How iOS 7 appstore changes affect developers

New iOS, new App Store…

If you’re like me, it’s time for optimism with a touch of dread. Are the changes better or worse for my apps? My players?

Recently  checked out the Appstore in iOS 7 vs iOS 6. Overall it’s a step forward and imho mostly positive for devs. Here are the side-by-side iPhone screenshots. Recommendations at the end.

Featured Page

• More new and noteworthy spots shown before requiring you to tap “see all” (around a third more) means more chances to get your game downloaded if you’re one of the lucky few selected by Apple
• larger icon spacing, in general through the App Store
• Rest is pretty similar

Top Charts

• Ratings now included (total number, not just for current version)
• More downloads for the long term hit games
• Now autoscrolls down to see the list, instead of to the right 
• Not requiring you to tap “See All” reduces friction
• More download for those popular games not in the top 25
• Easier to access top grossing = more downloads for the monetizers
• Category button is more prominent, meaning more spread of downloads
• Rest is similar

Category navigation

• Similar

Subcategories - eg Role Playing

• New vertical scrolling layout, same as top charts (above)

Near Me vs Genius

• Genius is dead - less organic installs for game devs (though hard to tell how many it drove in first place - wasn’t a strong UX)
• Favours locally popular apps (events, venues etc) - though for gaming that probably doesn’t matter as much, especially with country specific App Stores 

Search

• Search algorithm seems the same so far
• Shows number of results in search bar
• Larger screenshot 
• Shows review count (all versions) - favours older games

Screenshots

• Second screenshot matters more than before - more now shown

App Main Page

• Larger game icon (can put text in there)
• Link to the Related tab for more apps from the developer (better for organic intraportfolio growth)

Reviews Page

• Pretty similar, now shows more reviews before hitting the button

Related Page

• Similar with some sizing changes

My take

• Your higher monetization games should get a bit more organics now
• Less pressure to be up in the top 25 - download spread broader
• Trying to do well in a single subcategory is a bit easier now
• No more free lunch - whatever Genius gave has been taken away
• Pay attention to the left of your second screenshot
• Keep trying to get your app featured, more chance of impact now
• Your rating and rating count matters more than ever - focus on quality and genuine ways to get more reviews

ps- big thanks to ‘er Jer for pulling this together!

Your thoughts? Have I missed something? Share on  or