App Store gets a More Powerful Search
🌟 The App Store gets a “More Powerful Search” … but what does it mean? 🌟
With the latest iOS 18.1 update, Apple has rolled out a “More Powerful Search” for the App Store.
It allows users to find apps using natural language – like on ChatGPT, for example.
On paper, this sounds like a game changer for app discovery.
After giving it a try, I was not really convinced…
I did a couple of test searches before updating my iPhone.
First, I looked for “Best travel app to book everything for my city trip” – no results.
Then, I searched for “Popular games to match candies & sweets” and only found small, unknown apps (even for me, who works in the gaming industry).
So, what happened after I updated to iOS 18.1?
Well, honestly, not much changed…
I got the same results for both.
A bit disappointing, to be honest.
But I guess that’s because the App Store hasn’t been fully optimised for this new way of searching yet.
🔍 So, what does this mean for ASO?
1️⃣ Natural language is key: as users shift toward more conversational queries, it’s crucial for app developers to rethink their keyword strategies and optimise for these new search behaviors.
2️⃣ Ongoing adjustments needed: the search algorithm is still learning for now. Developers will need to continuously refine their app listings to improve visibility as this feature evolves. Think keywords, think screenshots, think metadata.
3️⃣ Focus on user experience: it’s all about making it easier for users to find what they need. We need to ensure that our apps not only show up but also resonate with what users are searching for.
