Google Play Store May Warn Users About Delisted Apps

Google appears to be working on a new Play Store feature that could make apps more transparent. The company may warn you when an installed app is delisted from the store. This feature comes to light via the APK teardown, so you can’t experience it right away.

You may soon know when your installed app leaves the Play Store

Right now, you may not be aware when your installed app is removed from the Play Store. This usually happens for non-dangerous reasons, such as policy updates or a developer delisting the app. However, you don’t receive any notification about the app’s removal.

As such, you continue using apps without realizing that they are no longer available on the Play Store. While the app may work normally for a while, it will no longer receive updates, bug fixes, or security improvements. Over time, you may see compatibility issues, particularly when Android itself gets updated.

It looks like Google no longer wants users to remain in the dark. While digging through Play Store version 51.4.19, folks over at Android Authority discovered new strings of code that suggest a notification system for delisted apps. This means Google may notify you when an installed app has been removed from the store.

It is worth mentioning that the Play Store already notifies users through Play Protect (a built-in Android security service) for security threats. This system checks your device for harmful apps and deactivates or removes them if needed. It may also reset app permissions to help protect your privacy.

Now Google aims to cover routine or developer removals as well. At the moment, the new notification system remains buried in the app’s code. It is unclear when the company plans to make it available publicly. We will let you know when more details surface on the web.