Apple has changed the search algorithm in the App Store after being accused of monopoly

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Apple has changed the search algorithm of its app store so its apps do not show up at the top of the search results, the New York Times reported Monday. have closely examined its antitrust cases in Europe and the United States.

Apple made this change to the algorithm in July and came to this conclusion after analyzing six search results showing that Apple's apps had been ranked first for at least 700 search terms in the store since 2016. His analysis included the rankings of more than 1,800 specific applications sought with the help of 13 keywords since 2013.

According to the newspaper, fewer Apple applications appeared at the top of the search results after the change of algorithm in July. The Wall Street Journal has also released a review of the Apple App Store's ranking this month, with results similar to those of Apple's apps often ranked among the best in the results of the Apple App Store. research.

The New York Times quoted Apple in the following terms: The applications appeared at the top of the search results because its algorithm was designed to display several applications of the developer interested in the user. For example, a search on Angry Birds could lead to other games developed by Rovio Entertainment, the developer of Angry Birds.

Searches for common terms, such as music or podcasts, will display apps such as Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and other non-Apple apps. Which brings Apple's competitors who offer music and podcast applications below the search results.

Due to the strict control exercised by Apple, the App Store is still the only way to install apps on smartphones and iPhone iPads. In this store, Apple is competing with a large number of developers who offer competing applications for their applications.

The practices of the company's app store have been reviewed in Europe for antitrust cases. The Dutch authorities have investigated whether the company gives priority to their applications in search results. These policies also led to the civil suit recently authorized by the US Supreme Court.