App Store stricter than Play Store: Why?

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. They are not just communication devices but also powerful tools that provide access to a wide ...

variety of applications, called apps. These apps are available from two major app stores: Apple's App Store and Google's Play Store. While both platforms offer a wide selection of apps to download and use, there are significant differences in the strict control each store imposes on the apps available there. This blog post explores why the App Store is generally stricter in its app approval and maintenance practices than the Play Store and highlights several factors that contribute to this discrepancy.

1. Content Guidelines
2. Monetary Policies
3. Device Control
4. Review Process and Timelines
5. Privacy Policies
6. Conclusion:

1.) Content Guidelines

- App Store: The Apple App Store has strict guidelines regarding content that includes nudity, violence, offensive content, and inappropriate material. These restrictions are in place to maintain a certain standard of decency for all users, particularly minors who might have access to the apps through parental controls.

- Play Store: In contrast, Google's Play Store allows a broader range of content within its guidelines. While it does have some general rules about app safety and appropriateness, these are less restrictive compared to Apple's policies. This flexibility is part of Google's strategy to accommodate a wider variety of cultural, regional, and language-specific apps that might not align with Apple's stringent standards.

2.) Monetary Policies

- App Store: Apple imposes certain rules on in-app purchases and payments systems to ensure that transactions are conducted through the App Store's payment gateway, thereby ensuring a cut of any financial transactions made within the app. This policy aims to maintain control over monetary flows and prevent unauthorized charges by apps without proper review.

- Play Store: Google Play Store allows for more flexible in-app purchase methods, although it does take a 30% commission on all digital goods purchases through its platform. This policy has been the subject of much debate among developers but is less stringent than Apple's direct control over payment systems.

3.) Device Control

- App Store: With iOS devices, users are generally required to use the App Store for downloading apps due to security and compatibility reasons. This tight integration allows Apple to manage app quality directly through its review process and ensure that all apps work seamlessly with its operating system.

- Play Store: Android users can download apps from either Google Play or other sources like Amazon Appstore, sideloading, or third-party marketplaces. While the Play Store ecosystem is quite open, it also means more flexibility for developers to distribute their apps outside of the official Play Store.

4.) Review Process and Timelines

- App Store: The Apple App Store review process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the type of app and its compliance with guidelines. This thorough vetting is intentional as it aims to protect users from potential malware or security risks that could affect their devices.

- Play Store: Google Play's review process generally takes less time compared to Apple's, often within a few hours (or up to 24 if the app is particularly new or controversial). This faster turnaround can be attributed to Google's broader acceptance of content and apps that might not require as much scrutiny.

5.) Privacy Policies

- App Store: Apple places significant emphasis on privacy policies within apps, requiring developers to disclose what data they collect from users and how this information is used or shared. This policy reflects Apple's user-privacy philosophy and aims to build trust with consumers regarding app transparency.

- Play Store: While Google Play also focuses on app privacy, its requirements are less stringent compared to those of the App Store. Developers are encouraged to disclose data collection practices but do not face strict penalties for non-compliance like they might in the Apple ecosystem.

6.) Conclusion:

The differences between the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store can be attributed to various factors including company policies, cultural contexts, and strategic business decisions. While both stores aim to protect their users by maintaining high standards of app quality and safety, the approach taken varies based on what they perceive as most beneficial for their user bases. For developers, understanding these differences is crucial when deciding where to publish their apps, as it can influence market success and consumer trust.

App Store stricter than Play Store: Why?