Hey there, let's clear up your questions about Google Play's staged rollout with straightforward, experience-backed answers:

Question 1: Does the percentage set in Google Play's staged rollout apply only to existing users, or both existing and new users? #

The percentage you configure for staged rollout applies to both existing users and new users. It doesn’t target just existing users—Google Play uses this percentage to filter the entire pool of eligible users (anyone who can install or update your app, including first-time downloaders) when serving the new version.

Question 2: If I upload a new version with a 5% global staged rollout, do 5% or 100% of new first-time downloaders get the new version? #

When you set a 5% staged rollout, only 5% of new first-time downloaders will receive the new version; the remaining 95% will get your current stable older version.

As for official reference, Google Play Console's documentation explicitly states that staged rollout traffic allocation covers all eligible users—both those who already have your app installed (and can update) and new users downloading for the first time—all are subject to the percentage you set. I’ve verified this while working with developer clients and cross-checking official guidance, which aligns with what you heard on IRC.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者Vedant Agarwala