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Over 800k Google and Apple apps delisted in H1 2020: New Report

Aug 25, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Pixalate's latest research reveals that over 800,000 apps were delisted across the Google Play and Apple App stores in H1 2020.

The report shines a light on the previously undisclosed corner of the mobile app ecosystem: Delisted apps.

Delisted Apps: Over 800k apps delisted in H1 2020

android-ios-delsited-h1-2020-2

  • 500k+ Android and 300k+ iOS apps were delisted in H1'20
  • Delisted Android apps had 14 billion+ downloads prior to delisting
  • Delisted iOS apps had 28 million+ user ratings prior to delisting
  • Two-thirds (66%) of delisted Android apps had at least one dangerous permission
  • Several top iOS apps prior to delisting appear to be from China, but had no address listed

See The Research

Nearly 3,000 Android apps had over 1 million downloads before delisting

Nearly 3,000 Android apps that were delisted in H1 2020 had over 1 million downloads prior to delisting, according to Pixalate’s research. Over 200 of those apps had more than 10 million downloads:

android-app-delisting-h1-2020-downloads

On iOS, over 500 of the delisted apps had over 10,000 user ratings prior to delisting. Nearly 100 of the apps had over 50,000 ratings (user ratings used as a proxy of popularity).

See The Research

66% of delisted apps had at least one ‘dangerous permission’ (Android)

Two-thirds (66%) of delisted Android apps had at least one “dangerous permission,” as defined by Google.

  • 23% had access to precise location
  • 17% had access to camera
  • 8% could record audio

android-app-delisting-h1-2020-permissions-dangerous

88% of delisted apps had no address or an unidentifiable address (iOS)

ios-app-delisting-h1-2020-location

In H1 2020, the vast majority (88%) of delisted iOS apps had either no address listed (84%) or an unidentifiable address (4%). On Android, 74% of delisted apps had either no address (59%) or an unidentifiable address (15%).

What’s inside Pixalate’s H1 2020 Delisted Apps Report

Inside our delisted apps report, you’ll find:

  • Delisted app trends across Android & iOS
  • Top delisted iOS & Android apps
  • Country of registration of delisted apps
  • ‘Dangerous permission’ among delisted apps
  • App developers with the most apps delisted

See The Research

Disclaimer

The content of this blog reflects Pixalate's opinions with respect to the factors that Pixalate believes can be useful to the digital media industry. Any data shared is grounded in Pixalate's proprietary technology and analytics, which Pixalate is continuously evaluating and updating. Any references to outside sources should not be construed as endorsements. Pixalate's opinions are just that, opinions, which means that they are neither facts nor guarantees.

In the context of this blog, "delisted apps" include apps delisted on or after the first date of a quarter (January 1, 2020 for Q1 2020, April 1, 2020 for Q2 2020), and not on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store as of the last day of the quarter (March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020, respectively). The delisting of an app does not indicate the entity or person that initiated the delisting action, i.e. Google, Apple, or the app developer, as that information is not generally available publicly. Additionally, the mere fact that an app has been delisted does not necessarily imply that one should draw negative inferences regarding the app or its developer. It is important to note that there are many relatively benign reasons for the delisting of apps (e.g., rebranding, app replacement, change in business direction, or a business transaction involving the app and/or the app’s developer).

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