05 Feb 25 Are We Truly Free to Develop Mobile/Wearable Apps?

From a Web Developer’s Perspective

I am primarily an iOS user, but at home, I also use Android devices (such as tablets, Fire TV, and some WearOS & Smart home devices). Recently, I developed a simple, free, and ad-free Android app. My goal was to learn something new while creating a free app that could benefit others. However, the journey to publish it on Google Play made me realize it was a path full of endless challenges.

Up until now, I had always stayed on the web side of development, with a few exceptions for small desktop apps and plugins. However, I had been curious about the mobile space as well. Now, having experienced this frustration, I can’t help but wonder if the barriers to entry are worth it.

First, I had to navigate registration fees and multiple official document requirements, which I handled without issue. Before the 14-day testing phase, I also had to conduct an internal test and submit the app to Google for review. But then came the real challenge. Google required me to conduct a 14-day Closed Test with at least 12 users. I found friends & volunteers, completed the testing, and submitted the results.

Here’s another hurdle: You can’t directly share the app link. Instead, you need to first collect the emails of the volunteers participating in the Closed Test, add them to the list, and then make them click the link to download the app.

The next step, I had to fill out an extensive questionnaire. Finally, after a 7-day review, I was informed that the testing was insufficient, and I needed to repeat the process for another 14 days.

This “closed testing” protocol has been enforced on developers who created their accounts after 2023. Meanwhile, older developer accounts—exempt from these restrictions—are being sold on the black market, allowing buyers to bypass these hurdles and instantly publish apps. This raises an important question: How rational is it to impose such heavy burdens on independent developers while allowing loopholes to be exploited elsewhere?

I agree that certain restrictions and regulations are necessary to maintain market quality. However, there is a clear double standard for users, and a lack of transparency in how these rules are enforced—for example, the specific reasons why an app is being blocked/rejected are often unclear.

I had to ask myself: Is it worth investing so much time and effort into a platform that complicates life for independent developers and has dual standards in its rules?

I am not blaming any specific manufacturer or platform because, unfortunately, the entire market has become monopolized. The mobile app ecosystem is controlled by a few big players, and situations like this make you question how fair and accessible it is for individual developers. These companies operate as monopolies, restricting or making it difficult to install alternative app stores—or even preventing sideloading apps without a store.

Fortunately, the EU has taken steps to address this issue, and I hope they succeed. Just as you can refuel your car at any gas station or watch any channel on your TV without restrictions, smart devices should not be locked into a single app marketplace. Breaking this monopoly is essential for a fair and open digital ecosystem.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/record-4-5-billion-eu-091232963.html

https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-antitrust-regulators-tell-apple-how-comply-with-tech-rules-2024-09-19

Have you had similar experiences? Let’s discuss.