store-are-a-crapshoot/ |website=Engadget |publisher=AOL |date=October 14, 2016 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |archive-date=October 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015153653/https://www.engadget.com/2016/10/14/secure-apps-in-googles-play-store-are-a-crapshoot/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Password Storage In Sensitive Apps |url=http://bbqand0days.com/Password-Storage-In-Sensitive-Apps/ |date=October 6, 2016 |access-date=October 14, 2016 |archive-date=October 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161017205956/http://bbqand0days.com/Password-Storage-In-Sensitive-Apps/ |url-status=live }}

In April 2017, security firm Check Point announced that a malware named "FalseGuide" had been hidden inside approximately 40 "game guide" apps in Google Play.{{cite web |first=Asha |last=McLean |title=FalseGuide malware victim count jumps to 2 million |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/falseguide-malware-victim-count-jumps-to-2-million/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426083536/http://www.zdnet.com/article/falseguide-malware-victim-count-jumps-to-2-million/ |url-status=live }} The malware is capable of gaining administrator access to infected devices, where it then receives additional modules that let it show popup ads. The malware, a type of botnet, is also capable of launching DDoS attacks.{{cite web |first=Ryan |last=Whitwam |title=Security firm Check Point says millions infected with botnet malware via Play Store |url=http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/04/26/security-firm-check-point-says-millions-infected-botnet-malware-via-play-store/ |website=Android Police |date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426212017/http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/04/26/security-firm-check-point-says-millions-infected-botnet-malware-via-play-store/ |url-status=live }} After being alerted to the malware, Google removed all instances of it in the store, but by that time, approximately two million Android users had already downloaded the apps, the oldest of which had been around since November 2016.

In June 2017, researchers from the Sophos security company announced their finding of 47 apps using a third-party development library that shows intrusive advertisements on users' phones. Even after such apps are force-closed by the user, advertisements remain. Google removed some of the apps after receiving reports from Sophos, but some apps remained. When asked for comment, Google didn't respond.{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Goodin |title=Google Play is fighting an uphill battle against Android adware |url=https://arstechnica.com/security/2017/06/google-play-is-fighting-an-uphill-battle-against-android-adware/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=June 16, 2017 |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170617000432/https://arstechnica.com/security/2017/06/google-play-is-fighting-an-uphill-battle-against-android-adware/ |url-status=live }} In August 2017, 500 apps were removed from Google Play after security firm Lookout discovered that the apps contained a software development kit that allowed for malicious advertising. The apps had been collectively downloaded over 100 million times, and consisted of a wide variety of use cases, including health, weather, photo-editing, Internet radio and emoji.{{cite web |first=Angela |last=Moscaritolo |title=500+ Google Play Apps Hit by Ad-Related Malware |url=http://uk.pcmag.com/news/90858/500-google-play-apps-hit-by-ad-related-malware |website=PC Magazine |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=August 23, 2017 |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110005032/http://uk.pcmag.com/news/90858/500-google-play-apps-hit-by-ad-related-malware |url-status=live }}{{cite web |first=Dan |last=Goodin |title=Spyware backdoor prompts Google to pull 500 apps with >100m downloads |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/08/500-google-play-apps-with-100-million-downloads-had-spyware-backdoor/ |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |date=August 22, 2017 |access-date=November 9, 2017 |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110004738/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/08/500-google-play-apps-with-100-million-downloads-had-spyware-backdoor/ |url-status=live }}

In all of 2017, over 700,000 apps were banned from Google Play due to abusive contents; this is a 70% increase over the number of apps banned in 2016.[http://pocketnow.com/2018/02/01/google-play-bad-apps-700-thousand-rejected-2017 More than 700,000 'bad' apps were banned from Google Play last year, up 70 percent] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721113943/http://pocketnow.com/2018/02/01/google-play-bad-apps-700-thousand-rejected-2017 |date=July 21, 2018 }} Pocket Now Retrieved 1 February 2018

In March 2020, Check Point discovered 56 apps containing a malware program that had infected a total of 1 million devices. The program, called Tekya, was designed to evade detection by Google Play Protect and VirusTotal and then fraudulently click on ads. Around the same time, Dr. Web discovered at least six apps with 700,000 total downloads containing at least 18 modifications program called Android.Circle.1. In addition to performing click fraud, Android.Circle.1 can also operate as adware and perform phishing attacks.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/03/found-malicious-google-play-apps-with-1-7-million-downloads-many-by-children/|title=Google Play's malicious app problem infects 1.7 million more devices|last=Goodin|first=Dan|website=Ars Technica|date=March 24, 2020|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328093152/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2020/03/found-malicious-google-play-apps-with-1-7-million-downloads-many-by-children/|url-status=live}}

