Do a class equivalent to IOS’s SKStoreReviewController exist for Android?

Do a Class Equivalent to iOS’s SKStoreReviewController Exist for Android?

Introduction

For iOS developers, prompting users to review their apps is a straightforward process thanks to the SKStoreReviewController class. This class enables developers to present a native iOS review prompt directly within their app. However, Android developers often find themselves seeking an equivalent solution to achieve the same seamless in-app review experience.

The Need for In-App Review Prompts

• Improved App Store Visibility: User reviews are critical for app discoverability and attracting new users.
• Valuable Feedback: Reviews provide insights into user satisfaction and help developers improve their apps.
• User Engagement: In-app review prompts remind users about the app’s value and encourage them to leave feedback.

Android’s Lack of a Direct Equivalent

Unlike iOS, Android lacks a native class directly equivalent to SKStoreReviewController. This means that Android developers must rely on alternative approaches to achieve the same functionality.

Alternative Approaches for Android

1. Using the Play Store Intent

• The Play Store intent is a mechanism to open the app’s page on the Google Play Store. This can be used to navigate users to the review section.
• Limitations: The Play Store intent does not provide a native review prompt within the app. Users are redirected to the Play Store.

2. Using Third-Party Libraries

Several third-party libraries offer solutions to implement in-app review prompts for Android. These libraries typically leverage the Play Store’s APIs to achieve this functionality.

• Example: The “AppRatingDialog” library provides an intuitive and customizable in-app review prompt experience.

3. Custom Dialogs

Developers can create custom dialogs to present review prompts within their apps. This approach allows for greater control over the design and behavior of the prompt.

• Flexibility: Custom dialogs can be tailored to match the app’s aesthetic and branding.
• Requires Development Effort: Implementing custom dialogs involves writing additional code.

Comparison Table

Code Examples (Using AppRatingDialog Library)

Implementation

implementation 'com.github.kobakei:app-rating-dialog:1.2.1'

Usage

AppRatingDialog dialog = new AppRatingDialog.Builder(this)
        .setAppPackageName(getPackageName())
        .setTitle("Rate our app")
        .setDescription("Please take a moment to rate our app.")
        .setPositiveButtonText("Rate Now")
        .setNegativeButtonText("Later")
        .build();
dialog.show();

Conclusion

While Android does not provide a direct equivalent to iOS’s SKStoreReviewController, developers can leverage third-party libraries, custom dialogs, or the Play Store intent to achieve similar in-app review prompting functionality. The choice of approach depends on the specific requirements of the app and the developer’s preferences for customization and development effort.