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Google will now require formal review of Wear OS apps before Play Store listing
Jul 19, 2025
Right now, anyone can make aWear OSapp and get it listed on the Wear OS version of theGoogle Play Store. There’s a review process that will ensure the app is up-to-snuff, but it’s completely optional.
Google just announcedthat it is changing this policy. Starting on July 03, 2025, all newly-submitted apps will require approval through a Wear OS app review process before gaining a spot on the Play Store.
Apps that are currently listed on the Play Store must go through the review process before August 09, 2025.
Google clarifies inits blog post on the matterthat the review process itself isn’t changing at all – the only change is that the review will now be required, rather than being optional.
It’s surprising that it’s taken this long for Google to make the review process a requirement. I suppose since we’re still in the early days of Wear OS, Google wanted to encourage rapid development/deployment of applications and didn’t want to hinder developers with red tape.
Whatever the reason for the delay, party time is over: Wear OS apps will now face scrutiny before Play Store availability.
Google suggests that app developers who want to test out Wear OS apps before getting a Play Store review can either offer their apps for sideloading or use internal testing features viathe Google Play console.
NEXT:On September 10, your Wear OS smartwatch will likely become an old timer
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