I've created an Android app that features notifications and in-app subscriptions, but it doesn't rely heavily on complex native functionalities. Initially, I planned to launch it on the Google Play Store, but I've hit a snag: to monetize, individual developer accounts must provide full name and address details unless you have a company account. This is similar to the Samsung app store restrictions for monetized watch apps. Creating a limited company feels like a hassle for testing whether my app can actually generate revenue.
While there are platforms like itch.io for app deployment, they're more geared towards games, and distributing the APK directly could deter users due to trust issues with sideloading apps outside official stores.
Switching my app to a web version seems like a possible solution, although I worry it might take time to implement. Does anyone have insights on the quickest way to convert an Android app into a web app?
1 Answer
Converting an Android app to a web app is pretty tricky since they use different structures and APIs. While you can wrap web content into a native app, going the other way isn't straightforward unless you consider some wild ideas like running an Android emulator in WASM. Still, you might want to think about just offering the APK for download on your site; it might not be as secure as an app store for users, but it could work as an option.
Yeah, that makes sense. Offering the APK can indeed be daunting for non-tech users and could raise reliability concerns. Users usually prefer the security of an official app store.