Google is introducing a feature that lets Android users run private personal apps on their devices without publishing them on the Play Store.
Built using tools like Google AI Studio, these apps run via a standard Google account and stay hidden from public listings.
The initial rollout targets U.S. users 18 and older, with future capabilities planned for trusted sharing and eventual public publication.
These apps will not appear in searches or store listings and will not be shared with anyone other than their creator. Users can build an app using Google's AI tools and run it directly for personal use.
Who is affected and what are the rules?
Initially, this feature is available to users in the United States who are 18 years of age or older. It is worth noting that these applications must still comply with the basic rules of operation of the store.
In the coming months, users will be able to share these personal creations with a group of trusted friends or family, without having to publicly release them on the store. If an app becomes popular, its creator will be able to make it a public app on Google Play, after first passing the necessary security checks.
New features with artificial intelligence
At the same time, the company is bringing additional changes to the app store:
- A new game recommendation system that leverages data from millions of players, launching in the United States in English.
- Updates to the store's built-in AI assistant so it can compare similar apps with each other.
- Closer connection of store apps and games with Gemini conversations.
- Support for a new age range feature, allowing parents to share their child's age range with creators, without revealing exact birth dates.
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