On July 1, 2021, Dr. Web discovered malicious apps on Google Play that steal Facebook users' logins and passwords. Their specialists uncovered 9 trojans that were available on Google Play Store with over 5.8 million installs among them. The apps tricked victims into logging into their Facebook accounts and hijacked the credentials via JavaScript code.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/07/google-boots-google-play-apps-for-stealing-users-facebook-passwords/ |title=Apps with 5.8 million Google Play downloads stole users' Facebook passwords |last=Goodin |first=Dan |website=Ars Technica |date=July 3, 2021 |access-date=July 4, 2021 |archive-date=July 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703230549/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/07/google-boots-google-play-apps-for-stealing-users-facebook-passwords/ |url-status=live }} Google removed these apps later on.{{cite web|title=Android Apps with 5.8 million Installs Caught Stealing Users' Facebook Passwords|url=https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/android-apps-with-58-million-installs.html|date=July 3, 2021|access-date=July 4, 2021|last=Lakshmanan|first=Ravie|website=The Hacker News|language=en|archive-date=July 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703212121/https://thehackernews.com/2021/07/android-apps-with-58-million-installs.html|url-status=live}}

On September 29, 2021, Zimperium zLabs recently discovered a large-scale malware campaign has infected more than 10 million Android devices from over 70 countries and likely stole hundreds of millions from its victims by subscribing to paid services without their knowledge. GriftHorse, the trojan used in these attacks, was discovered by researchers who first spotted this illicit global premium services campaign. This campaign has been active for roughly five months, between November 2020 and April 2021, when their malicious apps were last updated. The malware was delivered using over 200 trojanized Android applications delivered through Google's official Play Store and third-party app stores. Google has removed the apps after being notified of their malicious nature but this malware are still available for download on third-party repositories.{{cite web|title=New Android malware steals millions after infecting 10M phones|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-android-malware-steals-millions-after-infecting-10m-phones/|date=September 29, 2021|access-date=September 30, 2021|last=Gatlan|first=Sergiu|website=Bleeping Computer|language=en|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929234413/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/new-android-malware-steals-millions-after-infecting-10m-phones/|url-status=live}}

On November 30, 2021, ThreatFabric, researchers explain how they discovered four different malware dropper campaigns distributing banking trojans on the Google Play Store. This evolution includes creating small realistic-looking apps that focus on common themes such as fitness, cryptocurrency, QR codes, and PDF scanning to trick users into installing the app. Once these "dropper" apps are installed, they will silently communicate with the threat actor's server to receive commands. When ready to distribute the banking trojan, the threat actor's server will tell the installed app to perform a fake "update" that "drops" and launches the malware on the Android device.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/android-banking-malware-infects-300-000-google-play-users/|title=Android banking malware infects 300,000 Google Play users|website=BleepingComputer|access-date=December 1, 2021|archive-date=December 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201065828/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/android-banking-malware-infects-300-000-google-play-users/|url-status=live}}

Some developers publishing on Google Play have been sued for patent infringement by "patent trolls", people who own broad or vaguely worded patents that they use to target small developers. If the developer manages to successfully challenge the initial assertion, the "patent troll" changes the claim of the violation in order to accuse the developer of having violated a different assertion in the patent. This situation continues until the case goes into the legal system, which can have substantial economic costs, prompting some developers to settle.{{cite web |first=Kris |last=Carlon |title=You can be sued simply for uploading an app to Google Play |url=http://www.androidauthority.com/patent-troll-suing-app-developers-uploading-app-google-play-697544/ |website=Android Authority |date=June 9, 2016 |access-date=May 7, 2017 |archive-date=April 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404221130/http://www.androidauthority.com/patent-troll-suing-app-developers-uploading-app-google-play-697544/ |url-status=live }} In February 2013, Austin Meyer, a flight simulator game developer, was sued for having used a copy-protection system in his app, a system that he said "Google gave us! And, of course, this is what Google provides to everyone else that is making a game for Android!" Meyer claimed that Google would not assist in the lawsuit, and he stated that he would not settle the case.{{cite web |first=John |last=Biggs |title=Creator Of The X-Plane Flight Simulator Seeks Help Fighting A Patent Troll |url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/02/02/creator-of-the-x-plane-flight-simulator-seeks-help-fighting-a-patent-troll/ |website=TechCrunch |publisher=AOL |date=February 2, 2013 |access-date=May 7, 2017 |archive-date=May 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527150630/http://techcrunch.com/2013/02/02/creator-of-the-x-plane-flight-simulator-seeks-help-fighting-a-patent-troll/ |url-status=live }} His battle with the troll continued for several years, uploading a video in June 2016 discussing that he was then being sued for uploading his app to Google Play, because "the patent troll apparently owns the {{sic|idea}} of the Google Play Store itself". Android Authority wrote that "This scenario has played out against many other app developers for many years", and have prompted discussions over "a larger issue at stake", in which developers stop making apps out of fear of patent problems.

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