Google just made changes to its Play Store policies that will affect every Android developer.
Android developers now have to wait for apps to be approved by Google after they submit them to the Play Store.
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Previously, Google didn't have an approval process for new apps and only reviewed apps if they were reported for violating its policies. The new measures have been in effect for several months, Google said, assuring developers it hasn't slowed down the submission process.
"We value the rapid innovation and iteration that is unique to Google Play, and will continue to help developers get their products to market within a matter of hours after submission, rather than days or weeks," Google's product manager for Google Play, Eunice Kim, wrote in a blog post. "In fact, there has been no noticeable change for developers during the rollout."
If that sounds like a not-so-subtle dig at Apple, that's because it probably is. Google's Cupertino-based rival is known for its often-lengthy app approval process.
Google is also rolling out a new age-based rating system for apps. Beginning in May, developers will be required to submit a questionnaire for all new and existing apps so that Google can designate each app with a relevant rating. The ratings will be based on standards set by international organizations like the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC). Countries that don't have an official ratings organization will see generic ratings.
The questionnaires are available to developers now and Google says apps "may be blocked in certain territories or for specific users," if developers don't submit them by May. Users will begin to see ratings on Google Play apps "in the coming weeks."