Google to remove nearly 1 million abandoned apps

Google is planning to remove apps that haven’t been maintained in two years from the Google Play Store.

This potential consequence stems from Google Play’s recent policy change targeted at removing deserted apps or those that haven’t been updated in two years from the app store. This translates to about 869,000 apps in the case of the Google Play Store, as according CNET, which cites a research from analysis firm Pixalate.

What happens now

Apps that are affected will just be tucked away from results page or deleted outright. But that probably will not happen before November 1, when Google’s Pixel phones are set to receive Android 13.

The goal of these steps, is to prevent users from accessing applications that may not have the most up-to-date privacy and security features. By doing this, they hope to prevent vulnerabilities for users, much like what has been seen more recently with Samsung Users with the Dirty Pipe exploits.

The Good News

Fortunately, “the vast majority of apps on Google Play already comply with these guidelines,” according to the search giant. According to Pixalate, 68 percent of apps both on Play Store and the App Store were upgraded in last two years. This is the equivalent of over 3.1 million apps. So fear not Android users! I don’t think your favorite apps will be going anywhere anytime soon.