Google makes quality control Wear OS apps mandatory

Google will require developers of Wear OS apps to go through a check with their apps. That review should ensure that the quality of apps for the wearables operating system will improve.

Such a verification procedure has been around since the introduction of Android Wear 2.0, but it is voluntary. If developers want their apps to continue to be included in the Wear OS section of the Play Store, they will now be required to have the check performed, Google reports.

For new apps, this has to be done from 1 October. It applies to existing apps from March 4, 2019. Among other things, developers must add screenshots, which, according to Google, increases the findability in its app store.

In addition, developers must provide support on multiple screen types. Manufacturers have released wearables with Google’s OS that have rectangular and round screens. Those who want to test their app without going through all the audit trail can release the apk to test users or use test accounts through the Google Play console.